U.S. Navy Littoral Combat Ships Receive Upgraded Hellfire Missiles for Advanced Counter-Drone Capability

The U.S. Navy’s Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) are now better equipped to counter aerial threats, thanks to the integration of upgraded Longbow Hellfire missiles with counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capabilities. This enhancement comes in response to growing operational demands in regions such as the Red Sea, where drones and other aerial threats have increasingly challenged naval operations.

Enhancements to Surface-to-Surface Missile Module (SSMM)

USS Indianapolis (LCS-17) is among the first to receive this critical upgrade. While stationed in Bahrain under the U.S. 5th Fleet, the ship underwent hardware and software modifications to its Surface-to-Surface Missile Module (SSMM). The module, originally designed to target small boats, now features an enhanced ability to intercept and neutralize unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This upgrade equips the LCS to handle evolving threats and ensures its ability to maintain freedom of navigation and uphold international maritime rules in contested waters.

The SSMM is equipped with 24 vertically launched AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire missiles. These missiles, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, are already well-regarded for their precision and lethality in targeting. They were initially developed for use against ground and naval targets, but the upgraded variant now includes the capability to engage low-flying drones. The Longbow Hellfire missiles have been employed in similar roles by the U.S. Army for its Initial Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense (IM-SHORAD) systems, as well as on Apache helicopters conducting anti-drone exercises in the Middle East.

Specifications of the Longbow Hellfire Missile

The AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire is a radar-guided missile capable of engaging moving and stationary targets with exceptional accuracy. Its specifications include:

• Length: 5.33 feet (1.63 meters)
• Diameter: 7 inches (17.78 cm)
• Weight: 108 pounds (49 kg)
• Range: Up to 8 km (5 miles)
• Warhead: High-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) with tandem charge
• Guidance: Millimeter-wave radar

The missile’s millimeter-wave radar seeker ensures all-weather capability and allows it to track and hit targets even in complex environments. These features make the upgraded Hellfire a versatile tool for addressing both traditional and emerging threats, including drones.

Expanding C-UAS Capabilities

The successful integration of C-UAS Hellfire missiles on USS Indianapolis has paved the way for broader deployment. USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS-21) has also been equipped with the enhanced SSMM, with more LCS platforms expected to follow. While the upgraded systems have not yet been tested in live combat against drones, their deployment marks a significant step forward in the Navy’s ability to counter unmanned threats.

Rear Adm. Kevin Smith, Program Executive Officer for Unmanned and Small Combatants, emphasized the importance of this development, stating, “This rapid integration of C-UAS capabilities enhances our ability to project power and maintain freedom of maneuver in contested environments.”

Addressing Regional Challenges

The upgrades come at a time when the U.S. Navy faces growing challenges in regions like the Red Sea, Indo-Pacific, and the Atlantic. Drones have become a key tool for adversaries, often used for surveillance or direct attacks on naval assets. The enhanced Hellfire-equipped LCS provides a valuable countermeasure, helping to secure maritime operations in these contested waters.

In addition to the Hellfire upgrades, other improvements have been made to bolster the LCS’ capabilities. Notable among them is the Mk.70 Payload Delivery System, which features a containerized four-cell Mk.41 vertical launch system. This system has been tested on other LCS platforms, such as USS Nantucket (LCS-27) and USS Savannah (LCS-28), further extending the class’s firepower and versatility.

Future Prospects

As threats evolve, the Navy continues to adapt its assets to maintain operational superiority. The Longbow Hellfire missile’s transition into a C-UAS role reflects this adaptability and highlights the Navy’s commitment to equipping its ships with cutting-edge technology. With these upgrades, the Freedom-class LCS gains a significant boost in defensive capability, ensuring it remains a valuable asset in the face of modern threats.

The integration of these missiles marks a critical milestone in the Navy’s broader efforts to enhance the combat readiness of its littoral forces, underscoring the role of innovation in addressing emerging challenges.