Development of a Ballistic Missile Defence capability for the SAMPSON multi-function radar on UK type 45

This paper provides insight into the development and trials of an experimental Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) capability for the SAMPSON MFR, in service with the Royal Navy on its Type 45 Destroyer. Consideration is given first to extending the current Local Area Defence mission to address new Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile (ASBM) threats, alongside evolution of Sea Viper's ASTER munition. Then to providing a Forward Deployed Early Warning capability for cueing of other BMD systems (e.g. US Navy Aegis), evolving potentially to support full Launch on Remote (LoR) and Engage on Remote (EoR) capabilities.