Independence-class LCS, USS Montgomery (LCS 8), has been fitted with a M903 launcher for Patriot PAC-3 missiles without the trailer in a plug-and-play manner.
USS Montgomery’s plug-and-play M903 launcher has been claimed by a Lockheed Martin official to be operational, according to the Naval News’ report.
Previously, the USN has tested the Mk70 PDS on the Independence-class LCS, a fitting of the Mk41 VLS in a container package to allow non-Mk41 equipped platforms to perform long-range air defence (SM-6/PAC-3 MSE) or land attack (BGM-109 Tomahawk).
Each M903 launcher can carry up to 16 PAC-3 or 12 PAC-3 MSE missiles, giving the LCS the medium to long range air defence capability that has been lacking. However, the subject of sensors is something to be addressed, as the current Sea Giraffe radar might be insufficient.
PAC-3 and PAC-3 MSE are the current generation of missiles for the Patriot air defence system. Both missiles utilise dual pulse rocket motor, active radar seeker, and thrusters on top of aerodynamic controls to intercept both airbreathing targets and ballistic missiles throughout a wide altitude envelope. PAC-3 MSE is a side-grade of the PAC-3 missile adopting a larger rocket motor for increased range at the cost of missile count per launcher.
While receiving support from Arleigh Burke-class destroyers is one option, as PAC-3 MSE has already demonstrated its compatibility with AEGIS, the AAW-oriented destroyers might not always be there.
Another option is performing a refit, which would be costly, or placing a capable enough radar, a less costly but ergonomically complicated solution.
While challenges exist, the efforts to integrate plug-and-play missile launchers to ships normally meant to handle missions of lower intensity signal the USN’s desire to make use of the otherwise declining LCS fleet for a high-intensity conflict in the Pacific.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
