Naval planners have launched a multi-year sustainment and upgrade effort for the shipboard last-resort defensive system that protects vessels from inbound missiles, drones, and fast small craft. The program coordinates refurbishments, capability upgrades, and conversion work across the fleet to preserve availability and effectiveness over the coming decade. The system integrates an automated rapid-fire cannon with radar and stabilized optical sensors, and recent software and sensor improvements expanded its utility to surface targets and enhanced night and low-signature tracking. By consolidating sustainment actions, the navy aims to maintain a dependable close-in defensive layer while incorporating incremental improvements that keep pace with evolving threats and munitions technology.
