vessel

The US Navy’s Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69), also known as Ike, has successfully completed launch trials for the MK 234 Nulka countermeasure.

Over three days of testing, the vessel used its MK 53 decoy launching system (DLS) to launch the Nulka rapid-response, active expendable decoy, which is designed to provide effective defence for warships against modern anti-ship missiles (ASM).

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The aircraft carrier successfully launched the Nulka countermeasure five times, surpassing the minimum test requirement by two launches.

Upon launching, the Nulka decoy radiates a large radar cross section to divert ASMs from their intended targets.

"The Nulka system brings with it a needed upgrade to the Ike’s current Anti-Ship Missile Defense (ASMD) capability."

Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) senior chief cryptologic technician Christopher Noltee said: "The Nulka system brings with it a needed upgrade to the Ike’s current Anti-Ship Missile Defense (ASMD) capability.

See Also:

"When a signal originates from the ship, you’re still a potential target. Nulka gives you separation. This round sends out the electronics, away from your ship. The goal is to get the missile to fly to the Nulka round instead of coming here."

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The Nulka countermeasure is considered as a soft-kill weapon system.

Noltee added: "Hard-kill weapons systems are used for both offensive and defensive purposes while soft-kill weapons systems are used strictly for defensive purposes."

Image: A MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter delivers cargo to USS Dwight D Eisenhower vessel at sea. Photo: courtesy of US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jameson E. Lynch / Released.