Article Posted on : - Mar 12, 2010

The Aegis Combat System exhibiting its prowess in a file photo. A Lockheed Martin Photo

MOORESTOWN, US (BNS): The Aegis weapon system, installed on board the US and Spanish naval warships, has successfully exhibited its combat capabilities during a recent trial.

The Combat System Ship Qualification Trials were conducted in the waters near Pt. Mugu, California last week.

US Navy’s recently commissioned guided missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105) along with USS Wayne E Meyer (DDG 108) took part in the trial. Spanish Navy’s Alvaro de Bazan (F-101) frigate was also a part of the exercise.

The Aegis integrated naval weapon system, fitted on the ships, was evaluated for combat-readiness through comprehensive surface, subsurface and anti-air warfare exercises, including manned raids and electronic attack scenarios, thorough testing of the systems' tactical data link and air defense capabilities, Lockheed Martin, which is developing the system, said.

The Aegis is an advanced naval defence system installed on over 70 US Navy cruisers and destroyers. The navies of Japan, Spain, Norway and South Korea are also using the combat system. Australia is presently conducting trials of the weapon system.

The Aegis Combat System (ACS) consists of the Aegis Weapon System, fast-reaction component of the Aegis Anti-Aircraft Warfare capability, Phalanx Close -In Weapon System, the MK 41 Vertical Launching System, Anti-Submarine Warfare systems, and Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles.

It is also fitted with shipboard torpedo and naval gunnery systems. The ACS uses powerful computers and radars to track and guide weapons to destroy enemy targets.