The Chilean Navy has awarded a contract to BAE Systems to upgrade a radar sub-system of the Type 911 tracker on its Type 23 frigates to maintain the potent defensive capability.

Under the contract, the company will upgrade the ‘Radar B’ element of the tracker that detects a target approaching at low levels and engages the missile to destroy it.

The Type 911 tracker, designed by BAE, is an integral part of the ships’ Seawolf Vertical Launch point defence missile system.

The upgrade will assist the Chilean Navy in maintaining the Type 23 combat system and the overall operational availability and capability of the platforms.

ASMAR Shipbuilding and Repair Company will assist in fitting the tracker onboard the ships.

Work under the £3.3m contract will be carried out at the company’s facility in Broad Oak, Portsmouth, US.