The U.S. Navy’s Arleigh Burke class destroyer USS Fitzgerald has garnered significant attention during its participation in the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise off Hawaii. This attention is primarily due to a unique modification: the replacement of its RGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles with Naval Strike Missiles (NSM). This change marks a significant advancement in the ship’s capabilities and reflects broader trends in the U.S. Navy’s strategic and technological evolution.
RIMPAC 2024, which began on June 27, serves as a critical training and demonstration platform for navies worldwide. The USS Fitzgerald’s participation is particularly noteworthy due to its new armament. Naval News first observed the Fitzgerald with its new NSM launchers upon the ship’s arrival at Pearl Harbor. This modification aligns with the Navy’s ongoing efforts to enhance its surface combatant capabilities amid evolving maritime threats.
The USS Fitzgerald, a Flight I Arleigh Burke class destroyer, now features a pair of missile canisters loaded on one of its two NSM launchers at the aft end of the ship. Each launcher can hold up to four missiles, although only two have been observed so far. The previous Harpoon installation also included two four-round launchers.
Naval Strike Missile (NSM) Capabilities
Developed by Norway’s Kongsberg Defense, the NSM is a stealthy, highly capable missile system. It features a GPS-assisted inertial navigation system (INS) and an imaging infrared seeker. This guidance system allows the missile to navigate to a general target area using GPS before switching to the infrared seeker for precise terminal engagement. The seeker is passive, making it immune to radiofrequency electronic warfare jamming. Additionally, the NSM has a secondary land-attack capability against fixed targets.
Comparison with Harpoon Missiles
The Harpoon missile, in contrast, relies on an active radar seeker in its terminal phase. The Navy is upgrading its Harpoon stockpile to the Block II+ standard, which includes a new GPS-assisted INS guidance capability and a two-way data link. This upgrade enhances the Harpoon’s reliability, survivability, and resistance to electronic countermeasures. However, the NSM offers a greater stated range and stealth capabilities, albeit with a smaller warhead.
Integrating NSMs into the Arleigh Burke class destroyers provides a significant capability boost. The NSM offers an additional stand-off strike option below the level of the Tomahawk cruise missile. This is particularly valuable as the Navy seeks to bolster its surface-launched strike capacity amid the impending retirement of its Ticonderoga class cruisers and Ohio class guided missile submarines.
Broader Integration Efforts
The Navy is actively integrating NSMs onto various platforms. This includes the Independence and Freedom class Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) and the future Constellation class frigates. The Navy has also explored adding NSMs to amphibious warfare ships to enhance its overall surface-launched strike capacity. This integration is part of a broader strategy to mitigate the anticipated reduction in missile launch capacity.
Marine Corps and NSM
The U.S. Marine Corps is also fielding a ground-based NSM system using a remotely-operated mobile launcher derived from the 4×4 Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). Raytheon, in cooperation with Kongsberg, is ramping up U.S.-based production of NSMs to support these efforts.
Future Prospects for NSM on Arleigh Burke Destroyers
While the USS Fitzgerald is currently the only Arleigh Burke class destroyer known to be equipped with NSMs, there are possibilities for broader integration. Naval News has suggested that all remaining Flight I Arleigh Burkes, the oldest ships in the class, could receive NSMs in the future. However, the Navy has denied having such plans, and a review of the service’s 2025 Fiscal Year budget proposal does not indicate a broader effort to integrate NSMs onto these destroyers.
RIMPAC 2024 provides an ideal opportunity for proof-of-concept testing of the NSM-armed Arleigh Burke. This exercise involves U.S. and foreign warships, aircraft, and other assets working together to sink the ex-USS Tarawa, a decommissioned amphibious assault ship. The size and construction of Tarawa make this a particularly notable event. The Navy has previously fired an NSM in a sinking exercise (SINKEX) in 2019, with the Independence class LCS USS Gabrielle Giffords launching one at the ex-USS Ford, a decommissioned Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate.
The Navy has several other significant upgrade plans for the Arleigh Burke class destroyers. A quartet of Flight IIA types is undergoing major modifications to receive new radars, electronic warfare suites, and other improvements. These upgrades involve extensive changes to the ship’s main superstructure, altering its outward appearance significantly.
Mk 15 Phalanx CIWS Replacement
All Arleigh Burke class destroyers are also set to have their Mk 15 Phalanx Close-in Weapon Systems (CIWS) replaced with launchers loaded with RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM). Some ships in this class are already equipped with RAMs, and this upgrade will further enhance their defensive capabilities.
USS Fitzgerald’s Role at RIMPAC 2024 with Naval Strike Missiles – in-depth analysis
The USS Fitzgerald, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, is taking part in the RIMPAC 2024 exercises with significant new capabilities. This year, it features the advanced Naval Strike Missile (NSM) system, a fifth-generation, long-range, precision strike weapon designed to defeat heavily protected maritime targets and engage in land attacks. This upgrade marks a substantial enhancement from its previous RGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles.
Technical Specifications of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM)
- Speed: 0.7 – 0.9 Mach
- Weight: 407 kg (897 lbs)
- Length: 3.96 meters (156 inches)
- Range: Greater than 100 nautical miles (180 km)
- Guidance: Inertial, GPS, terrain-reference navigation, and imaging infrared homing with Autonomous Target Recognition (ATR)
- Capabilities:
- Sea-skimming flight profile to evade radar detection
- Advanced terminal maneuvers for enhanced survivability
- Flexible deployment from various platforms against sea and land targets
- High thrust-to-weight ratio for excellent maneuverability
- Passive seeker to avoid detection by enemy electronic countermeasures (ECM)
Integration and Deployment
The USS Fitzgerald’s NSM integration reflects the U.S. Navy’s broader strategic shift to enhance its surface fleet’s capabilities amid evolving maritime threats. The launchers observed on the Fitzgerald are likely bolted-on stand-alone systems, meaning they operate independently from the ship’s Aegis Combat System. This allows for rapid deployment and testing without extensive integration efforts.
Strategic Implications and Future Prospects
The introduction of NSMs on the USS Fitzgerald provides several strategic advantages:
- Enhanced Strike Capability: The NSM offers a versatile and stealthy option for engaging enemy ships and land targets, bridging the gap between the Harpoon and the more potent Tomahawk missiles.
- Operational Flexibility: The missile’s ability to be launched from various platforms increases the operational flexibility of the Navy’s surface fleet.
- Logistical Efficiency: As the NSM becomes more widely adopted across the U.S. military and allied forces, the logistical burden of maintaining different missile systems is reduced.
Detailed Scheme Table
| Parameter | Harpoon Missile | Naval Strike Missile (NSM) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 0.85 Mach | 0.7 – 0.9 Mach |
| Weight | 691 kg (1,523 lbs) | 407 kg (897 lbs) |
| Length | 4.6 meters (182 inches) | 3.96 meters (156 inches) |
| Range | 67 – 124 nautical miles (124 – 230 km) | >100 nautical miles (180 km) |
| Guidance System | Active radar seeker, GPS-assisted INS (Block II+) | Inertial, GPS, terrain-reference navigation, imaging infrared seeker with ATR |
| Warhead | 221 kg (488 lbs) | 125 kg (275 lbs) |
| Platform Integration | Ships, submarines, aircraft | Ships, coastal batteries |
| Terminal Maneuverability | Limited | Advanced terminal maneuvers |
| Stealth Features | None | Low radar cross-section, sea-skimming flight |
Additional Upgrades and Exercises
The USS Fitzgerald’s involvement in RIMPAC 2024 includes various exercises demonstrating these new capabilities. One notable event is the SINKEX, where U.S. and allied forces will work together to sink a decommissioned ship, showcasing the destructive power and precision of the NSM. This exercise will provide critical data and operational experience that could inform future decisions on broader NSM integration across the fleet.
The NSM’s adoption also aligns with ongoing efforts to phase out older missile systems and enhance the overall strike capability of the U.S. Navy. This includes equipping other ship classes, such as the Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) and the upcoming Constellation-class frigates, with NSMs to ensure a unified and potent missile capability across the fleet.
The integration of NSMs into the USS Fitzgerald and potentially other Arleigh Burke class destroyers represents a significant advancement in the U.S. Navy’s surface combatant capabilities. This modification aligns with broader strategic efforts to enhance strike capacity and address evolving maritime threats. As RIMPAC 2024 continues, the performance of the NSM-armed Fitzgerald will be closely watched, potentially informing future decisions regarding the broader integration of this advanced missile system. The Navy’s ongoing upgrades and modifications to the Arleigh Burke class destroyers further underscore its commitment to maintaining a robust and versatile surface fleet capable of meeting diverse operational requirements.
APPENDIX 1 – The Naval Strike Missile (NSM): Advanced Capabilities and Strategic Deployment
The Naval Strike Missile (NSM), developed by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and managed in the U.S. by Raytheon, represents a significant advancement in anti-ship and land-attack missile technology. This fifth-generation missile boasts superior operational performance, high survivability against enemy defense systems, and the flexibility to be launched from a variety of platforms against numerous targets on both sea and land.
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
- Speed and Range:
- Speed: The NSM operates at high subsonic speeds, typically ranging between 0.7 and 0.9 Mach.
- Range: The missile has an operational range exceeding 185 kilometers (100 nautical miles), allowing it to strike targets from a considerable distance, reducing the risk to launch platforms.
- Physical Characteristics:
- Weight: 407 kilograms (897 pounds)
- Length: 3.96 meters (156 inches)
- Warhead: The NSM carries a 125-kilogram (275-pound) high-explosive fragmentation warhead capable of inflicting significant damage on enemy vessels and land targets.
- Guidance Systems:
- The NSM uses a sophisticated guidance package that includes inertial navigation, GPS, terrain-reference navigation, and an imaging infrared (IIR) seeker for precise targeting. The IIR seeker, equipped with Autonomous Target Recognition (ATR), ensures the missile can identify and engage the correct target even in cluttered environments and under heavy electronic warfare conditions.
- The missile is also capable of executing high-G endgame maneuvers to evade enemy defenses, enhancing its survivability.
- Stealth and Maneuverability:
- The NSM features a low radar cross-section (RCS) and employs sea-skimming and super sea-skimming flight profiles to avoid radar detection. Its advanced terminal maneuvers further enhance its ability to penetrate enemy air defenses.
Operational Flexibility and Deployment
The NSM can be deployed from various platforms, making it a versatile weapon in modern naval warfare. Its compatibility with different launch systems allows it to be used on ships, coastal batteries, and even aircraft. The missile’s design facilitates rapid automated mission planning and short reaction times, which are critical in dynamic combat scenarios.
- Sea-Based Deployment:
- The NSM is primarily designed for use by naval vessels. It has been integrated into several ship classes, including the U.S. Navy’s Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) and the forthcoming Constellation-class frigates. The missile’s sea-skimming capabilities make it particularly effective against maritime targets, allowing it to approach and strike without being easily detected.
- Land-Based Deployment:
- The missile is also suitable for land attack missions, utilizing terrain-following flight to navigate around obstacles and maintain low visibility. In 2019, the U.S. Marine Corps integrated a land-based NSM system, further expanding the missile’s operational flexibility.
- Air-Based Deployment (JSM):
- The Joint Strike Missile (JSM) is an air-launched variant of the NSM designed for use with the F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter. This version retains the advanced capabilities of the NSM, including passive sensors, extremely low sea-skimming altitude, and high agility. The JSM’s design focuses on survivability, lethality, and target selectivity, making it an effective weapon against well-defended targets.
Strategic Implications
The adoption of the NSM by various navies worldwide, including the U.S., Norway, Australia, Germany, and others, underscores its strategic importance. The missile’s advanced capabilities provide a significant boost to the maritime strike capabilities of these nations, enhancing their ability to deter and defeat adversaries in contested environments.
- U.S. Navy and Marine Corps:
- The U.S. Navy has integrated the NSM into its Over-The-Horizon Weapon System (OTH WS) program, highlighting its role in distributed lethality and control of the seas. The Marine Corps’ land-based NSM systems further enhance the joint operational capabilities of the U.S. military.
- Australian Navy:
- The Royal Australian Navy’s adoption of the NSM to replace its aging Harpoon missiles represents a significant upgrade in its maritime strike capability. This move is part of a broader effort to modernize the Australian Defense Force’s (ADF) missile capabilities, ensuring it remains at the cutting edge of military technology.
- Global Adoption:
- The NSM’s widespread adoption by NATO and allied navies strengthens collective defense capabilities, ensuring interoperability and shared technological advantages. The missile’s proven performance in various exercises and deployments solidifies its reputation as a reliable and effective weapon system.
Future Prospects and Developments
Kongsberg and Raytheon continue to invest in the development and production of the NSM, with plans for further enhancements and increased production capacity. Recent contracts and production agreements ensure that the missile will remain a cornerstone of modern naval warfare for years to come.
- Increased Production Capacity:
- Investments in new production facilities and the expansion of existing ones are aimed at meeting the growing demand for the NSM. These efforts ensure a steady supply of missiles to meet the operational needs of various navies.
- Technological Enhancements:
- Ongoing research and development efforts focus on enhancing the NSM’s capabilities, including improvements in guidance systems, warhead effectiveness, and overall missile survivability. These advancements will ensure the NSM remains at the forefront of missile technology.
- Collaborative Efforts:
- Partnerships between Kongsberg, Raytheon, and various defense contractors worldwide facilitate the continued development and integration of the NSM. These collaborations ensure that the missile remains a versatile and adaptable weapon system, capable of meeting the evolving demands of modern warfare.
In conclusion, the Naval Strike Missile represents a significant leap forward in missile technology, offering unparalleled capabilities and flexibility. Its advanced design, coupled with its proven performance in various operational scenarios, makes it a critical component of modern naval arsenals. As nations continue to invest in and adopt the NSM, its role in ensuring maritime security and strategic superiority will only grow.
