Missiles such as the Evolved Sea-Sparrow and Rolling Airframe require a launcher to properly function, which is where the Ship Self-Defense System comes in. This launcher can also be used to deploy decoys and other defensive measures.
The Ship Self-Defense System offers a huge benefit by being able to automate the fire control loop, which shortens the time it takes from detecting a threat to eliminating it. It’s a very common feature on many Navy units, and has saved many lives over the years.
The FGM-148 Javelin
FGM-148 Javelins are the older, heavier and deadlier than the M136 AT4 missile launcher. Unlike the M136 AT4, rockets fired by the Javelin use infrared technology which help guide them to their targets. They can also fire multiple rockets in succession, unlike the single-shot of the AT4.
Javelin missiles can easily destroy a modern tank when fired from high ground, as well as building walls and bunkers. Each Javelin costs about $174,000 and is made by both Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. However, they weigh almost 50 pounds, which makes them much heavier and less easily portable than their AT4 counterparts.
The SCALPEL
Most of us associate the word scalpel with the popular surgical tool. Navy SCALPELs are also very precise but are mostly used to cause massive destruction. These bombs are extremely accurate, thanks to a laser-guiding system. The name SCALPEL is an acronym for Small Contained-Area Laser Precision Energetic Load.
SCALPEL bombs can easily hit small and sensitive targets with surgical precision, rarely causing any collateral damage. These bombs can take down targets hiding inside densely packed civilian buildings. The Navy is currently rolling out SCALPELs for initial testing, with many more expected in the coming years.
AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW)
The AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon is another U.S. Navy warfare explosive produced by Raytheon. These air-to-ground bombs are much cheaper than most and feature an internal GPS-inertial navigation system and thermal imaging infrared seeker.
The AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon is mostly used to destroy targets that are outside the normal range of missiles, and allow pilots to stay out of harm's way. The JSOW C-1 variant has an even longer reach, and can be used from more than 60 miles away.
The Glock 19
It costs over a million dollars to train just one Navy SEAL, so you’d expect them to get only the best when it comes to weapons. In 2006, Navy SEALs decided to ditch their standard SIG SAUER P226 handguns in favor of the Glock 19. This switch caused a massive bump in Glock handgun purchases.
Glock 19's weigh 1.5 pounds when unloaded, making them about 50% lighter than the SIG SAUER P226 MK25. The biggest benefit for Navy SEALs when using a Glock 19 is that they're much easier to handle than their previously issued handgun. This helps improve aiming skills, drawing skills and more.