U.S. Navy Introduces New Short-Range Launcher on USS Carl M. Levin for Enhanced Drone Defense
The U.S. Navy has deployed an unconfirmed short-range launcher aboard the USS Carl M. Levin, indicating a shift towards improved defense capabilities against drones. This development aims to address vulnerabilities in naval operations, particularly in countering the growing threat of unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
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The USS Carl M. Levin, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, features a newly installed short-range launcher positioned between its port-side torpedo tubes and the aft Mk 41 Vertical Launch System. This addition is aimed at enhancing the ship's defensive capabilities against drones and other aerial threats, filling gaps in lower-tier defense exposed by recent drone engagements.
The launcher's design suggests it is meant for rapid response against emerging threats, potentially complementing existing interceptors like ESSM, SM-2, or SM-6. The Navy's focus on counter-UAS systems is underscored by its recent integration of Raytheon Coyote interceptors on other destroyers.
If linked to Coyote, the launcher would provide a cost-effective solution for intercepting smaller UAVs. Other candidates include Zone 5 Technologies' White Spike and Lockheed Martin's JAGM, which could also serve as effective modular options for the destroyer. This strategic move signifies a shift towards layered defense systems that can adapt quickly to evolving threats, enhancing the operational flexibility and responsiveness of naval forces.
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