Sponsored by Echodyne
www.echodyne.com
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01 Feb 24. OWT Global and Echodyne Collaborate on Next-Generation Situational Awareness Solutions and Global Services Support. OWT Global, a trusted services and solutions provider for C5ISR, UxS and Air Domain Awareness & Defense solutions, and Echodyne Corp, the radar platform company delivering high-performance commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) radars, today announced a strategic relationship to develop and bring to market next-generation situational awareness solutions across OWT Global’s portfolio.
Echodyne’s ultra-low size, weight, and power (SWaP) radars offer electronically scanned array (ESA) performance at COTS price points that radically expands situational awareness capabilities across deployed forces and assets. Integrated into OWT Global’s advanced Intelligent Sensing as a Service (ISaaS) platform, the precision radar data improves end-end system performance.
The companies will focus on optimizing existing capabilities and expanding these into new applications. Additionally, the relationship establishes a proven services support model to grow with Echodyne radars. Strategic applications include:
- Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS), where data accuracy vastly improves identification and targeting, and COTS equipment corrects financial asymmetry.
- C5ISR, where highly portable, low-SWaP, high fidelity situational awareness improves mission outcomes.
- UxS operations, where low-SWaP and high-fidelity performance are key design objectives for maritime assets, air & ground vehicles, and ground stations.
- Improved Critical Infrastructure Protection, where airspace awareness is paramount to security design and operations.
“OWT Global’s vendor agnostic support to our customers enables us to see and use emerging products from across the market and keep pace with evolving requirements,” said Eric Fuller, CEO of OWT Global. “It’s clear to us that Echodyne’s radars provide an accuracy and reliability far beyond existing legacy solutions and enable OWT to bring our customers optimized options to keep pace with the latest threats. We’re excited about the growing partnership with Echodyne and are committed to always staying aligned with the best capabilities for our customers and their missions.”
“As our radars are designed into more mission-critical systems, creating relationships with trusted suppliers is key to our success,” said Eben Frankenberg, CEO of Echodyne. “OWT Global represents deep knowledge of systems and platforms that are being tasked with detecting, tracking, and defeating modern threats like drones. OWT Global’s expertise augmented by best-in-class Echodyne radars is a winning combination for end users.”
31 Jan 24. Belgium receiving additional batch of Mikron night-vision goggles. The Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR)is procuring on behalf of Belgium an additional 3,500 Mikron night-vision goggles (NVGs) from the Theon Sensors and Hensoldt consortium following an amendment to the Night Vision Capability (NVC) contract. The NVC contract was signed in July 2021 between OCCAR and the consortium for the provision of NVGs to Belgium and Germany to improve their armies’ night-vision capability and bolster interoperability. As part of this, 4,550 16 mm NVGs were delivered to Belgium and 5,000 to Germany with an option for follow-on orders of up to 20,000 NVGs. Germany exercised the option for 20,000 NVGs in July 2022 under a separate amendment to the NVC contract.
This latest contract amendment not only includes additional sets for Belgium, but also comprises an option for a further 16,041 NVG sets for Germany, up to 25,000 additional NVG sets for Belgium and/or Germany, an additional 8,423 Head Mounting Systems for Germany, and initial and follow-on in-service support for the extra NVG sets. (Source: Janes)
30 Jan 24. Cuashub.com said today that EDGE Awarded UAE MOD Counter-UAS Contract. The EDGE Group, a prominent advanced technology and defense entity, has announced a contract to supply the UAE Ministry of Defence (MoD) with robust, multi-layered counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS). This strategic initiative aims to bolster the UAE’s national security.
The contract, disclosed at the Unmanned Systems Exhibition and Conference (UMEX) 2024, encompasses delivering SIGN4L‘s advanced SKYSHIELD C-UAS and NAVCONTROL-G systems. These cutting-edge C-UAS offerings deliver heightened situational awareness and soft-kill capabilities, effectively countering unmanned aerial threats and ensuring comprehensive protection for critical infrastructure and border integrity.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/edge-awarded-uae-mod-counter-uas-contract/?_hsmi=291988614&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-98nQu9zjQpo1xzLV-25deCubYBLSIxnEqMzzbD4pU9bfRusJYxkClpxc0s1KGgK15mbxB4Vzr_9oLrPipijx_QPxbQ1GDKlscp6PmJbKj-r-WwCUM#utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&utm_content=291988614&utm_source=hs_email(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
29 Jan 24. DroneShield releases the Expeditionary Fixed Site (EFS) Kit for DroneSentry-X Mk2. DroneShield Ltd (ASX:DRO) (“DroneShield” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the launch of its Expeditionary Fixed-Site (EFS) Kit for the DroneSentry-X Mk2. DroneSentry-X Mk2 is a multi-mission Counter-UxS solution providing AI driven detection, identification and next generation electronic defeat capabilities engineered for mobile and expeditionary use cases. DroneShield’s EFS Kit enables rapid deployment of the DroneSentry-X Mk2 across a wide range of operations, setting a new standard for ease of use among tactical end users.
Key Features of the DroneSentry-X Mk2 Expeditionary Fixed-Site (EFS) Kit:
- AI-Powered Threat Detection: Leveraging advanced artificial intelligence, DroneSentry-X Mk2 excels in detecting and identifying multi-domain UxS threats with unparalleled accuracy, providing operators with crucial intelligence in real-time.
- Expeditionary Fixed Site (EFS) Kit: The EFS Kit ensures the adaptability of the DroneSentry-X Mk2 for fixed-site or semi-permanent wide area operations. The EFS Kit was designed with operator feedback for an intuitive deployment, making it easy to set-up and versatile, streamlining a variety of scenarios including mobile or on-the-move, at the halt, reconnaissance, force protection and base defense operations.
- Tool-Less Mount and Installation: The EFS Kit features a tool-less mount and installation, allowing for swift deployment as well as quick disassembly without the need for intricate tools or specialized training. Tactical operators can set up and disassemble the system efficiently in less than 10 minutes, enhancing response times to emerging threats as well as allowing for expedited disassembly if and when the mission changes.
Portable Battery Solution: The EFS Kit includes a portable battery solution ensuring uninterrupted operation in remote or temporary settings. This feature enhances the system’s mobility, increases deployment options and reduces dependency on fixed power sources.
29 Jan 24. Cuashub.com said today that Onyx Demonstrates its SENTRY Remote Weapon System. Onyx presented an in-person demonstration of its SENTRY RWS intelligent remote weapon system at the AFWERX Challenge Expedient Basing Sensors and Mission Generation Support showcase on January 18, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The AFWERX Challenge is a high-caliber market research program, aiming to engage industry and academic innovators in applying their cutting-edge technologies and solutions to address government challenges. The goal is to expedite the transition from innovative ideas to deployed solutions.
Zach Pyle, CEO of Onyx, expressed great pride at being chosen to present their defense technology solutions at the AFWERX Challenge. He highlighted the opportunity to showcase how the SENTRY intelligent remote weapon system could enhance the capabilities of the U.S. Air Force and Space Force.
Michael Cadice, Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Onyx, expressed the company’s significant progress in advancing SENTRY technology since its launch last year. He looks forward to expediting the path to a fully deployed solution.
In collaboration with OKSI, the SENTRY RWS is a versatile, intelligent remote weapon system developed as a force multiplier. Tailored for the contemporary battlefield, it offers automated target detection and recognition capabilities while maintaining human oversight. Available in kinetic and ISR variants, the system can be strategically deployed for overwatch or terrain denial, enhancing the protection of friendly forces.
AFWERX, as an innovation branch of the Department of the Air Force, supports the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Space Force. Fueled by the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX facilitates the transition of agile, cost-effective, and rapidly deployable capabilities by fostering collaboration between innovative solution providers and the talents of Airmen and Guardians.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/onyx-demonstrates-its-sentry-remote-weapon-system/?_hsmi=291806930&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–kV06dNaOD7F4XA6XwYRzM5Z8HbakmOX07CzuMOndCf0qwvaD_Ze1Lkstagt_vCQ5koU4V_yx1HWK_eSrSGRXQQy68UToso8Z4fy8r4f-3uCXav24#utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&utm_content=291806930&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
26 Jan 24. New report highlights vulnerabilities in development of directed energy weapon systems. A report issued on 23 January by the (US) National Defense Industrial Association’s Emerging Technology Institute highlights the unsurprising but nonetheless concerning fact that weak demand signals from the Pentagon are impeding rapid development of directed energy weapons.
Directed Energy Weapon Supply Chains: Securing the Path to the Future (see link below) recognises the enormous potential that such weapons have in a wide variety of roles – including counter-UAS – while focusing on high-energy lasers (HEL) and high-power microwaves (HPM). The tactical benefits are undoubted, and the potential economic benefits, though subject to considerable debate, have a similarly significant impact. However, the current failure of DoD to fully commit to deployment of the weapons at scale is having a detrimental effect on a supply chain described as vulnerable.
The report, which describes the weapons as “more capable than ever,” suggests they are destined for “an increasingly vital role in countering the threats posed by an increasingly belligerent China, Russia and Iran.” That destiny, however, is unlikely to be realised unless a more positive and committed attitude becomes apparent on the procurement side of the equation. Without such an adjustment, supply chains will continue to be constrained to production of small quantities and will lack the investment required to alter their prospects.
Among the report’s key findings is the suggestion that a strong, committed DoD demand signal is the most urgent action required to stimulate the sector. Industry executives participating in the 23 January launch of the report agreed. Another finding identified vulnerabilities in the supply of critical raw materials, including a number of rare earth elements, supply of which is largely controlled by China.
Further issues highlighted as potential limiting factors in the report include skilled labour shortages, poor training facilities and poor security, as well as a need to exploit international partnerships to help compensate for the lack of critical materials. One cannot help but recognise, however, that there is one paramount shortage for which only concerted action by government, industry and academia can compensate. Time. For more information: directedenergyweaponsreportdeeti.pdf (emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org) (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
23 Jan 24. BeeSense, DRS RADA and NT Service deliver new advanced counter-UAS solution. BeeSense, DRS RADA Technologies and NT Service have partnered to deliver a new advanced multi-sensor drone detection and mitigation system. BeeSense contributed modern sensor technologies that enable precise recognition and tracking of UAVs. It also integrated the components of the counter-UAS system into its command and control application. Advanced radar technologies from DRS RADA play a pivotal role in providing comprehensive situational awareness and UAV detection. NT Service has leveraged its expertise in portable drone mitigation systems to enhance system resilience against emerging threats and integrated all system components onto a mobile trailer.
For more information: https://beesense-sys.com/ (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
29 Jan 24. DAT-CON, Teledyne FLIR and Marduk Technologies win Frontex Detection of Low-Flying Objects contest. Frontex announced the winners of its first Prize Award Contest for the Detection of Low-Flying Objects on 26 January. After what the agency describes as “a complex, multi-level evaluation process,” culminating in operational trials lasting three weeks last September and October, the first three winners receive a total of EUR600,000 for further development of their proposed solutions:
- DAT-CON took first place, with a EUR250,000 prize;
- Teledyne FLIR won the second place prize of EUR200,000;
- Marduk Technologies, in third place, won EUR150,000.
Launched in December 2022, this project is the agency’s first prize award, and aims to encourage development of innovative concepts and technological solutions to detect, track and identify low-flying objects (LFO) crossing EU borders. The term LFO covers a broad set of aerial platforms that operate in low-level airspace – defined as airspace below 1,000 feet AGL. The goal is to provide an incentive to industry to develop cost-efficient, scalable, and integrated operational capabilities, and to reward the best-performing technological solutions. Solutions had to comprise at least three systems using a combination of both active and passive detection capabilities (e.g. RF monitoring, camera, and radar). For more information: Frontex Prize: We know the winners! (europa.eu) (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
29 Jan 24. India’s DRDO aiming high with directed energy weapons for C-UAS and C-RAM. India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working hard to field a demonstrator of a lightweight, mobile, 100kW-class directed energy weapon (DEW), according to reports from the Indian Defence Research Wing.
The DRDO’s vision is for a truck-mounted weapon to protect manoeuvre forces and is apparently inspired, in part, by watching the ‘drone war’ unfolding in Ukraine. While the lightweight variant is seemingly intended for the counter-UAS mission, the organization is reportedly also working on a 250-300kW variant, intended for the counter-rocket, artillery & mortar (C-RAM) mission. At a stretch, the latter device might also play a role in a layered air defence model aimed at shielding critical targets from cruise missiles.
The reports indicate a 100kW demonstrator might be shown “soon,” whereas a demonstrator for the larger weapon is still likely “several years” from completion.
For more information
Indian Defense Giant Eyes Laser Dominance: A Look at DRDO’s DEW Plans – Indian Defence Research Wing (idrw.org) (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
29 Jan 24. VITEC, a leader in the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) technology community, will showcase its latest enhanced streaming technologies at the World Defense Show, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 4-8 February 2024. At stand F9, VITEC will spotlight its advanced and versatile ruggedized encoder family for ISTAR or Situational Awareness video, as well as its video content management solution designed for rapid deployment in the field. It will be the first time VITEC is participating at the World Defense Show, following continued expansion within VITEC’s Middle East team, operating from key offices in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Dubai, UAE.
“We are eagerly anticipating our inaugural participation at the World Defense Show, where we aim to showcase our expertise in delivering superior video quality at exceptionally low bitrates – essential for increasingly important ISTAR missions using drones and manned or unmanned vehicles to distribute reliable live tactical video to command centres in real-time,” says Walid Tabet, Regional Director, VITEC. “Our debut at the World Defense Show underlines our dedication to serving and advancing the evolving needs of the Middle East’s defense and security landscape, whilst our strategic growth in the Middle East reflects our ongoing commitment to establishing a stronger presence in the region’s dynamic defense industry.”
On the VITEC stand will be the MGW Pico+ TOUGH, a compact and power-efficient video encoder designed for unmanned and manned land, sea, or air vehicles. The MGW Pico+ TOUGH features an ultra-small airborne and marine certified enclosure, and is made to work in all environmental conditions. It overcomes network bandwidth constraints to ensure best video quality at low bitrate. In addition, this encoder can adjust its bitrate ‘on the fly’ to dynamically optimize the video quality to the available bandwidth. The miniature device weighs less than 400g and is the smallest, most power-efficient HEVC and H.264 HD/SD video encoder on the market.
Also featuring on show is the MGW Diamond TOUGH, a quad channel HEVC and H.264 HD/SD encoder which provides multi-channel low latency streaming supported by High Dynamic Range (HDR) for exceptional video contrast and brightness. In addition, the included next-generation HEVC (H.265) compression supports the reduction of network bandwidth utilisation by up to 50% compared to the current H.264 standards.
EZ TV ISR™ (Fully Integrated Tactical IPTV System) will also be showcased on the VITEC stand, allowing users to process, archive, index, manage and share tactical video and metadata content. Its secure and reliable architecture – which meets Information Assurance and Cyber-Security requirements – enables government and military entities to quickly exploit and process live and recorded video assets. EZ TV ISR™ can be rapidly deployed in the field or in a secure, hosted site to serve as the central interface for managing live and recorded IPTV. The all-in-one solution also offers editing and collaboration capabilities for analysing and sharing video assets with KLV/STANAG metadata. This mosaic of features positions EZ TV ISR™ as an essential asset for improving video content management and collaborative workflows in challenging tactical environments.
25 Jan 24. Marine Radar Training Software Released by Cambridge Pixel. Cambridge Pixel announces the launch of SPx Radar Trainer, a software package designed to aid in the instruction and learning of the proper usage of maritime radars.
SPx Radar Trainer makes it easier for students to familiarise themselves with radar controls by providing a modern simulation of a typical radar display, supported by chart and 3D environment views. It includes custom scenario creation for instructors and runs in a browser window for ease-of-use.
The use of radars on small boats and sailing yachts is now commonplace and when used properly, they help ensure the safety of lives at sea by assisting in situations of restricted visibility, thereby reducing the risk of collision. There is a growing demand for instructional courses which are often reliant on educational software that is outdated, inaccurate or expensive.
SPx Radar Trainer offers a modern radar training solution. Developed by Cambridge Pixel, a company known for its radar software expertise, this solution provides students with a realistic PPI display and common controls. With the ability to steer the vessel and observe the 3D environment from multiple viewing angles, the software makes it easier to understand what is being represented on the PPI display.
Course instructors are provided with the flexibility to create custom scenarios, from setting the ‘own ship’ starting location, course, and speed, to placing other vessel traffic and configuring weather conditions. This allows instructors to provide training using realistic and familiar scenarios.
Commenting on the launch, Cambridge Pixel’s founder and managing director David Johnson said “Cambridge Pixel is pleased to launch a modern solution that supports training on the operation of marine radar systems. SPx Radar Trainer expands our range of radar processing solutions that aid in improving safety and security around the world.”
29 Jan 24. 3L-Systems, a Korean precision optical lens supplier, to contribute to the local production of DIRCM by supplying infrared Sapphire Dome.
South Korea for the first time ever and sixth country in the world successfully developed Directional InfraRed CounterMeasures (DIRCM). The Korean precision optical lens supplier 3L-Systems(www.3l-systems.com/en) developed Sapphire Dome technology to apply in DIRCM, garnering attention from the high-tech defense industry.
3L-Systems announced that they have supplied their independently developed Sapphire Dome for the DIRCM project, organized by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration together with Hanwha Systems participating as the prototype manufacturing company. The high-hardness infrared Sapphire Dome from 3L-Systems plays a crucial role in enhancing the performance of the DIRCM by expanding the field of view for missile guidance systems.
DIRCM is a device designed to counter the threat posed by Man-Portable Air-Defence Systems (MANPADS) attacking allied aircraft. When a missile threat is detected on an aircraft, DIRCM, equipped on the aircraft, plays a crucial role in significantly improving the survivability of allied aircraft by emitting high-power infrared lasers (deceptive light source) to disrupt the missiles. Considered essential survival equipment for aircraft, DIRCM has traditionally incorporated foreign equipment. However, through successful domestication, utilizing purely domestic technology from local collaborators, including 3L-Systems, it has not only achieved import substitution but also secured growth momentum for the defense industry.
3L-Systems (www.3l-systems.com/en), established in 2005 through the transfer of technology from the American optical component company ‘Rainbow Research Optics,’ has been a key player in producing precision optical components used in various industries such as electronics, telecommunications, and optics in South Korea.
Amidst the intensification of advanced defense technology competition, 3L-Systems has acquired defense material manufacturing licenses and actively participated in the development of military and defense optical components and modules, aiming for continuous progress. The company has exported military and defense optics, being registered as a primary supplier for numerous domestic defense companies, contributing to the development, production, and delivery of components like infrared Sapphire Dome and wheeled anti-aircraft optical components.
CEO of 3L-Systems, a leading Korean precision optical lens supplier, expressed the company’s commitment: “Adhering to the principles of ‘HIGH QUALITY, FAST DELIVERY & SERVICE, COMPETITIVE PRICE,’ we will realize customer satisfaction through quality assurance and technological innovation. We aim to strengthen our competitiveness globally by expanding into overseas markets and establishing collaborative partners in countries such as Japan, China, and Singapore. Our goal is for 3L-Systems’ optical products to be utilized worldwide, and we will enhance our competitiveness with technological talents for that day.” (Source: PR Newswire)
29 Jan 24. Lockheed Martin APY-9 radar sets new benchmark for Advanced Hawkeye. Lockheed Martin’s APY-9 radar enhances the US Navy’s ascendancy in information warfare. Lockheed Martin, under contract to Northrop Grumman, has delivered the 75th APY-9 radar for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.
Chandra Marshall, vice president of Lockheed Martin’s Radar & Sensor Systems business, emphasises the legacy of the APY-9 radar, “As the primary sensor for the E-2D, the APY-9 radar has a long legacy of providing agile deterrence for enhanced 21st-century security. Our primary focus is to bring our military men and women home safely, and the APY-9 sets that bar for all other AEW radars.”
Eyes of the fleet
The Advanced Hawkeye variant is hailed as the US Navy’s “eyes of the fleet”. Its simultaneous surveillance capabilities over air, land, and sea position it as a backbone in safeguarding the United States and its allies.
In North America, the ongoing procurement of EC-37B Compass Call and E-2D by the US will account for a major share of the North American ISR aircraft market, according to GlobalData’s “The Global Military Fixed Wing Aircraft Market 2023-2033” report.
The on-time delivery underscores Lockheed Martin’s commitment to meeting the demands of the US Navy. With 80 out of 86 funded aircraft in the current programme, international interest from Japan and France further solidifies the APY-9 radar’s global importance.
Global demand and enduring production
Anticipated to be in production well into the late 2020s and sustained through the 2040s, the APY-9 radar is a mainstay in modernising and supporting airborne early warning capabilities.
Lockheed Martin’s two-decade-long collaboration with Northrop Grumman on the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye reflects a commitment to delivering actionable data for joint forces and first responders. The radar’s provides situational awareness, shortening the time between initial awareness and active engagement.
Deployed worldwide in diverse environments, these radars are the preferred choice of more than 45 nations on six continents. The 75th APY-9 radar delivery is a milestone in a longstanding collaboration.
(Source: naval-technology.com)
26 Jan 24. Royal Navy to upgrade Merlin HM2 radar. The UK Royal Navy (RN) is to upgrade the radar of its Lockheed Martin AW101 Merlin HM2 maritime helicopters to see them out to their planned 2040 retirement date.
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) released a supply chain notice on 25 January, in which it said it is looking for “expressions of interest” from organisations wishing to be considered for qualification for the competitive procurement process for radar solutions for the RN Merlin HM2.
“The radar is to provide helicopter-based surface search for general maritime surveillance including small target detection/tracking, situational awareness and contribution to collision avoidance. Additional capabilities including air detection and over-land modes should be identified,” the MoD solicitation said, adding that responses should be submitted by 18 February. No further details or timelines were disclosed.
(Source: Janes)
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Echodyne is a U.S. designer and manufacturer of advanced commercial radar solutions for defense and national security applications. The company’s proprietary metamaterials electronically scanned array (MESA®) architecture, a rare breakthrough in advanced radar engineering, leverages a physics-design approach to adapt conventional materials and deliver unexpected and beneficial behavior. The result is a solid-state, low-SWaP unit coupled with advanced software capabilities that delivers superior radar performance and unparalleled data integrity, radically improving system performance and enhancing safety for people and machines. With leading positions in counter-UAS, force protection, base security, and portable ISR, Defense Agencies and Suppliers rely on Echodyne radar for extraordinary accuracy and consistent, reliable operation. For more information, please visit: Echodyne.com.
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