The U.S. Navy Enhances Combat Vessels' Defensive Capabilities with Hellfire Missiles and Advanced Anti-Drone Systems
On January 16, 2025, the U.S. Navy announced a significant enhancement to the defensive capabilities of its combat vessels, particularly the forward-deployed Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) USS Indianapolis (LCS 17). The upgrade includes the integration of Longbow Hellfire (LBHF) missiles into its Surface-to-Surface Missile Module (SSMM) to counter both traditional maritime threats and the emerging aerial challenges posed by drones. Initially designed to combat small boat threats, the Longbow Hellfire missiles have now been extended to counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and other aerial targets, featuring radar guidance capabilities for precise strikes under adverse weather and low-visibility conditions.
With a range of up to 8 kilometers, the Longbow Hellfire missiles are equipped with laser guidance and millimeter-wave radar seekers, enabling them to accurately detect and engage targets in complex environments. The versatility of these missiles allows them to target not only surface and land-based objectives but also effectively counter UAS, significantly enhancing the LCS's adaptability in multi-domain operations.
This upgrade reflects the U.S. Navy's recognition of the growing threat of drones, especially in coastal and contested waters. The Indianapolis's anti-drone system is capable of detecting, tracking, and neutralizing aerial threats, thereby increasing its operational flexibility. Moreover, the modular design of the LCS facilitates the rapid integration of new systems, such as the Longbow Hellfire missiles, ensuring its effectiveness on the modern battlefield.
Rear Admiral Kevin Smith, the program executive officer for unmanned and small combatants, stated that these upgrades have significantly enhanced the Indianapolis's ability to project power and maintain maneuverability in contested environments. As drones become increasingly prevalent on the modern battlefield, the capability to quickly detect and eliminate them has become crucial. The anti-drone capability upgrade of the Indianapolis is part of the U.S. Navy's broader strategy to enhance operational effectiveness by integrating advanced systems.
