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TheAegis Combat System is an American integrated naval weapons system, which uses computers and radars to track and guide weapons to destroy enemy targets. It was developed by the Missile and Surface Radar Division ofRCA, and it is now produced byLockheed Martin.
Initially used by theUnited States Navy, Aegis is now used also by theJapan Maritime Self-Defense Force,Spanish Navy,Royal Norwegian Navy,Republic of Korea Navy, andRoyal Australian Navy, and is planned for use by theRoyal Canadian Navy. As of 2022, a total of 110 Aegis-equipped ships have been deployed, and 71 more are planned (seeoperators).
Aegis BMD (Ballistic Missile Defense) capabilities are being developed as part of theNATO missile defense system.[1]
The word "Aegis" is a reference that dates back to Greek mythology, with connotations of a protective shield, as the Aegis was thebuckler (shield) of Zeus, worn by Athena.
The Aegis Combat System (ACS) implements advanced command and control (command and decision, or C&D, in Aegis parlance). It is composed of the Aegis Weapon System (AWS), the fast-reaction component of the Aegis Anti-Aircraft Warfare (AAW) capability, along with thePhalanx Close In Weapon System (CIWS), and theMark 41 Vertical Launch System.[2] Mk 41 VLS is available in different versions that vary in size and weight. There are three lengths: 209 in (5.3 m) for the self-defense version, 266 in (6.8 m) for the tactical version, and 303 in (7.7 m) for the strike version. The empty weight for an 8-cell module is 26,800 lb (12,200 kg) for the self-defense version, 29,800 lb (13,500 kg) for the tactical version, and 32,000 lb (15,000 kg) for the strike version, thus incorporatinganti-submarine warfare (ASW) systems andTomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missiles (TLAM). Shipboard torpedo and naval gunnery systems are also integrated.
AWS, the heart of Aegis, comprises theAN/SPY-1 Radar, MK 99 Fire Control System, Weapon Control System (WCS), the Command and Decision Suite, and Standard Missile family of weapons; these include the basicRIM-66 Standard, theRIM-156 Standard ER extended range missile, and the newerRIM-161 Standard Missile 3 designed to counterballistic missile threats. A further SM-2 based weapon, theRIM-174 Standard ERAM (Standard Missile 6) was deployed in 2013. Individual ships may not carry all variants. Weapons loads are adjusted to suit assigned mission profile. The Aegis Combat System is controlled by an advanced, automatic detect-and-track, multi-function three-dimensionalpassive electronically scanned arrayradar, the AN/SPY-1. Known as "the Shield of the Fleet", the SPY high-powered (6megawatt) radar is able to perform search, tracking, and missile guidance functions simultaneously with a track capacity of well over 100 targets at more than 100 nautical miles (190 km).[3] However, the AN/SPY-1 Radar is mounted lower than theAN/SPS-49 radar system and so has a reducedradar horizon.[4]
The Aegis system communicates with the Standard missiles through a radio frequency (RF) uplink using the AN/SPY-1 radar formid-course updatemissile guidance during engagements, but still requires theAN/SPG-62fire-control radar for terminal guidance. This means that with proper scheduling of intercepts, a large number of targets can be engaged simultaneously.
Thecomputer-based command-and-decision (C&D) element is the core of the Aegis Combat System and came from theNaval Tactical Data System (NTDS) threat evaluation and weapons assignment (TEWA) function.[5] This interface makes the ACS capable of simultaneous operation against almost all kinds of threats.
In December 2019, Lockheed Martin released a promotional video heralding the 50th anniversary of the Aegis combat system.[6]
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Aegis was initially developed by the Missile and Surface Radar Division ofRCA, which was later acquired byGeneral Electric. The division responsible for the Aegis systems became Government Electronic Systems. This, and otherGE Aerospace businesses, were sold toMartin Marietta in 1992.[7] This became part ofLockheed Martin in 1995.
By the late 1950s, the U.S. Navy replaced guns with guided missiles on its ships. These were sufficient weapons but by the late 1960s, the U.S. Navy recognized that reaction time, firepower, and operational availability in all environments did not match theanti-ship missile threat.[8] The new threat of Soviet anti-ship missiles exposed a weakness in contemporary naval radar. The requirements of both tracking and targeting these missiles was limited by the number of radars on each ship, which was typically 2–4. In 1958 the navy started theTyphon Combat System, a prophetic program culminating in the futuristic but unreliableAN/SPG-59 phased array radar, which was never made viable and was cancelled in 1963 to be replaced by the Advanced Surface Missile System (ASMS).[9]
As a result, the U.S. Navy decided to develop a program to defend ships from anti-ship missile threats. An Advanced Surface Missile System (ASMS) was promulgated and an engineering development program was initiated in 1964 to meet the requirements.[10] ASMS was renamed "Aegis" in December 1969 after theaegis, theshield of theGreek godZeus. The name was suggested by Captain L. J. Stecher, a formerTartar Weapon System manager, after an internal U.S. Navy contest to name the ASMS program was initiated. Captain Stecher also submitted a possible acronym of Advanced Electronic Guided Interceptor System although this definition was never used.[11] The main manufacturer of the Aegis Combat System, Lockheed Martin, makes no mention of the name Aegis being an acronym, nor does theU.S. Navy.
In 1970, then-CaptainWayne Meyer was named Manager Aegis Weapons System. Under his leadership the first systems were successfully deployed on various U.S. Navy vessels.
The first Engineering Development Model (EDM-1) was installed in a test ship,USS Norton Sound, in 1973.[12] During this time frame, the Navy envisioned installing the Aegis Combat System on both a nuclear-powered "strike cruiser" (or CSGN) and a conventionally-powered destroyer (originally designated DDG 47). The CSGN was to be a new, 17,200 ton cruiser design based on the earlierCalifornia andVirginia-class cruisers. The Aegis destroyer design would be based on the gas turbine poweredSpruance class. When the CSGN was cancelled, the Navy proposed a modifiedVirginia-class design (CGN 42) with a new superstructure designed for the Aegis Combat System and with a displacement of 12,100 tons. As compared to the CSGN, this design was not as survivable and had reduced command and control facilities for an embarked flag officer. Ultimately this design was also cancelled during the Carter Administration due to its increased cost compared to the non-nuclear DDG 47. With the cancellation of the CGN 42, the DDG 47 Aegis destroyer was redesignated as CG 47, a guided missile cruiser.
The first cruiser of this class wasUSS Ticonderoga, which used two twin-armed Mark-26 missile launchers, fore and aft. The commissioning of the sixth ship of the class,USS Bunker Hill opened a new era in surface warfare as the first Aegis ship outfitted with theMartin Marietta Mark-41Vertical Launching System (VLS), allowing a wider missile selection, more firepower, and survivability. The improved AN/SPY-1B radar went to sea inUSS Princeton, ushering in another advance in Aegis capabilities.USS Chosin introduced theAN/UYK-43/44 computers, which provide increased processing capabilities.
During 1980, theArleigh Burke-class destroyer was designed using an improved sea-keeping hull form, reducedinfrared and radar cross-sections, and upgrades to the Aegis Combat System. The first ship of the class,USS Arleigh Burke, was commissioned during 1991. A notional design that incorporated the capabilities of a VLS-capableTiconderoga with a hull and superstructure designed toArleigh Burke standards, called "Cruiser Baseline", was studied although not built.
Flight II of theArleigh Burke class, introduced in 1992, incorporated improvements to the SPY-1 radar, and to the Standard missile, active electronic countermeasures, and communications. Flight IIA, introduced in 2000, added ahelicopter hangar with one anti-submarine helicopter and one armedattack helicopter. The Aegis program has also projected reducing the cost of each Flight IIA ship by at least $30 million.
Recent Aegis Combat System ships come withactive electronically scanned array radars which use solid-stategallium nitride emitters. These includeCanadian Surface Combatant (CSC) and SpanishF110-class frigates, which use theAN/SPY-7 radar from Lockheed-Martin, andConstellation-class frigates which useAN/SPY-6 radar fromRaytheon. AN/SPY-6 radar will also be installed in Flight III and Flight IIAArleigh Burke-class destroyers, giving them Ballistic Missile Defense capability currently deployed on Flight I and Flight II ships.
TheAegis Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMD) program by the U.S.Missile Defense Agency enables the Aegis system to act in a sea-basedballistic missile defense function, to counter short- and medium-rangeballistic missiles of the variety typically employed by a number of potential opponent states. The program is part of theUnited States national missile defense strategy andNATO European missile defense system.[1]
BMD capabilities allow vessels equipped withMk 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) to intercept ballistic missiles in post-boost phase and prior to reentry, using theRIM-161 Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) mid-course interceptors[13] and theRIM-156 Standard Missile 2 Extended Range Block IV (SM-2ER Block IV)[14] terminal-phase interceptors.[15] The SM-2ER Block IV can engage the ballistic missiles within the atmosphere (i.e. endoatmospheric intercept) in the terminal phase of a missile's trajectory with a blast fragmentation warhead. The Standard Missile 3 is a development of the SM2-ER Block IV, capable of exo-atmospheric intercept (i.e. above the atmosphere) during the midcourse phase; its kinetic warhead (KW) is designed to destroy a ballistic missile's warhead by colliding with it.RIM-174 Standard ERAM (Standard Missile 6) extended range active missile is a further development of the SM-2ER Block IV, which adds a booster and anactive radar homing seeker.[16] SM-6 can be used for either air defense or ballistic missile defense, providing extended range and increased firepower; it is not intended to replace the SM-2 series of missiles.[17] The SM-6 Block IB includes a larger 21-inch rocket motor that sits on top of the 21-inch booster.[18]
To enable Ballistic Missile Defense capabilities,signal processing for the SPY-1 radar was upgraded usingcommercial off-the-shelf components andopen architecture standards.[19] The Multi-Mission Signal Processor (MMSP) provides Anti-Air Warfare (AAW) and Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) capability for the first 28 ships (DDGs 51–78) of the U.S. Navy'sArleigh Burke-class destroyers. This capability is also incorporated inUSS John Finn (DDG-113) and following new construction, as well as Aegis Ashore. MMSP modifies transmitters of theSPY-1D radar to enable dual-beam operation for reduced frame times and better reaction time, and provides stability for allwaveforms, allowing the radar system to detect, track, and support engagements of a broader range of threats. MMSP improves performance inlittoral, ductedclutter,electronic attack (EA), andchaff environments and provides greater commonality in computer programs and equipment.[20][21]
As of January 2025, the U.S., Japan, and South Korea[22] are the only countries to purchase or deploy the Aegis BMD on their military ships.[23][24][25]
Flight III ofArleigh Burke-class destroyers starting withUSS Jack H. Lucas are equipped withAN/SPY-6 AESA radar fromRaytheon, which is 30 times more sensitive and thus can handle 30 times more targets comparing to the SPY-1D radar, providing increased air and missile defense capabilities.[26][27] Flight IIA ships will also be upgraded to SPY-6 in the future, giving them Aegis BMD capabilities.[27][26]
Aegis Ashore is a land-based version of Aegis BMD which includes the AN/SPY-1 radar and command systems, and Mk 41 VLS equipped SM-3 and SM-6 missiles. Test installation exists at thePacific Missile Range Facility inHawaii. Asite inDeveselu,Romania is operational since 2016, and a site nearRedzikowo,Poland will become operational in 2022. Japan intended to deploy two systems with anAN/SPY-7 AESA radar by 2021, but cancelled these plans in 2020. Possible deployments of Aegis Ashore include U.S. naval base atGuam.[23]
U.S. ArmyIntegrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS) program aims to integrate Aegis BMD and itsAN/SPY-1 andAN/SPY-6 radars withMIM-104 Patriot (AN/MPQ-65A and GhostEye),NASAMS (GhostEye MR),AN/TPY-2 (THAAD andGMD), andF-35 Lightning II (AN/APG-81) radars to form aplug and fight network of land, sea, and air-based sensors to help detect and track ballistic missile threats and select Patriot and THAAD surface-to-air launchers that are best positioned for a successful intercept.
In March 2025, theUSS Pinckney participated in Flight Test Other-40 (FTX-40), codenamed Stellar Banshee, in which a virtualized SM-6 Block IAU interceptor was tested against a livemulti-stageMRBM test target that utilized a new and previously untested type ofhypersonic warhead, designated HTV-1.[28] The threat missile was air-launched by parachute drop from aC-17 Globemaster III transport, and was successfully detected and tracked by Pickney, though no actual physical interceptor missile was fired. The test validated a variety of systems, including modern hypersonic missile tracking satellites, the Block IAU version of SM-6, and the ability of theAegis Weapon System to track hypersonic targets, and a new type of hypersonic test target.[29] The Missile Defense Agency subsequently announced that a future live intercept of an MRBM with HTV-1 would be designated as Flight Test Aegis Weapon System-43 (FTM-43).[29]
On 5 October 2011,U.S. Secretary of DefenseLeon Panetta announced that the United States Navy will station fourAegis Ballistic Missile Defense System warships atNaval Station Rota, Spain, to strengthen its presence in the Mediterranean Sea and bolster the ballistic missile defense (BMD) of NATO as part of theEuropean Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA) missile defense program. On 16 February 2012, it was reported that theArleigh Burke-class destroyersDonald Cook andRoss would be relocated to Rota during Fiscal Year 2014, followed byPorter andCarney in fiscal year 2015.[30] On 9 May 2013, CommanderDestroyer Squadron 60 was formally designated to performtype-command administrative oversight for the four BMD-capable destroyers based at Rota, Spain.[31]
TheJapanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) currently operates fourKongō, twoAtago, and twoMaya-class guided-missile destroyers as part of its "Aegis Afloat" program (See table below).
Additionally, on 31 August 2022, TheJapan Ministry of Defense announced that JMSDF will operate two "Aegis system equipped ships" (イージス・システム搭載艦 in Japanese) (pictured) to replace the earlier plan of Aegis Ashore installations, commissioning one by the end of fiscal year 2027, and the other by the end of FY2028. The budget for design and other related expenses are to be submitted in the form of "item requests", without specific amounts, and the initial procurement of the lead items are expected to clear legislation by FY2023. Construction is to begin in the following year of FY2024. At 20,000 tons each, both vessels will be the largestsurface combatant warships operated by the JMSDF, and according toPopular Mechanics, they will "arguably [be] the largest deployable surface warships in the world.".[32][33][34][35]
On 6 October 2022, five warships from the United States, Japan, and South Korea held a multilateral ballistic missile defense exercise in theSea of Japan (pictured) as part of the military response toongoing North Korean intermediate-range ballistic missile tests over the Japanese home islands.[36][37]
On 16 November 2022, the guided-missile destroyerMaya fired an SM-3 Block IIA missile, successfully intercepting the target outside the atmosphere in the first launch of the missile from a Japanese warship. On 18 November 2022, theHaguro likewise fired an SM-3 Block IB missile with a successful hit outside the atmosphere (pictured). Both test firings were conducted at the U.S.Pacific Missile Range Facility onKauai Island, Hawaii, in cooperation with the U.S. Navy andU.S. Missile Defense Agency. This was the first time the two ships conducted SM-3 firings in the same time period, and the tests validated the ballistic missile defense capabilities of Japan's newestMaya-class destroyers.[38]
On 23 December 2022, the Japanese Ministry of Defense's 2023 budget and program guidance illustrated examples of operation (運用の一例) for the Aegis-equipped naval forces of the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (MSDF). The two ASEV warship would be exclusively tasked for dedicated ballistic missile defense (BDM) missions (BMD等) and operate off the Korean peninsula in theSea of Japan, allowing the other Aegis guided-missile destroyers to meet other contingencies (侵攻阻止) while operating independently to maintain thesea lines of communication (SLOC) open in theEast China Sea southwest of the Japanese home islands.[39][40][41][42]
On 22 February 2023, five warships from the United States, Japan, and South Korea held a multilateral ballistic missile defense exercise in theSea of Japan in response to the launch of a North KoreanHwasong-15 ballistic missile on 18 February 2023, landing inJapan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Sea of Japan, in an area 125 miles west of the island ofŌshima, which lies 30 miles (48 km) west of the main island ofHokkaido. Two additional ICBMs were subsequently launched on 20 February 2023, with both landing in the Sea of Japan off the east coast of theKorean Peninsula.[43] On 19 December 2023, United States, Japan, and South Korea announced the activation of a real-time North Korea missile warning system as well as jointly established a multi-year trilateral exercise plan in response to North Korea's continued ballistic missile launches.[44][45]
| Name | Hull pennant no. | Builder/shipyard | Aegis radar | Anti-ballistic missile | Vertical launchers | Commissioned | Home port | Flotilla | Squadron | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maya class | ||||||||||
| JS Maya | DDG-179 | JMU, Yokohama | AN/SPY-1D(V) | SM-3 Standard missile | Mark 41: 96 cells (total) | 19 March 2020 | Yokosuka | Escort Flotilla 1 | Escort Squadron 1 | Active |
| JS Haguro | DDG-180 | JMU, Yokohama | AN/SPY-1D(V) | SM-3 Standard missile | Mark 41: 96 cells (total) | 19 March 2021 | Sasebo | Escort Flotilla 4 | Escort Squadron 8 | Active |
| Atago class | ||||||||||
| JDS Atago | DDG-177 | JMU, Yokohama | AN/SPY-1D(V) | SM-3 Standard missile | Mark 41: 96 cells (total) | 15 March 2007 | Maizuru | Escort Flotilla 3 | Escort Squadron 3 | Active |
| JDS Ashigara | DDG-178 | JMU, Yokohama | AN/SPY-1D(V) | SM-3 Standard missile | Mark 41: 96 cells (total) | 13 March 2008 | Sasebo | Escort Flotilla 2 | Escort Squadron 2 | Active |
| Kongō class | ||||||||||
| Kongō | DDG-173 | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries | AN/SPY-1DPESA | SM-3 Standard missile | Mark 41: 90 cells (total) | 25 March 1993 | Sasebo | Escort Flotilla 1 | Escort Squadron 5: | Active |
| Kirishima | DDG-174 | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries | AN/SPY-1DPESA | SM-3 Standard missile | Mark 41: 90 cells (total) | 16 March 1995 | Yokosuka | Escort Flotilla 2 | Escort Squadron 6 | Active |
| Myōkō | DDG-175 | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries | AN/SPY-1DPESA | SM-3 Standard missile | Mark 41: 90 cells (total) | 14 March 1996 | Maizuru | Escort Flotilla 3 | Escort Squadron 3 | Active |
| Chōkai | DDG-176 | IHI Corporation | AN/SPY-1DPESA | SM-3 Standard missile | Mark 41: 90 cells (total) | 20 March 1998 | Sasebo | Escort Flotilla 4 | Escort Squadron 8 | Active |
In 2010, it was reported that Aegis radar systems on board some individual warships were not being maintained properly. A Navy panel headed by retired Vice Adm. Phillip Balisle issued the "Balisle report," which asserted that over-emphasis on saving money, including cuts in crews and streamlined training and maintenance, led to a drastic decline in readiness, and left Aegis Combat Systems in low state of readiness.[46]
The Aegis system was involved in a disaster in whichUSS Vincennes mistakenly shot downIran Air Flight 655 in 1988 resulting in 290 civilian deaths.
A formal military investigation by the United States Navy concluded that the Aegis system was completely operational and well maintained. The investigation found that if thecommanding officer had relied on the complete tactical data displayed by the Aegis system, the engagement might never have occurred. Additionally, psychological effects of the crew subconsciously manipulating the data to accord with a predefined scenario greatly contributed to the false identification. The investigation found that the Aegis Combat System did not contribute to the incident and that the system's recorded target data contributed to the investigation of the incident. The discrepancies between the Aegis data report and what the ship's personnel reported to the commanding officer are as follows:[47]
| Aegis Data Report | Personnel Report to CO |
|---|---|
| Iran Air Flight 655 continuously ascended in duration of flight | Iran Air Flight 655, after attaining 9,000 to 12,000 ft (2,700 to 3,700 m), reportedly descended on an attack vector on USSVincennes |
| Iran Air Flight 655 continuously squawkedMode IIIidentification, friend or foe (IFF) in duration of flight | Iran Air Flight 655 reportedly squawked IranianF-14 Tomcat on Mode II IFF for a moment; personnel proceeded to re-label the target from "Unknown Assumed Enemy" to "F-14" |
| Iran Air Flight 655 held consistent climb speed in duration of flight | Iran Air Flight 655 was reported to increase in speed to an attack vector similar to an F-14 Tomcat |
Other analyses found that ineffective user interface design caused poor integration with the crisis management human processes it was intended to facilitate. The Aegis System software shuffles target tracking numbers as it gathers additional data. When the captain asked for a status of the original target identifier TN4474, the Aegis system had recycled that identifier to a different target which was descending, indicating possible attack posture.[48] An article byDavid Pogue inScientific American rated it as one of the five "worst digital user-interface debacles of all time."[49]
On December 22, 2024USS Gettysburg (CG-64) shot down anF/A-18F Super Hornet belonging toStrike Fighter Squadron 11 (VFA-11) and flying off theUSS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75).[50]USCENTCOM stated that both the pilot andweapon systems officerejected and were recovered safely shortly after, with only one receiving minor injuries after an initial assessment. The Gettysburg also fired on a second F/A-18 and missed by ~100 feet. The missile missed thanks to the pilot performing evasive maneuvers. Investigation on these incidents are in progress, as of January 2025.[51][52][53][54]
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