Sponsored by Galvion
www.galvion.com
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07 Nov 24. Galvion delivers an order of 400 MAX-8 Mission Adaptive Charging Stations to AeroVironment. Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of integrated power and data management solutions and innovative head protection systems, has delivered the first order of its Nerv Centr® MAX-8 Mission Adaptive Charging Stationâ„¢ to the US defense tech company, AeroVironment (AV). The initial order of 400 units will be followed-up with an additional 800, to be delivered during 2025 and 2026 as part of a Long-Term Purchasing agreement.
AV is a leading provider of innovative, lightweight, and reliable uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), specializing in versatile solutions designed for tactical reconnaissance and surveillance. Galvion’s MAX-8 has been integrated to deliver intelligent and adaptable charging for AV’s UAS battery systems, replacing the existing solution. Following close collaboration and extensive testing, Galvion successfully designed a universal adaptor that enables the MAX-8 to interface across AV’s small uncrewed aircraft systems (SUAS). This partnership extends beyond the initial orders, as the two companies will collaborate on future UAS charging solutions to meet evolving needs and drive continued product innovation
Galvion’s Nerv Centr® MAX-8 is a portable charging solution built to withstand the harsh conditions of expeditionary operations, where UAS operations are becoming increasingly vital. With the ability to draw power from multiple sources, including AC, solar and vehicle, the MAX-8 battery adapters offer the ability to charge different types of UAS and other batteries simultaneously, with no setting changes needed. The MAX-8 features intelligent functionality, including prioritization of needs, topping off the fullest battery first, automatic evaluation of power source and adjustment of charge rates to maximize power and minimize charge time.
“AV is proud to partner with Galvion for our battery power management solutions for our small UAS. This Universal Battery Charger provides our customers with seamless plug-and-play functionality, featuring universal adapters that enable efficient charging for all of AV’s current and future batteries across both our small UAS and ground control stations,†said Mike Jorgens, AV’s sr. product line manager.
Todd Stirtzinger, CEO at Galvion, said: “Our relationship with AV is a great example of Galvion’s commitment to developing productive collaborations with industry partners to better serve the warfighter. AV is recognized as a leader in designing and delivering innovative UAS solutions; Galvion is an expert in power management and charging together, we can accelerate the pace of innovation by helping AV focus on UAS systems, while we concentrate on maximizing operational efficiency by keeping them charged.” He added: “With this initial order of 400 MAX-8 charging stations and customized adaptor delivered, and another 800 in the pipeline, we’re very much looking forward to building our relationship with AV and finding opportunities to further drive industry advancements.”
05 Nov 24. At Euronaval 2024, MBDA is presenting Sea Warden, a naval-based defence system against un-crewed aerial and surface threats, ready to market. Building on our experience in counter un-crewed aerial systems (C-UAS) through Sky Warden, Sea Warden is a modular system to counter all un-crewed aerial vehicle (UAV) and un-crewed submersible vehicle (USV) threats, integrating and controlling a wide range of sensors and effectors. Sea Warden is the response to the need for self-protection of merchant vessels and warships, now and in the future.
Protecting sovereign interests
The maritime domain is a significant component of the global economy. For the countries seeking to protect their sovereign interests, naval forces have to respond appropriately to multiple areas of action. From the lower end of the spectrum – with asymmetric threats like drones – to higher-end anti-ship systems. Therefore, emerging threats at sea come in new and ever-changing forms. Faced with this reality, Navies must deploy a range of resources to protect their assets, sometimes in combination. To stay agile, MBDA has developed a scalable system designed to evolve at the same rapid speed as the drone threat to meet the changing demands of our customers and ensure battle readiness.
Working with partners
Sea Warden can operate in all modern scenarios, from self-protection of ships at anchor or docked to maritime consort protection in open oceans. By leveraging its modular design, Sea Warden is the only comprehensive defence system ranging from detection to neutralization of UAVs and USVs up to class 2. MBDA is working with its partners to integrate capabilities to deliver the appropriate military effect. The system is designed to identify and classify threats with a complete set of sensors (radar, passive RF, electro-optical cameras, etc.) and assign the most appropriate and available effector, maximizing the efficiency. Sea Warden integrates, for example, effectors such as directed energy weapon – with the CILAS HELMA-P laser –, hunter drones, jammers, and MBDA systems including a Hit-to-Kill drone – in collaboration with NOVADEM –, loitering munitions and the MISTRAL 3 and AKERON MP missiles for the most demanding aerial and surface threats.
Meeting customer requirements
To cope with evolving missions, Sea Warden has been designed with an open architecture that enables it to be configured to meet specific customer requirements. It can be integrated into ships’ combat systems, or operate as a standalone capability with a dedicated console. It can be adapted effectively to any existing or future naval, maritime, or offshore platform to defeat any aerial or surface un-crewed threat.
Today, Sea Warden is the only battle-ready system to manage the full counter-UAV (C-UAV) counter-USV (C-USV) kill chain. MBDA has demonstrated the capability of its Sky Warden system in a recent successful operational demonstration.
Excellence at your side
With Sea Warden, Navies can rely on MBDA’s expertise to cover a multi-layered air defence systems portfolio. MBDA is the sole European player that’s provide a full range of the most advanced naval-based air defence systems, from C-UAV/C-USV systems to systems that defend against the most high-end threats.
07 Nov 24. X-59 Fires Up its Engine for First Time on Its Way to Takeoff.
NASA’s Quesst mission marked a major milestone with the start of tests on the engine that will power the quiet supersonic X-59 experimental aircraft.
These engine-run tests, which began Oct. 30, allow the X-59 team to verify the aircraft’s systems are working together while powered by its own engine. In previous tests, the X-59 used external sources for power. The engine-run tests set the stage for the next phase of the experimental aircraft’s progress toward flight.
The X-59 team is conducting the engine-run tests in phases. In this first phase, the engine rotated at a relatively low speed without ignition to check for leaks and ensure all systems are communicating properly. The team then fueled the aircraft and began testing the engine at low power, with the goal of verifying that it and other aircraft systems operate without anomalies or leaks while on engine power.
“The first phase of the engine tests was really a warmup to make sure that everything looked good prior to running the engine,” said Jay Brandon, NASA’s X-59 chief engineer. “Then we moved to the actual first engine start. That took the engine out of the preservation mode that it had been in since installation on the aircraft. It was the first check to see that it was operating properly and that all the systems it impacted – hydraulics, electrical system, environmental control systems, etc. – seemed to be working.”
The X-59 will generate a quieter thump rather than a loud boom while flying faster than the speed of sound. The aircraft is the centerpiece of NASA’s Quesst mission, which will gather data on how people perceive these thumps, providing regulators with information that could help lift current bans on commercial supersonic flight over land.
The engine, a modified F414-GE-100, packs 22,000 pounds of thrust, which will enable the X-59 to achieve the desired cruising speed of Mach 1.4 (925 miles per hour) at an altitude of approximately 55,000 feet. It sits in a nontraditional spot – atop the aircraft — to aid in making the X-59 quieter.
Engine runs are part of a series of integrated ground tests needed to ensure safe flight and successful achievement of mission goals. Because of the challenges involved with reaching this critical phase of testing, the X-59’s first flight is now expected in early 2025. The team will continue progressing through critical ground tests and address any technical issues discovered with this one-of-a-kind, experimental aircraft. The X-59 team will have a more specific first flight date as these tests are successfully completed.
The testing is taking place at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California. During later phases, the team will test the aircraft at high power with rapid throttle changes, followed by simulating the conditions of an actual flight.
“The success of these runs will be the start of the culmination of the last eight years of my career,” said Paul Dees, NASA’s deputy propulsion lead for the X-59. “This isn’t the end of the excitement but a small steppingstone to the beginning. It’s like the first note of a symphony, where years of teamwork behind the scenes are now being put to the test to prove our efforts have been effective, and the notes will continue to play a harmonious song to flight.”
After the engine runs, the X-59 team will move to aluminum bird testing, where data will be fed to the aircraft under both normal and failure conditions. The team will then proceed with a series of taxi tests, where the aircraft will be put in motion on the ground. These tests will be followed by final preparations for first flight. (Source: ASD Network)
07 Nov 24. Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) has received a contract from the U.S. Marine Corps for long lead items, signaling the start of full-rate production for the Amphibious Combat Vehicle 30mm program (ACV-30). The items included in the $51m contract through PEO Land Systems Program Manager Advanced Amphibious Assault (PM AAA) are subcomponents specific to the 30mm remote turret, manufactured by KONGSBERG in Johnstown, Penn.
“The ACV-30 provides a significant increase in lethality for dismounted Marines. PM AAA is looking forward to a longstanding partnership with Kongsberg Defence through this direct contract between the two organizations. The opportunities gained will ensure Marines have what they need to support Marine Corps warfighting needs,” said Col Tim Hough, Program Manager for Advanced Amphibious Assault at PEO Land Systems.
ACV-30 is one of four variants in the next-generation ACV family of vehicles designed, developed and built by BAE Systems, providing the U.S. Marine Corps with ship to shore capability in what will be a full replacement of the Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV). The ACV-30 variant mounts a stabilized, remotely operated Medium Caliber Turret (MCT-30) manufactured by KONGSBERG that provides the lethality and protection Marines need while leaving ample room for troop capacity and payload while keeping the crew under armor. The remote turret eliminates the space requirement of legacy turreted cannon systems and provides more room to transport troops or mission essential equipment, and reduces weight for better mobility.
“This agreement is an important milestone for the U.S. Marine Corps ACV-30 program, enabling rapid deliveries when full-rate production starts. We are pleased that US Marine Corp has selected the highly advanced 30mm PROTECTOR remote turret system from KONGSBERG in the program,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
The U.S. Marine Corps is continuing to grow its relationship with the PROTECTOR family of remote weapon systems and remote turrets from Kongsberg, providing streamlined training and sustainment as well as wireless fire control and future technology and effector integration.
The $51m contract is part of a framework agreement (“undefinitized contract action”) worth up to $329m announced on 4 November.
06 Nov 24. High-profile delegates from the Ministry of National Guard (MNG) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia visited a ROK Army firing range on November 5 to observe a combined firepower demonstration of South Korean major weapons systems.
H.R.H. Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulazia Al Saud, Minister of MNG, led the group at the invitation of the South Korean Ministry of National Defense and Hanwha Aerospace, the largest defense manufacturer in Korea, as part of efforts to expand bilateral defense partnership.
A variety of Hanwha’s artillery and combat vehicles demonstrated their proven combat capabilities during the live-fire exercise, which was observed by the MNG delegates as well as South Korean delegates from the Ministry of National Defense, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, and Hanwha Aerospace.
During the drill, a batch of 18 K9A1 Self-Propelled Howitzers intensively launched more than 90 rounds into a target area, while K30W Chunho (Sky Tiger) anti-aircraft gun wheeled armored vehicles and K30 Biho (Flying Tiger) self-propelled anti-aircraft systems fired heavy machine guns at aerial targets. The K21 Infantry Fighting Vehicle showed its outstanding amphibious maneuverability on the battlefield.
The event also included the showcase of newly developing combat platforms optimized for the KSA requirements. Among them are the 155mm Wheeled Self-Propelled Howitzer fitted with an automated unmanned turret; the Laser-Based Anti-Aircraft Weapon; the TIGON wheeled armored vehicle equipped either with anti-tank guided missiles or 120mm mortar; the Hybrid Short-Range Air Defense (H-SHORAD) wheeled system armed with a 30mm gun unmanned turret and a surface-to-air missile system.
“Today, we had a great opportunity to show our advanced defense technologies and products to the MNG delegation,” said Vice President Oh Kyeahwan, Head of Hanwha Aerospace Middle East & Africa. “Hanwha is fully committed to providing best-in-class defense solutions in all domains of air, sea and land to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under strong bilateral partnership.”
Following the combined firepower demonstration, the KSA delegation is scheduled to review Hanwha’s up-to-date air defense systems, including the laser-guided anti-aircraft weapon, later this week.
A day earlier, Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan held a meeting with H.R.H Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulazia Al Saud to confer on ways of expanding bilateral cooperation in economy and security affairs.
During the one-on-one meeting in Seoul, Kim stressed Hanwha’s strong commitment to contributing to KSA’s Vision 2030 initiative and defense modernization efforts. Both sides also agreed to make joint efforts to respond to security issues in the Middle East.
06 Nov 24. New turrets from Centauri Technologies.
Technologies is marketing a range of new turrets capable of accommodating weapons from 12.7 to 40 mm.
Centauri Technologies describes itself as being at the forefront of modern military innovation, specialising in the development and deployment of advanced remote-controlled weapon systems and cutting-edge anti-drone technologies.
Its portfolio includes a range of solutions designed to enhance the operational capabilities and safety of military personnel in various combat scenarios. “From the robust 12.7 mm and 30 mm Remotely Operated Weapon Systems (ROWS) to the versatile 40 mm grenade launchers, Centauri’s products are engineered to deliver unparalleled precision, reliability, and firepower. Its integrated systems are not only designed for lethality but also for seamless integration into existing defence frameworks, ensuring a superior strategic advantage,” the company said.
In response to the evolving threat of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), Centauri has pioneered anti-drone technologies that provide detection, tracking, and neutralisation capabilities. Its solutions are equipped with radar and sight systems, allowing for real-time monitoring and rapid response to drone incursions, focusing on hard kill protection.
Centauri’s products include the CRx-10 12.7 mm ROWS; CRx-30 30 mm ROWS; CRx-40 40 mm grenade launcher ROWS; and Tri-AD hard kill anti-drone solution.
The CRx-10 ROWS is a dual axis stabilised turret with a quick loading recoil mitigation cradle. The main weapon for the CRx-10 is the NATO 12.7 mm (BMG – 12.7×99 mm). The optical payload and sensor pack can be configured to suit client’s requirements.
Two multi barrel 40 mm dual axis ROWS are on offer by Centauri. The Mk 2 configuration features a 40×46 mm Low Velocity launcher with a situational awareness camera and handheld HMI (human-machine interface). This unit can also fire less lethal ammunition. The Mk 3 configuration utilises a launcher capable of firing 40×51 mm Medium Velocity ammunition. An advanced optical system is integrated in this turret. A ballistic calculator improves accuracy. Control of the system is with a handheld HMI.
Centauri’s flagship product is the CRx-30 ROWS, that fires the powerful 30×113 mm DEFA series cannon. The optical and control sensor pack are well advanced enabling the CRx-30 to be applied actively in target suppression and “hard kill” drone protection.
The TriAD drone protection system utilise Centauri’s CRx-30 and CRx-40 ROWS systems as a lethal combination to create an effective hard kill zone at close range, firing programmable fragmentation (airburst) ammunition. The TriAD system uses a radio frequency analyser and radar sensor from third parties for its primary detection method. Centauri’s high-resolution camera can detect the target with increased precision in various conditions.
Centauri’s well experienced personnel have in the past been part of many projects for numerous South African defence companies, including Denel.
(Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
05 Nov 24. GDMS to Design, Test, and Deliver MEDUSA Prototype. General Dynamics Mission Systems announced today that it was awarded a $15.9m contract by the U.S. Navy to design, test, and deliver the Mining Expendable Delivery Unmanned Submarine Asset (MEDUSA) system. MEDUSA is a tactical, clandestine mining system using an expendable Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) that can be launched from a submarine torpedo tube. The U.S. Navy is developing MEDUSA to address the need for an advanced maritime mining system with long-range offensive mining capabilities. The scope of the newly awarded research and development effort includes the design, fabrication, and testing of the MEDUSA prototypes and associated risk reduction activities.
This contract includes options for prototype production and support that, if exercised, would bring the total value of the contract to $58.1 m. Design work on this contract will be performed in Quincy and Taunton, Massachusetts; Fairfax and Manassas, Virginia; Scottsdale, Arizona; Middletown, Rhode Island and Greensboro, North Carolina and is expected to be completed by September 2026.
“The critical operational need for advanced mine warfare assets like MEDUSA has increased dramatically,” said Dr. Laura Hooks, vice president and general manager of the Maritime and Strategic Systems business at General Dynamics Mission Systems.
“By leveraging our mature Bluefin Robotics unmanned underwater vehicle platforms, submarine platform integration experience, and our expertise in launching various torpedoes and payloads from submarines, General Dynamics Mission Systems will provide exceptional capability, military utility, and mission reliability to MEDUSA operators. We are proud to partner with the U.S. Navy to deliver this vital technology to the fleet,” she added.
General Dynamics Mission Systems leads a team comprised of General Dynamics Electric Boat, General Dynamics Applied Physical Sciences, General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, EaglePicher, and MIKEL. (Source: ASD Network)
04 Nov 24. Pakistan carries out test of new ship-launched ballistic missile. Pakistan has test-fired a new type of ship-launched ballistic missile, the service disclosed on 5 November via an official social media channel.
The weapon has a range of 350 km and is capable of engaging targets on land and at sea, reads a statement that was posted in the channel managed by the Pakistan Navy’s Director General Public Relations office.
No further details of the weapon were provided, with the office noting that the weapon is “equipped with state-of-the-art navigation system and manoeuvrability features”. No details of the deploying platform were provided either.
However, a video of the test-firing posted on the channel suggests that the missile was fired from one of the Pakistan Navy’s Zulfiquar (F-22P)-class frigate, as deciphered from a part of the ship’s mast that is visible in the frame.
Pakistan operates a fleet of four Zulfiquar-class frigates, which are based on the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s Type 053, each equipped with eight diagonally mounted anti-ship missile launchers.
The video indicates a missile with a diameter of between 85 cm and 90 cm and an overall length of about 9 m, and with a white and blue livery with letters spelling ‘SMASH’ applied on its fuselage.
In addition, the missile’s exhaust plume strongly suggests that it is controlled by jet vanes during its boost phase, with steering assistance provided by four clipped delta flight control surfaces at its rear.
Also visible in the video is what appears to be at least one external ridge along the missile’s fuselage that can house an antenna array and an electronics bus. This will facilitate communications between the control module and the missile’s propulsion and steering systems. (Source: Janes)
04 Nov 24. Aselsan new version of GÖKSUR PDMS at Euronaval 2024.
The new configuration, dubbed GÖKSUR 100-N, will have a launcher capable of housing 20 missiles.
The GÖKSUR 100-N features the GÖKSUR IIR missile, which is now adapted for maritime defence. Credit: © Aselsan A.Ş.
Aselsan is set to unveil an enhanced configuration of its GÖKSUR Point Defence Missile System (PDMS) at the upcoming Euronaval 2024, scheduled to take place in Paris from 4-7 November 2024.
It will reveal the new version, dubbed GÖKSUR 100-N, which will have a launcher capable of housing 20 missiles.
The GÖKSUR 100-N features the GÖKSUR IIR missile, originally designed for air-to-air engagements and now adapted for maritime defence.
This infrared (IIR)-guided missile enables 360o target engagement and rapid deployment in challenging sea conditions and multi-threat environments.
The system’s turret stabilisation allows for swift manoeuvring, enhancing its defensive effectiveness.
It is equipped with an advanced fire control system that incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) and offers mid-course guidance to counter modern anti-ship threats.
Its ability to handle simultaneous multiple engagements significantly boosts a vessel’s operational flexibility and situational awareness.
Aselsan has also developed various configurations of the GÖKSUR PDMS, including the GÖKSUR 100-N VLS, a flexible and modular vertical launcher system, and the GÖKSUR 100-N/StA, a standalone turret option.
These modular solutions cater to diverse air and missile defence requirements.
Aselsan president and CEO Ahmet Akyol said: “As Aselsan, we are excited to showcase our expertise and innovative solutions in the naval domain at Euronaval, and to introduce the new version of our GÖKSUR Point Defence Missile System.”
In addition, Aselsan will showcase a range of naval electronic warfare systems, underwater technologies, advanced naval communication solutions, and electro-optical systems at EURONAVAL 2024.
The exhibition will also feature the GÖKDENİZ close-in weapon system, MARLİN uncrewed surface vehicle, DÜFAS low-frequency active sonar system, and DERİNGÖZ autonomous underwater vehicle.
(Source: naval-technology.com)
04 Nov 24. Safran shows hybrid NGDS with Mistral 3. Safran Electronics & Defense has unveiled a hybrid version of its NGDS (New Generation Dagaie System) trainable decoy launcher configured to fire both hard-kill and soft-kill munitions.
Displayed for the first time at Euronaval 2024, the proposed variant offers the ability to fire MBDA Mistral 3 infrared (IR)-homing very short-range air-defence (VSHORAD) missiles alongside standard decoy rockets.
Already in service with the French Navy and a number of international naval forces, the stabilised two-axis NGDS launcher consists of a trainable mounting and an elevating firing table atop which a multibarrel ammunition module is fitted. The original 12-round launcher system developed for the French Navy features four triple launch barrels sized for Lacroix Defense 150 mm calibre SEALEM (radio frequency) and SEALIR (IR) decoys.
Safran has subsequently introduced modified NGDS barrel module configurations to meet specific customer needs. For example, a configuration D variant introduces new130 mm barrel modules on the firing table, which can fire both mortar-fired and rocket-propelled NATO-standard 130 mm decoy rounds.
According to Pierre-Olivier Nouguès, Safran’s senior vice-president naval sales, the concept of a hybrid NGDS mixing both missiles and decoys is a self-funded initiative for a ‘small footprint’ solution to defend against saturation attacks. “Owing to the needs to have several different types of ammunition, but at the same time limit the number of launchers on the ship, we have studied adapting the launcher with up to eight Mistral 3 missiles in addition to six large soft-kill munitions,” he said. “The preliminary work we’ve been doing with MBDA has been [focused] on Mistral [because] we are familiar with the earlier Tetral and Sadral launchers.” (Source: Janes)
01 Nov 24. France increases mortar capabilities. The French Army’s towed 120 mm mortars that will be replaced by Griffon Mortier Embarqué Pour l’Appui au Contact (MEPAC) 6×6 self-propelled 120 mm mortar carriers will be transferred to its infantry units, Janes learnt at Defence iQ’s Future Mortar Systems (FMS) 2024 conference held in London on 29–30 October. As a result, the service will have 20 120 mm mortar batteries, one for every French Army battlegroup.
The Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA), the French armaments procurement agency, awarded a contract to the SCORPION temporary consortium composed of Nexter (now KNDS France), Arquus, and Thales for 54 MEPACs at the end of 2020, with deliveries to be completed in 2028. The systems will equip the French Army artillery units. The infantry units will be equipped with 81 mm mortars, in addition to the 120 mm towed mortars that they will receive. The latter will be towed by Serval Véhicule Blindé Multi-Rôle Léger (VBMR-L) 4×4 light multirole armoured vehicles, which the French Army refers to as ‘Servalisation’. This is expected to contribute to the service’s infantry transformation process, which includes the introduction of new sensors, unmanned aerial vehicles, and loitering munitions, the latter to be delivered at the end of 2024.
The first MEPAC delivery is also planned for the end of 2024, following completion of qualification. With a crew of four, the 24.5 tonne MEPAC is equipped with the Thales Rifled, Recoiled, Mounted Mortar (2R2M) system with 360° coverage. The system features SCORPION vectronics, with automatic positioning and gun laying, as well as an ATLAS automated field artillery fire support system. The French Army claims MEPAC can shoot and scoot in less than a minute. (Source: Janes)
04 Nov 24. MBDA successfully completes the first launch of the new Teseo MK2/E anti-ship system for the Italian Navy. The Teseo MK2/E evolved missile system was successfully test fired for the first time on 14 October as part of the multi-year development programme for the Italian Navy. Teseo MK2/E is a new generation missile that brings a substantial improvement in the anti-ship capabilities of the Teseo missile family, known abroad as OTOMAT.
The firing, in co-operation with the Italian Navy, validated the design of the new elements of the missile and confirmed the results of wind tunnel testing of the missile’s new aerodynamics, paving the way towards the qualification of the new airframe and the new propulsion system, expected next next year.
The Teseo Mk2/E missile system will feature a unique mix of new capabilities and performance, notably through a new AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Antenna) RF seeker, shorter reaction times and enhanced mission planning that includes in-flight missile control via a satellite data link.
Together these advanced features will enable the effective countering of both sea and land targets at long ranges than previous generation systems. This extended range provides greater safety for crews on operations and the ability to conduct deep strikes to neutralise threats coming from fixed, mobile or reinforced positions located on the ground.
The Teseo Mk2/E missile system is the answer to continually evolving threats that generate the need to satisfy new operational requirements. Teseo Mk2/E has been defined and developed in close collaboration with the Italian Navy to equip the new PPA, Multi-Purpose Combat Ship, and new generation destroyers (DDX). Alongside the previous Mk2/A version, it will also on board the FREMM and Horizon class naval units. The Teseo MK2/E missile system will also be integrated on future FREMM EVO frigates and can be adapted to the needs of international customers.
Thanks to its very high performance, it will represent a new standard in the anti-ship armaments market and its variety of missions and flexibility will perfectly integrate and complement MBDA anti-ship portfolio.
Giovanni Soccodato, Executive Group Director Sales and Business Development and Managing Director of MBDA Italia, stated: “This first test of the Teseo MK2/E demonstrates the validity of the project, confirms our development roadmap, and presents a cutting-edge naval defence product capable of countering the most sophisticated threats. It also underlines once again how working in synergy with the customer brings results that perfectly meet their requirements. The decision by our Navy to equip the Teseo MK2/E with the new AESA seeker has made it possible to develop Italian skills in the deep strike domain and will allow our country to participate in the FC/ASW programme in collaboration with France and UK, contributing high added-value support and significant technological content.”
04 Nov 24. At Euronaval, MBDA is showcasing the newest generation of its world-renowned family of Exocet anti-ship missiles, continuously evolving to meet modern naval requirements and to ensure current and future maritime superiority. MBDA presents for the first time a brand new submarine-launched missile for anti-ship and surface warfare, the Exocet SM40. With this new missile, MBDA builds on its expertise to remain the sole European player to provide a unique sovereign capability for submarines, with no equivalent on the market.
The ability to successfully fire an anti-ship missile at any time of day or night, and in all weathers, and whatever the Electronic Warfare conditions, has always been vital. In addition, the capability of surface ships to detect a submarine has increased a lot over the years due to technological improvements, leading to a new generation of anti-ship missiles.
The Exocet SM40 features two main changes – when compared to the Exocet SM39 – to meet the new challenges of modern naval warfare, while maintaining the operational advantages that contributed to the success of SM39, such as the ability to fire at extreme depths or from brown water.
Building on a successful spiral evolution, the Exocet SM40 integrates the latest technologies developed for the Exocet MM40 B3c, including a new coherent J-band RF seeker and associated missile algorithms developed for high-intensity context. The Exocet SM40 will benefit from a renewed capability to discriminate and identify targets in a complex and highly demanding electronic warfare environment.
It also features a doubled range in the class of 120 km with a new propulsion system with a turbojet engine to regain the stand-off distance in anti-submarine warfare. These new capabilities are essential to ensure submarine self-protection against all kinds of modern and future threats and defeat highly defended vessels. To secure a fast time to market and minimize integration work, Exocet SM40 uses the same unrivalled launch envelope (propelled and guided underwater vehicle) as the Exocet SM39. MBDA is providing Naval Group submarines with game-changing capability for the next decade based on a well-proven solution for customers. With this new missile, Exocet remains Navies’ life insurance at sea, whenever, wherever and in any weather conditions.
04 Nov 24. UK ship and fleet protection specialist SEA and Danish engineering company Terma have announced the development of a combined countermeasures solution, Ancilia Powered by C-Guard MKII, at Euronaval. The new capability will provide a broader range of vessels and fleets access to the latest countermeasures technology to enhance the survivability of naval vessels in modern combat scenarios.
Using SEA’s trainable decoy launcher system, Ancilia, and the technology from Terma’s C-Guard MKII rapid response and constant threat evaluation capability, the combined countermeasures solution will provide an intelligent end-to-end solution ensuring enhanced fleet protection against multiple missiles and torpedoes for navies around the world.
A step-change in decoy launcher technology from traditional fixed solutions, Ancilia’s trainable nature removes the need to manoeuvre the vessel to counter incoming threats. Its relatively small size and weight also allows for rapid installation on a wide range of maritime platforms. Incorporating decoy-agnostic open architecture, the system can launch any standard 130mm NATO decoy, and other calibres of effectors, and can be retrofitted onto existing platforms delivering a truly flexible solution.
Ancilia Powered by C-Guard MKII will combine the latest in countermeasures capability with Terma’s proven C-Guard threat evaluation processing with advanced engagement algorithms. This will allow the end-to-end capability to easily integrate with a ship’s combat management system enabling a broader range of vessels and fleets access to the latest countermeasures technology.
Richard Flitton, Managing Director of SEA said: “In a rapidly evolving landscape with diverse threats, Ancilia powered by C-Guard MKII brings together leading countermeasures capabilities to offer a solution based on cutting-edge technology. Providing protection across multiple spectrums including radar and infrared, the new capability will help enhance the survivability of naval vessels in combat situations.
“With Ancilia soon to be in service with a tier one navy and C-Guard used globally, the combined capability is a next level countermeasures solution for vessels currently reliant on older technology.”
Thomas Elisberg, Director Naval Sales at Terma said: “Ancilia Powered by C-Guard MKII will offer navies across the world access to an integrated countermeasures solution, with the capability of incorporating both fixed and trainable launchers. With enhanced flexibility and effectiveness, the system ensures optimal placement of decoys based on the evolving threat picture.
“Our partnership with SEA will deliver a truly integrated and customer driven countermeasures offering.”
SEA has recently been awarded a £135m contract by the UK Royal Navy to provide its Ancilia capability to improve the defensive capabilities of the Royal Navy’s surface ships.
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About Galvion:
Galvion designs, develops, and delivers mission critical head, face, and torso protective solutions as well as intelligent power and data management systems for the world’s most demanding military and tactical teams. Founded in 2002 as Revision Military, a foundational belief in calculated investment and capability expansion led to a strategic refocus, resulting in the divestiture of the protective eyewear business, along with the Revision name, in 2019. Rebranded as Galvion, the company’s products and technology continue to evolve beyond purely passive protection, focusing instead on active systems that enhance performance and survivability, with an eye to the ever-changing demands of the modern battlefield. Through advanced design, keen end-user insight and intelligent integration, Galvion engineers uniquely customized solutions that go beyond what was once thought possible.
Privately owned with ISO 9001:2015 certified facilities in Vermont, Massachusetts and New Hampshire in the US, Montreal in Canada and Bristol in the UK, Galvion’s team of 400+ employees work proactively to solve the problems left unsolved by others.
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