The US Navy submarines’ will be equipped with the multi-function mast (OE-538) antenna system featuring Increment 2 capabilities, under a new contract awarded to Sippican/GSM Submarine Antenna Joint Venture.

The upgraded mast antenna system will replace the existing antennas on the Navy’s submarines.

Under the initial $6.9m work, Sippican/GSM will design and develop the capability for the multi-function mast-mounted, communication and navigation antenna system.

The contract also includes options for Increment 2 hardware, engineering/depot repair services and provisioning item orders, which if exercised would make the total contract value up to $57.6m.

The Navy’s research center Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) in San Diego, California has awarded the contract.

The joint venture is formed between Lockheed Martin defence electronics contractor Sippican and integrated manufacturing solutions provider Granite State Manufacturing.