RADAR, EO/IR, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

Web Page sponsored by Blighter Surveillance Systems

www.blighter.com

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10 Sep 21. MOD awards £3.8m contract for advanced base protection system. Programme TALOS, overseen by Strategic Command’s innovation hub (jHub), helps to rapidly bring new technology into defence. A £3.8m contract to trial an advanced base defence system has been awarded to the American company Anduril Industries through Strategic Command’s jHub.

The system uses an advanced operating system, which is assisted by AI, and a network of sensors to autonomously detect, classify, and track potential threats.

It uses a combination of sentry towers, ground sensors and drone technology to alert personnel of any intrusion on the ground or in the air and then presents options for personnel to respond. The system has the capacity to add different sensors and autonomously offers options to respond, depending on the threat.

The contract was awarded as a part of Programme TALOS, a MOD programme focused on accelerating a defence-wide approach to integrated command and control (C2). The system has been offered through a new subscription model, meaning the software and hardware will be updated with the latest technology whilst also being maintained for operational use.

This approach ensures that defence is equipped with the latest cutting-edge technology whilst also allowing the jHub to work with the company to trial and deploy new technology as it is developed. It forms part of the jHub’s work towards a Sustainable Tech Adoption Model (STAM), which is looking into different ways of working with industry to procure new capabilities.

Programme TALOS previously experimented with counter ground intrusion towers at the UK’s overseas base in Akrotiri, Cyprus, to see whether the systems could be integrated into the existing C2 network. This next step allows the UK to continue to develop advanced, multi-domain, integrated force protection technology.

General Sir Patrick Sanders, Commander of UK Strategic Command, said, “This state-of-the-art technology will give our serving men and women help by identifying and assessing external threats in nanoseconds. The artificial intelligence at the heart of this system has great potential to protect our people and sites. It’s another success for our innovation team at jHub, working closely with Anduril to help create a bespoke system, from idea to implementation at pace, to meet the specific requirements of our Armed Forces.” (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

10 Sep 21. Saab at DSEI 2021. Saab will be exhibiting at the 2021 Defence Security and Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition, London, England, from 14-17 September. Saab welcomes visitors to come to our stand (South Hall H7-110) to learn more about our range of world-leading systems that contribute to keeping people and society safe. Across land, sea and air, these systems provide the awareness and means to protect and defend whatever the threat.

Away from the stand, a compact, lightweight Giraffe 1X 3D radar will be located at the East outdoor display area, where it will provide a live demonstration of its capabilities from atop a Supacat Jackal vehicle. Visitors will be able to talk to Saab experts about its unique features and see for themselves the high quality situational awareness users can expect. Dockside to the South Hall and located in the marina section will be the

new Combat Boat 90 Next Generation. Visitors are welcome to visit it and learn more about how CB90 NG brings a mu

09 Sep 21. HENSOLDT’s Sensor Solutions at DSEI 2021. Detect and Protect on the ground, in the air and at sea. Sensor solutions specialist HENSOLDT presents its broad range of sensor technologies in the Air, Maritime, Land and Security domains at DSEI 2021. HENSOLDT is excited to announce the expansion of its portfolio and will be showcasing a product launch event on Wednesday 15th September. For more information, please visit HENSOLDT at ExCel London, booth No. H2-405.

In the Maritime domain, HENSOLDT will exhibit the SharpEye range of 2D navigation radars and Integrated Navigation Bridge System (INBS). These systems are used extensively by the UK Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary. HENSOLDT will also be presenting a range of multi-sensor optronic masts for submarines, and a new 3D naval surveillance radar, the name of which is due to be announced at a product launch event on Wednesday 15th September.

In the Land domain, HENSOLDT will present its advanced armoured vehicle solutions, including innovative Optronics systems such as MUSS – Multi-functional Self-protection System, alongside SETAS – See Through Armour System. HENSOLDT’s impressive portfolio of advanced active and passive radar sensors for the Land domain are represented by the TRML-4D air defence / weapon location radar, and the ground-breaking TwInvis passive radar. HENSOLDT will also feature portable battlefield radar solutions such as its SPEXER 360 and 600 products, which are designed to provide excellent performance in all weather conditions. Alongside HENSOLDT’s system level technologies, there will be a selection of weapon sights on show.

In the Air domain, HENSOLDT will present its airborne multi-mission surveillance radar PrecISR, along with other HENSOLDT sensors such as the ARGOS II electro-optical gimbal, which can be seamlessly integrated into the new Xplorer Mission System. Helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft are protected by the Airborne Missile Protection Suite AMPS, whilst the modular Kalaetron electronic warfare system provides warning against radar threats, but can also be used for strategic Signals Intelligence in an enhanced configuration. Also, on display is HENSOLDT’s Mode 5-capable IFF portfolio together with avionics equipment such as crash recorders and tactical data links.

In the Security domain, we are focusing on our innovative suite of software solutions which are to include the CxEye Command and Control (C2) Software and Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) systems.

07 Sep 21. SteelRock Technologies expands NightFighter counter-drone family. SteelRock Technologies is exhibiting its man-portable NightFighter Counter-UAV effector systems at DSEI 10-13 September in London. The equipment is designed to mitigate all modes of intrusion by rotary and fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. The latest models include modular customised configurations to suit military, civilian and commercial security applications. NightFighter L (high antenna gain) and NightFighter S (low gain) variants have been demonstrated to be effective against UAVs at ranges in excess of 5km and 2.5km respectively. NightFighter X is a portable all-in-one solution that can be body-worn for omni-directional personal protection against drone threats. It can also be attached to the NightFighter antenna array for directional deployment.

The equipment has been tested for safe deployment in complex radio frequency (RF) environments and directional RF communications inhibition technology with proprietary software and hardware to bring drone threats to ground rapidly and safely.

SteelRock offers the same field-proven RF technology packaged in an OEM module for third party integration in static land-based, hand-carried, vehicle mounted and maritime C-UAV systems.

At DSEI SteelRock is also showing a pre-production demonstrator of its own SR-1 Dronos UAV platform with NightFighter X technology integrated to create a ‘drone versus drone’ aerial solution. For more information visit: www.sruav.co.uk (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

09 Sep 21. Chess Dynamics launches Hawkeye MMP. Chess Dynamics, the leading British surveillance, tracking and gunfire control specialist, has today announced the launch of the Hawkeye Modular Mission POD (MMP). It is Chess’ latest electro-optical solution in the land domain and part of the wider high-accuracy servo-stabilised solutions portfolio, building on the combat-proven Hawkeye Vehicle Systems for long range detection and 24-hour target observation.

The Hawkeye MMP is a highly stabilised, plug-and-play solution. It is a long-range surveillance device and can track targets accurately even in challenging environmental conditions. The system is highly reconfigurable due to its modular, open architecture and a range of configurations that can be rapidly adapted to many tactical situations are easily achievable.

David Tuddenham, Group Managing Director of Chess Technologies, comments: “We are proud to expand our combat-proven Vehicle Systems portfolio for long range detection and 24-hour target observation with the Hawkeye MMP. It has a proven capability in meeting customers’ vehicle surveillance requirements for accuracy, full integration and interoperability, and is testament to the innovative engineering capabilities of our team.”

Future-proofed, Robust, Modular Architecture System

Designed for easy installation, the Hawkeye MMP combines a fully modular and reconfigurable system with payload options for surveillance, targeting and C-UAS scenarios. It also includes a proven, easy to use and intuitive visual interface, which presents clear images of objects of interest.

The modular, open architecture of the Hawkeye MMP solution enables rapid interchangeability for multi-role missions and provides significant cost-saving opportunities for future mission module changes and the facilitation of sensor refresh programmes.

The flexibility of using modular surveillance, targeting and C-UAS pods removes the need to hold dedicated vehicles for those specified roles. The system uses ‘a single head’ with rapid removal and rapid replacement of the quick fit Pods for mission role changes. This results in it being interchangeable between platforms, easily integrated onto many tracked or wheeled vehicles and suitable for fixed or mobile installation.

Hawkeye MMP can also be connected to a BMS to hand off and receive targets very quickly and effectively, considerably enhancing mission performance. In addition, the modular approach enables defence forces to be agile and responsive and gives a future proof system for the life of the vehicle.

07 Sep 21. Sonardyne adds flagship Navigator model to SPRINT-Nav Mini family. Energy, defence and science marine technology company Sonardyne has introduced a range-topping model of its hybrid, underwater and surface vehicle navigation platform, SPRINT-Nav Mini.

The new Navigator version, available to order from today, extends the capability of the Guidance model introduced last year, by calculating and providing the position of a remote, autonomous or piloted underwater vehicle, or uncrewed surface vessel, in addition to its velocity, depth and attitude.

Small in size and low in power, SPRINT-Nav Mini is engineered to provide accurate, precise and robust guidance, and also survey and inspection capabilities, for vehicle platforms that would normally not be able to host high-end navigation systems. These include observation-class ROVs, low-logistic AUVs, manned submersibles, swimmer delivery vehicles and USVs operating in shallow waters.

With field-proven technology transferred from Sonardyne’s popular SPRINT-Nav product line, the Mini family combines an INS, AHRS, pressure sensor and 500 kHz DVL in a single subsea housing that is just 215 mm high, 149 mm in diameter and as little as 0.7 kg in water; smaller, lighter and lower power than any other competing technology in the same class, and lower in cost than the individual vehicle sensors it replaces.

SPRINT-Nav Mini continues to work even in challenging environments, such as around surface structures and GNSS denied environments, providing a continuous stream of latitude and longitudes, orientation, velocities, depth and altitude at up to 200 updates per second to a vehicle’s primary control system.

Available in 300 m and 4,000 m depth options, with a class leading maximum DVL altitude of up to 200 m, all SPRINT-Navs are supplied pre-calibrated from the factory, enabling users to install it and get to work easily and quickly. Existing owners of SPRINT-Nav Minis can upgrade their Guidance units to the new Navigator version, remotely in the field.

Business Development Manager, Marine Robotics at Sonardyne, Aidan Thorn, said: “It’s an incredibly exciting time for developers and operators of small ROVs, AUVs and USVs with transformational technologies like our SPRINT-Nav Mini Navigator being a true enabler for safer, more efficient and cleaner operations across the maritime space.” He added: “The technology platform is low risk and field proven. This new flagship model will enable vehicle manufacturers and operators to enjoy all the benefits of Doppler inertial navigation from a single instrument. What I like is the simplicity, one unit that’s simple to integrate and easy to operate, leaving more space and power for other data collection payloads. And that ultimately means more capable vehicle for the user.”

31 Aug 21. Northrop Grumman Delivers Advanced Multifunction Sensor System to AFRL and DARPA. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) delivered the Arrays at Commercial Timescales Integration and Validation (ACT-IV) system to the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The system is based on an advanced digital active electronically scanned array (AESA) that completed multiple successful demonstrations and acceptance testing at Northrop Grumman test facilities.

Northrop Grumman tests its Arrays at Commercial Timescales Integration and Validation (ACT-IV) digital AESA system for the AFRL and DARPA at the company radar range in Linthicum, Maryland. (Source: Northrop Grumman).

“The development of the ACT-IV system is a breakthrough in AESA performance and marks an important milestone in the nation’s transition to digitally reprogrammable multifunction radio frequency (RF) systems,” said William Phillips, director, multifunction systems, Northrop Grumman. “The new ACT-IV capabilities have the agility to defeat complex emerging threats and will be used to enhance the next generation of integrated circuits and AESAs that are currently in our digital AESA product pipeline.”

ACT-IV is one of the first multifunction systems based on a digital AESA using the semiconductor devices developed on the DARPA Arrays at Commercial Timescales (ACT) program. By applying the flexibility of the digital AESA, the ACT-IV system can perform radar, electronic warfare and communication functions simultaneously by controlling a large number of independent digital transmit/receive channels. The agility of the digital AESA was demonstrated during multiple demonstrations at the Northrop Grumman test range and will enable future warfighters to quickly adapt to new threats, control the electromagnetic spectrum, and connect to tactical networks in support of distributed operations.

The ACT-IV system will be a foundational research asset for the Department of Defense’s multi-service research initiative for digital radars and multifunction systems. This initiative will support a community of researchers that are developing new algorithms and software to explore the possibilities of next generation digital AESAs for national security missions.

The algorithms, software and capabilities developed on ACT-IV will transition into next generation multifunction RF systems to support advanced development programs throughout the Department of Defense.

“This delivery is the culmination of the close collaboration between the teams at AFRL, DARPA and Northrop Grumman,” said Dr. Bae-Ian Wu, ACT-IV project lead, Sensors Directorate, AFRL. “The ACT-IV system is being prepared for initial testing by the AFRL Sensors Directorate as part of a strategic investment to develop and test the technologies for multifunction digital phased array systems in an open-architecture environment for the larger DoD community.”

Northrop Grumman is the industry leader in developing mission-capable, cost-efficient, open-architecture and multi-function radar and sensor systems to observe, orient and act across all domains – land, sea, air and space. They provide the joint forces with the intelligence they need to operate safely in today’s multi-domain operational environment.

Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 90,000 employees define possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services.

31 Aug 21. Kongsberg Geospatial Releases TerraLens 9.3 Geospatial SDK. Kongsberg Geospatial has announced the general release of TerraLens 9.3, the latest version of their real-time, high performance, software development toolkit for geospatial visualization.

In this release of TerraLens, the product development team has focused on improving performance for 3D visualization for large viewports, and on multi-domain visualization features for Joint All-Domain command and control applications. Leveraging the power of modern GPUs and multi-core processors, the latest release of TerraLens is significantly faster, with new presentations focused on enhancing situational awareness.

With increased multithreading in its map handling, TerraLens can load and display vector, raster and elevation formats smoothly without pre-processing. This is ideal for applications that have disk size constraints or for customers that have a short turn-around time between receiving map data updates and needing to use them.

For applications with stringent start-up constraints or map formats that are not optimized for quick runtime access, the pre-processing option still exists, to help ensure minimal time for an initial map display.

The rendering of maps and dynamic presentations has also been optimized with increased threading in the graphics kernel, and the minimization of costly graphics state changes with batched rendering calls. Improved data culling ensures that only those items that are actually visible will be rendered. These improvements are especially noticeable when displaying large numbers of dynamic tracks and objects, and frequently projected information.

This release of TerraLens also includes a slate of new tools and features. “While improving performance is a passion for TerraLens developers, we’ve also listened to the requests of our customers for newer, high impact visual presentations”, explained TerraLens product manager Annette Gottstein.

New features include support for OGC 3D Tiles, which can be used to create a high-resolution 3D view that is especially suited to cityscapes, while a new API to control the resolution of the terrain mesh allows applications to balance runtime performance with higher resolution terrain over which to drape map imagery.

Elevation warnings can now be displayed using color ramps on both terrain and OGC 3D Tiles, as well as on primitive lines and area fills.

TerraLens 9.3 also includes new Geo/WorldHeatMap classes that provide a flexible and intuitive way to perceive density of points on a map, which will give developers new ways of visualizing important data in their applications.

TerraLens continues to evolve to meet the latest map and symbology standards. Support has been added for the latest military symbology, providing MIL-STD-2525D and App-6B symbol sets.

The SDK also features new mapping updates including enhanced support to discover WMS and WMTS map layers as well as monitoring the status of web requests. Support has been added for DAFIF 8.1 and S-57 Inland ENC levels. Developers will also have the ability to track when maps have completed loading in the TerraLens viewport.

TerraLens 9.3 also continues to support the latest development environment needs, including Visual Studio 2019, CLI .Net Core, and Linux RedHat8.

“Kongsberg Geospatial has long prided itself on the continual evolution of our TerraLens geospatial visualization SDK”, said Ranald McGillis, President, Kongsberg Geospatial. “We’ve made a significant investment in research and development over the past few years, and we’re happy to be able make the fruits of that effort available to engineers and developers in this version of TerraLens.”

TerraLens, Kongsberg Geospatial’s industry-leading geospatial visualization platform, has been fielded in some of the most demanding applications in the world including AEGIS, Global Hawk, THAAD, NATO AWACS, and the Joint Battle Command-Platform. (Source: UAS VISION)

02 Sep 21. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has delivered its 15th AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) multi-mission radar system to the U.S. Marine Corps, completing the low-rate initial production phase of the program. The team recently fielded the first full-rate production system to the Marine Corps and will continue deliveries through 2024. Providing enhanced mission capabilities, software upgrades and logistics support are expected to continue through G/ATOR’s 30-year lifetime.

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Blighter Surveillance Systems is a world-leading designer and manufacturer of best-in-class electronic-scanning ground-based radars, surveillance solutions and Counter-UAS systems. Blighter’s solid-state micro-Doppler products are deployed in more than 35 countries across the globe, delivering consistent all-weather security protection and wide area surveillance along borders, coastlines, at military bases and across critical infrastructure such as airports, oil and gas facilities and palaces. Blighter radars are also used to protect manoeuvre force missions when deployed on military land vehicles and trailers, and its world-beating multi-mode radar represents a great leap in threat detection technology and affordability for use in a variety of scenarios.

The Blighter range of radar products are used for detecting a variety of threats, from individuals on foot to land vehicles, boats, drones and low-flying aircraft at ranges of up to 32 km. Blighter Surveillance Systems employs 40 people and is located near Cambridge, UK, where it designs, produces and markets its range of unique patented solid-state radars. Blighter prides itself on being an engineer-led business committed to providing cost-effective and flexible solutions across the defence, critical infrastructure and national security markets.

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MISSILE, BALLISTICS AND SODIER SYSTEMS UPDATE

Sponsored by Arnold Defense www.arnolddefense.com

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08 Sep 21. FN Herstal and Thales Belgium team up and present

a solution integrating machine guns and guided/unguided rockets

for ground-to-ground applications. FN Herstal and Thales Belgium will present a dual effector proof of concept to illustrate the complementarity between machine guns, guided and unguided rockets for

ground-to-ground applications at the DSEI international trade show, London, from 14 to 17 September 2021. In its close combat role, supporting first line combatants, direct fire machine guns and rockets will ensure enhanced capability with complementary ranges and effects on target. In its indirect fire support role, the system will ensure higher accuracy at longer ranges on static and mobile targets.

For more information on this proof of concept, visit us at booth H4 105 (Belgian Pavilion).

24 Aug 21. Portland, Oregon-based Flex Force Enterprises (Flex Force) recently completed the sale of three different models of Flex Force’s ASP stabilized small arms mount. Flex Force has been working with the UK MOD’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) since 2017 on a low-cost, crew-served weapon mount that improves the accuracy and lethality of the weapon from multiple platforms while optionally enabling the suppressive, area-effect capabilities of the weapon. DSTL tested and evaluated a prototype ASP system and initial feedback has led to reduced weight and increased accuracy while maintaining the ease of use for the operator. The UK systems will be used in support of multiple MOD stakeholders, including NavyX (the Royal Navy’s Autonomy and Lethality Accelerator). Flex Force CEO Jake Sullivan noted, “We’ve spent just over three years working with DSTL to validate and improve the accuracy & reliability of the ASP in demanding conditions. We are excited to share and deploy this capability with US and UK coalition partners.” The ASP is being marketed to platform OEMs as well as U.S. and International Defense Agencies only.

10 Sep 21. Galvion releases a new range of data compatible accessories to support their Active Systems concept at DSEi.

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of military power management solutions, with operationally proven pedigree in NATO countries, has released three new key products as part of their integrated Active Systems capability that facilitates the harvesting, distribution and management of dismounted soldier power, data and software. The announcement coincides with the DSEi exhibition taking place in London, 14-17 September 2021. At the show, Galvion will also be exhibiting their range of next generation head systems and Li-ion platform power solutions on stand H1-424.

To be mission effective, the modern soldier is required to carry, operate and maintain a host of devices that all demand significant power and data capacity – for example radios, NVGs, GPS, smart phones, laptops, drones and other surveillance equipment. Galvion has released three new products that integrate with their existing soldier power systems, to better support the dismounted soldier in managing these increasing technology demands. These products are flexible, scalable and comply with US NettWarrior and NATO STANAG 4695 standards for backward compatibility, ease of integration with other product ranges and improved logistic sustainability on the battlefield.

The Power and Data Hub 4-Port (PDH-4) provides a multi-function power and data connection between the basic soldier-worn architecture, such as hand-held radios and smart devices, and a suitable power source. The PDH-4 enables the soldier to send and receive data through the connection with the soldier worn devices, increasing situational awareness through system integration. When combined with the PWS it maximises the distribution and use of harvested power sources and is ready for the soldier’s future data sharing demands and software updates.

The Personal Worn Power Scavenger (PWS) provides a highly adaptable interface to allow the soldier to harvest power from multiple sources such as solar panels, 12V systems, mains power or other squad or personal power sources such as SoloPackTM. The PWS can be used in isolation or combined with other products, such as the PDH-4, to increase utility and the number of devices that can be charged.

The third new product, the Radio Power Adapter (RPA), easily integrates with most common hand-held radios in use today. This adapter provides power to the main radio battery by connecting to a main soldier-worn power source and keeping it charged and ready for when the radio is disconnected from the soldier-worn architecture. The Radio Power Adapter supports the AN/PRC-148 MBITR, Falcon III AN/PRC-152A and the AN/PRC-161 Link-16. The RPA also reduces the number of radio batteries a user needs to carry and fits into their existing load carrying system.

Kristen Lomastro, President of Active Systems, said: “Galvion has been leading the way for soldier power management and distribution systems with their NervCentr® products and I am extremely pleased to announce the release of these three new products to augment our dismounted soldier capability. With their small form factor, these products easily integrate into existing soldier-worn equipment and are compatible with other soldier systems. They also provide the hardware infrastructure to support our mission-enabling software making them future-ready. Galvion always places the soldier first, and we pride ourselves on designing solutions that help to protect and support those who protect us.”

08 Sep 21. Plans slip for replacement anti-Plans slip for replacement anti-ship missile for Royal Navy. The interim anti-ship missile will fill the gap between Harpoon retiring and the ‘Future Cruise/Anti–Ship Weapon’ entering service. Progress on the interim missile appears to be slow however, with the 2023 in service date fast aproaching.

Jeremy Quin, Minister of State for the Ministry of Defence, said last year:

“The Royal Navy has set the requirements for a Surface-to-Surface Guided Weapon (SSGW) to ensure they maintain the ability to deter and defeat enemy warships. A competition is now taking place and on current plans, subject to funding, we expect bids to provide a solution to SSGW, by mid-2021.“

That has not happened. However, in March this year he said:

“The interim surface-to-surface guided weapon will replace the Royal Navy’s existing Harpoon missile capability. There was a healthy response from Industry to the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire and we are planning to proceed to issue an Invitation to negotiate to the down selected bidders later this year.”

Today, Quin said:

“A timescale for an initial operating capability would be determined during a future Surface to Surface Guided Weapon (SSGW) system procurement process. An Invitation to Negotiate has not been released and it would be inappropriate to comment further on future programme timelines.”

Does this mean that the Ministry of Defence is letting this lip in favour of extening Harpoon support? In January fo this year, Babcock International announced a further contract extension has been agreed to continue in-service support to the Harpoon Missile System for the Royal Navy.

Background to the ‘Interim’ anti-ship missile

In 2019, the Ministry of Defence notified bidders of its intention to purchase an interim anti-ship missile as current Harpoon stocks reach end of life and a replacement not being due until 2030.

The Ministry of Defence issued a Prior Information Notice (PIN) for a “Next Generation Surface Ship Guided Weapon (SSGW)” to equip Royal Navy vessels. The notice is as follows:

“Short description of nature and scope of works or nature and quantity or value of supplies or services:

The Authority has a possible future requirement to procure a next generation ship launched anti-ship weapon system for use within training and operational roles with the Royal Navy. First delivery of the ship installed equipment would be required by December 2022 and first delivery of missiles would be required by December 2023. The potential contract will be for 4 years, with the potential of option years to follow (up to 9 more years), the potential contract would cover the following activities:

Manufacture and delivery of the weapon system to be delivered in Financial Year 2023/2024.

Installation of the weapon system onto Royal Navy ships. Provision and support of interface requirements to assist ships installation. Provision of train the trainer courses. Maintenance and technical support for the operational upkeep of the weapon system. Should this requirement proceed, a Contract Notice will be published in due course with more precise requirements and interested parties will be invited to complete an online pre-qualification questionnaire, which will be measured against selected criteria in terms of commercial and technical requirements.

The technical requirement will be base lined against the user requirements and include questions regarding:

— battlefield effect,

— terminal effect,

— interoperability: climatic and environment,

— munition sensitivity,

— system and design safety,

— human factors,

— deployability,

— training,

— sustainability and supply chain,

— Capability resilience and reliability.

Evidence will be required at the PQQ stage to demonstrate the weapon system can meet the Authority’s requirement set. Estimated value excluding VAT: Range: between 100 000 000 and 200 000 000 GBP”

When Harpoon exits service in 2023 there will be a serious capability gap until the potential entry into service of FC/ASW programme in 2030 if the ‘interim’ missile project does not happen, warned a report published by the Defence Committee.

What is the Future Cruise /Anti–Ship Weapon?

The FC/ASW aims to replace Storm Shadow/SCALP air launched cruise missile in operational service in the UK and France as well as Exocet anti-ship missile in France and Harpoon anti-ship missile in the UK.

Last year we reported that two years into the FC/ASW (Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon) Concept Phase, MBDA announced the successful achievement of its ‘Key Review’, jointly conducted with Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) and the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA), the British and French armament procurement agencies.

“The conclusion of this Key Review makes it possible to select the most promising missile concepts in order to meet the requirements expressed by both nations’ armed forces. The conclusions of this study will also make it possible to establish the road maps for maturing the technologies required, and to launch any follow on assessment phase. This new phase will demonstrate the necessary maturity of the weapon system and its key components, to be followed by the development and production phase in the 2024 timeframe, so that current weapons systems can be replaced in accordance with required timescales.”

It was also stated recently by Quin that the total spend to date on Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon and associated activities by the Ministry of Defence is £95m. (Source: https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)

28 Aug 21. Contenders for the Royal Navy’s interim anti-ship missile requirement. The announcement of the shortlisted options for the Royal Navy’s Interim Surface-to-Surface Guided Weapon (I-SSGW) competition should be made soon. Here we assess the background to the procurement and the likely candidates.

Background

The semi-obsolete Harpoon Block 1C (GWS 60) anti-ship missile that still nominally equips the Type 23 frigates and Type 45 destroyers has survived several attempts to take it out of service. Its current official OSD is now 2023 which should dovetail with I-SSGW arrival. However, the RN recently invited Babcock to submit a tender to continue supporting the system until 31 March 2024 with 3 additional one-year options, potentially sustaining it until 2027. Curiously, only HMS Kent among the 3 Harpoon-capable escorts assigned to the 2021 carrier strike group deployment, sailed with the canisters in place. HMS Montrose, based in the Persian Gulf is the only other RN warship currently equipped with the full set of 8 missiles.

The available budget for I-SSGW is up to £200M (excluding VAT if payable), enough to buy a modest stock of missiles, logistic and training support until the Future Cruise and Anti-Ship Weapon (FCASW) is available in 2028. (FCASW is an Anglo-French project to replace a variety of long-range missiles with new generation technology, it is unclear, as yet if it will be capable of hypersonic speeds or another subsonic stealthy cruise missile). As a critical bi-lateral international project, it is important to signal to the French that I-SSGW will only be a small purchase to cover a 10-year capability gap and does not mean the UK is losing interest in FCASW.

The I-SSGW specification states it must be “a ship-launched, have over-the-horizon anti-ship capability and a terrain-following precision maritime land attack capability.” The desire for land-strike is sound and but adds another dimension to the project. This requirement also effectively eliminates the MBDA Exocet MM40 Block III and the Boeing Harpoon Block II+ from the competition due to their limited capabilities in this regard.

“Terrain following” is a very loose description of how missiles may navigate over land and various levels of sophistication may be employed. Using Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM) technology, active radar may be used which is more accurate and available in all weathers. A more passive method uses optical cameras to compare the terrain against a pre-programmed library using Digital Scene Matching Area Correlator (DSMAC) technology, first pioneered for the Tomahawk missile. Alternatively, a combination of inertial navigation (INS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) gives a basic capability but GPS may be denied by adversaries. What level of overland navigational sophistication and robustness is required by the RN is unclear.

The deterrent threat of being able to sink ships at range is the primary requirement but, recent history suggests that the need to strike targets inland will be more frequent than the need to hit ships. The RN’s limited stock of Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAM) can only be fired from submarines. On a good day, the RN is able to put only 2 or 3 SSNs to sea and they have a multitude of other pressing tasks. The RN’s land-attack capability has been used in several conflicts and is a powerful tool but may require the SSN to loiter in a suitable firing area for some time. Frigates able to attack inland targets offers greater flexibility and an alternative, if less stealthy, option.

It should be noted that TLAM is more powerful than most of the I-SSGW contenders and has a 1,000lb warhead and a range of about 900nm. The RAF’s Storm Shadow has a 450kg warhead optimised for hardened bunker penetration so I-SSGW would complete a suite of UK land-attack weapons, each with its own advantages.

The expectation is that I-SSGW will be fitted to just 5 of the 8 towed array-equipped Type 23 frigates which are a key component of the carrier strike group. It is likely the missiles would be rotated around the frigates as they deploy operationally. To accommodate the new weapon on the Type 23, they will have to be canister-launched and have the same approximate footprint of the Harpoons they replace. Although essentially a bolt-on system, it must interface with the combat management system and the ship or other platorms may need to exchange data with the missile in flight.

It is now more than two years since the MoD issued the prior information notice (PIN) inviting industry to make proposals but as of August 2021, has still to formally invite bids. It was stated in Parliament in March 2021 that “There was a healthy response from Industry to the [I-SSGW] Pre-Qualification Questionnaire and we are planning to proceed to issue an Invitation to negotiate to the down-selected bidders later this year.” Perhaps the shortlist will be announced at DSEI in September.

The time scale now looks very tight if the original timelines are to be met. First deliveries of shipboard equipment are supposed to be made by December 2022 and the missile stocks between December 2023-24. The initial support contract will be for 4 years, with the option of extending out by 9 further years which could see the system in service until 2036. The last Type 23 frigate will be withdrawn in 2035 and the missile systems could potentially be migrated to the Type 31 frigates as the Type 23s are phased out. The Type 26 will be equipped with the larger, vertically-launched FCASW.

The candidates

It should be remembered that information in the public domain about the characteristics of each missile is vague and the claims made in the manufacturer’s marketing materials may be slightly misleading. Only those with security clearance can truly analyse the complex performance capabilities of each candidate and whether they meet RN criteria.

Besides affordability, each weapon will be judged on; battlefield effect, operability in different environments, munition sensitivity, system and design safety, human factors, deployability, training, sustainability and supply chain, capability resilience and reliability.

All four of these potential candidates are part of a new generation of Western missiles that cruise at subsonic speeds and are optimised for use in cluttered littoral environments. They can strike targets on land using complex attack profiles. They utilise multiple guidance technologies which minimise electronic emissions and are very resistant to countermeasures.

Naval Strike Missile

Developed in Norway, the Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile stands out as the smallest of the options by some margin, and by avoiding the use of radar for guidance, makes it especially difficult to detect and defeat. Its main drawback is the small warhead with about half the hitting power of the Harpoon it might replace which could be a problem if trying to counter larger warships. Deployed in the littoral environment against combatants up to frigate size it would be very formidable. It has been in service since 2012 and successfully exported to several navies, notably bought by the USN for its Littoral Combat Ships and Constellation-class frigates.

The air-launched Joint Strike Missile has been developed from the NSM and can be carried internally in the weapons bay of the F-35As being purchase by Norway. Although it would have to be carried externally on the F-35B’s wing pylon, JSM would be a very attractive addition to the UK inventory.

The RN is known to have admired the NSM for some time and many commentators suggest this is the favorite to win the competition. The plan to further extend the life of Harpoon suggests the RN feels it may need to keep the weapon either to mitigate for late I-SSGW delivery or retain greater destructive power to complement the lightweight NSM, should it be selected.

RBS15 Mk 4

The latest version of the Saab RBS15 Mk 4 ‘Gungnir’ (Odin’s Spear) appears to sit in the sweet spot that gives a good balance between range and warhead size. Although the RBS15 can trace its heritage back to the 1980s, the Gungnir is a completely refreshed design that entered service with the Swedish navy in 2020 and has been selected by the German Navy.

It is arguably the most modern of the contenders and includes sophisticated electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) and maneuvers in unpredictable attack profiles at increased speed during the terminal attack phase, delivering a 200kg high-explosive blast and pre-fragmented warhead. The manufacturers say it has a very low maintenance requirement and a planned life of 30 years, subject to planned incremental upgrades.

Sea Serpent

In April 2021 Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) announced they had joined with Thales UK to offer the Sea Serpent missile for the I-SSGW competition. The Sea Serpent is based on the latest Gabriel Mk 5 variant also known as the Advanced Naval Attack Missile (ANAM). IAI has a long heritage in missile development and exports, the first Gabriel variant went to sea in the early 1970s. Details of the Sea Serpent are limited but it is believed to have been loosely based on the design of the Harpoon but is considerably cheaper. IAI’s limited knowledge of the UK market is mitigated by partnering with Thales and their long experience of systems integration onto RN warships.

The Gabriel V is in service on the Israel Navy’s Saar 5 and 6 class corvettes and has also been selected by the Finish Navy. The Sea Serpent is something of a dark horse in the competition but is undoubtedly another modern and sophisticated missile designed for complex contested littoral environments.

LRASM

The Lockheed Martin Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) AGM-158C is the largest, most capable and expensive option. Based on the successful Joint Air-to-Surface Stand off Missile (JASSM-ER), it has a quoted range of up to 500km and a 1,000lb warhead. It is designed to be effective even in the most contested environments where GSP and data links are denied and is capable of autonomous targeting using its own passive sensors and AI.

LM have demonstrated a canister-launched vision but it will be launched from Mk 41 VLS cells by the USN. The air-launched version has been selected by the US and Australian Air Force.

LRASM is undoubtedly the ‘gold standard’ for Western anti-ship missiles, given its sophistication. Unfortunately, it has a price tag to match which probably makes it an outside contender for the limited budget I-SSGW. When the RN acquires FCASW it should then have something of equivalent capability to LRASM. There is also growing political dissatisfaction about the increasing amount of off-the-shelf purchases of defence equipment from the US (without similar reciprocated purchases) that may also count against LM’s offering.

Whichever solution is selected, the RN can finally look forward to possessing a modern anti-ship missile while gaining a surface-launched land-attack capability. Stocks are likely to be small, and until FCASW arrives, will provide the bare minimum for a fleet of the RN’s stature and ambition.

Lockheed Martin said that the company ahd now received permission for exporng LRASM in a press briefing on September 9th. (Source: https://www.navylookout.com/)

07 Sep 21. The New FN EVOLYS™ Ultralight Machine Gun for the 1st Time at DSEI. FN Herstal, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of small caliber firearms and ammunition, will display the new FN EVOLYS™ ultralight machine gun for the first time in the United Kingdom at the DSEI International trade show, London, from 14 to 17 September 2021.

Since its digital launch last May, many European and international armed forces and special units have shown great interest in this innovative product designed and developed by Belgium-based FN Herstal.

DSEI 2021 will truly mark the start of active promotion of the new machine gun, with a large number of demonstrations and technical tests already scheduled with existing and potential FN customers.

FN EVOLYS™: designed and manufactured by the world’s leading manufacturer of machine guns

The FN EVOLYS™ is a completely new addition to the existing range of FN® machine guns, which are all combatproven and recognized as world references. It was unveiled in the two most widely used NATO calibres, i.e. 5.56x45mm and 7.62x51mm NATO calibres, last May, and variants in additional calibres are currently under development.

Innovative and unique architecture

The FN EVOLYS™ combines belt-fed machine gun firepower with assault rifle ergonomics, which is an unprecedented benefit on the market today.

Weighing between 5.5 and 6.2 kilos depending on the calibre, the FN EVOLYS™ is much lighter than current reference machine guns, making firing from any position possible. It comes standard with a large number of innovative and unique features, such as a patented lateral feed mechanism that brings many advantages with it:

various optical sights can be mounted in-line, whilst the iron sights are still in place,
all controls are easily, instinctively and quickly accessible by left and right-handed operators,
all actions, including belt engagement, can be done with just one hand,
If not correctly placed on the feed tray, cartridges are automatically repositioned when closing the feed cover,
The last link is automatically ejected.

When machine gun firepower teams up with assault rifle ergonomics

Another unique feature of the FN EVOLYS™ is the ambidextrous fire selector that allows both semi-auto fire for point target engagement and full auto suppressive fire.

Any further information on the new FN EVOLYS™ ultralight machine gun can be obtained from the FN Herstal booth at DSEI international trade show, London, from 14 to 17 September 2021 – Belgian Pavilion, Booth H4 105.

(Source: ASD Network)

07 Sep 21. Istec Showing Development Programmes at DSEI. Whilst ISTEC continues to design bespoke weapon mounting solutions and sub-systems for new and existing customers, ISTEC also spends considerable time, effort and capital investment in developing new products to not only support the current product range, but also diversify into new systems and technologies. Some of these private venture development programmes undertaken during 2020/21 are listed below. IR Illuminator ISTEC have designed and developed a standalone IR Illuminator, for integration onto military vehicles. The rugged design can combine with night vision goggles, or low light cameras, to improve visibility while maintaining a covert presence during operations. The compact unit can be configured to suit varying tactical requirements, with 850 or 940nm IR emitters, and a variety of optics ranging from a 11° FOV ‘spot’ to a >100° FOV ‘flood’. Two banks of two emitters, controlled by individual isolated enable lines, allow for mixed configurations and the inclusion of more traditional visible spectrum LEDs. The simple interface allows mounting to any vehicle and the inbuilt filtering means the unit can operate off multiple power supplies, while remaining EMC compliant. Laser Warning System (LWS) The ISTEC LWS is a low-cost capability enhancement, for either new vehicles or for vehicles due for an upgrade / life extension programme. The ISTEC system comprises of two elements, the Detector Assembly and the Display Panel (interconnecting and power harnesses can also be supplied). Originally conceived as an add on to the ISTEC in-service 66mm Grenade Discharger System, the LWS has been designed to be also used as a standalone system. The LWS has a resolution of 22.5 deg and is designed to detect the direction of a laser radiation, for example from single pulse lasers (range finders) or multiple pulse systems (designators). and via the Display Panel, will alert the vehicle user both visually and audibly. The Detector Assembly comprises of x8 sensors, plus one overhead sensor. Each sensor employs a dual detector implementation, that provides sensitivity to wavelengths between 730-1700nm Future developments of the LWS include a smaller battery powered variant for dismounted troops, with a wireless link to current battlefield management systems.

26 Aug 21. Army looking for drones to defence Artillery positions. The British Army wants to understand future requirements for the defence of artillery positions.

Current practice requires soldiers to surveil ground in the vicinity of artillery positions to protect from adversarial intrusion and attack, “increasing workload and cognitive burden”.

According to the contract notice, it is hypothesized that Remote Piloted and Autonomous (RPAS) Systems with sensory suites and AI could reduce this burden and increase combat effectiveness.

According to the notice:

“Successful applicants should be prepared to conduct experimentation with 1 Artillery Brigade on Salisbury Plains in the window 10-18 September 2021 (duration likely to be 3 days). Likely tasks includes OEM operating experimental system in a representative warfighting environment against an active enemy force, briefing soldiers on use and possibly enabling limited supervised use, assisting 1 Artillery Brigade with developing Concepts of Use (CONUSE) and Concepts of Employment (CONEMP) for RPAS to inform future capability requirements.”

The contract notice also goes on to explain how the system could look:

“RPAS systems for consideration could be ground-based (including unmanned ground sensors) or aerial but must be small and agile enough to be deployed from eg ¼ tonne trailer.

The system must be remote or autonomously controlled; must have a sensory suite, ideally modular and interchangeable by the operator; must be able to collect data from at least one spectrum, ideally from the visible or near-visible spectrum, and ideally use AI to process the collected data; must operate as part of a digital network, ideally able to distribute collected data to multiple users others than the operator eg via ATAK; must be capable of operating in adverse weather conditions, ideally in all weather conditions; must be able to operate day and night; must have duration greater than 1 hour on task.”

1st Artillery Brigade commands the majority of the British Army’s Close Support Artillery Regiments and provides special-to-arm oversight for the two Very High Readiness regiments in the Air Assault and Commando Brigades. The brigade operates a number of light artillery guns and of course heavier equipment such as the AS90 and MLRS systems. (Source: ukdefencejournal.org.uk)

02 Sep 21. For the Royal Navy, Laser Weapons Are Becoming Reality.

On warships with limited ammunituions, laser weapons might make a difference. Here’s What You Need to Remember: British defense officials told the BBC that “the demonstrator was not being developed to counter any specific threat, but to assess whether such weaponry could be delivered as a capability for the armed forces. But in general, directed energy weapons could potentially be used to destroy drone aircraft, missiles, mortars, roadside bombs and a host of other threats.”

The Royal Navy is moving forward with a laser cannon to arm its warships.

The goal is to demonstrate a laser weapon by 2019. To make that happen, the Ministry of Defense recently awarded a £30m ($37.6m) contract to a consortium of European defense firms.

British defense officials told the BBC that “the demonstrator was not being developed to counter any specific threat, but to assess whether such weaponry could be delivered as a capability for the armed forces. But in general, directed energy weapons could potentially be used to destroy drone aircraft, missiles, mortars, roadside bombs and a host of other threats.”

The British military’s intention is to “have lasers operational by the army and navy by the mid-2020s and by the air force by the mid-2030s,” according to the Guardian.

“The MoD contract will see whether a laser can pick up and track targets at various ranges and in various weather conditions over land and water,” the Guardian reported. “The successful bidders are also being asked to assess the ‘dwell time’—how long a laser can stay in contact with a target—and how much power would be required for the lasers.”

The British may be taking their cue from the Americans. In 2014, the U.S. Navy deployed a prototype laser weapon on the USS Ponce, an amphibious transport stationed in the Persian Gulf. The Laser Weapon System, or LaWS, is designed to destroy drones or small boats.

Now the U.S. Navy is developing even more powerful laser cannon. Instead of the Ponce’s thirty-kilowatt weapon, the Navy wants a 150-kilowatt cannon. The more powerful the laser beam, the shorter the dwell time that the laser must remain focused on the target.

The U.S. Army is working on its own laser weapons. The High Energy Mobile Laser Test Truck, or HELMTT, is a ten-kilowatt laser mounted on a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck. The goal is to create a system mobile and rugged enough to be used on the battlefield (for a look at what HELMTT can do to a quadcopter, see the photo here). The Solid State Laser Testbed project is focused on a different question: how to maximize the damage a laser can inflict on a UAV, rocket or mortar shell.

Meanwhile, Russia also claims to be working on advanced directed-energy weapons, as does China. Just how well these weapons will work is another question. Laser beams are affected by smoke or bad weather. Cooling remains a problem, as does maintaining a sufficient electricity supply to feed the weapon.

“We are currently working with the DSTL [Defense Science & Technology Laboratory] to explore the role that electric flywheel technology, the kind used in Formula 1 racing, could play to generate and store the power required for high-energy weapons,” Adm. George Zambellas, Britain’s First Sea Lord, said in 2015.

However, the attractions of lasers are numerous, especially on a warship with a limited supply of ammunition. Laser cannon don’t run out of shells, and each shot is much cheaper than an interceptor missile. “Energy weapons don’t require conventional ammunition,” Zambellas said. “With a cost-per-shot potentially measured in pence rather than in pounds, they offer a route to address the spiraling costs of missile development and production.” (Source: News Now/https://nationalinterest.org)

02 Sep 21. AARGM-ER Missile Achieves Successful Milestone C Decision.

US Navy advanced weapon capability to counter anti-access and area denial threats approved to enter production phase.

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) announced the AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range (AARGM-ER), developed under contract with the U.S. Navy, has successfully achieved a Milestone C decision, authorizing the company as the program’s prime contractor the entry into low rate initial production (LRIP).

“The additional capabilities of AARGM-ER, coupled with its high-performance air vehicle, will provide our fleet with the most advanced weapon system to defeat evolving surface-to-air threats,” said Capt. A.C. “Count” Dutko, Navy Program Manager for Direct and Time Sensitive Strike (PMA-242). “Our team has continued to prove the maturity of the system and we are confident AARGM-ER is ready to commence low rate production.”

This decision enables the start of the production to support future deployment of the AARGM-ER to the fleet and achievement of initial operating capability.

“AARGM, and now AARGM-ER, is a time-critical capability that protects and enhances the capabilities of the U.S. Navy and the evolving threats they encounter,” said Gordon Turner, vice president, advanced weapons, Northrop Grumman. “We are honored to continue providing advanced suppression and destruction of enemy air defense products to the warfighters with this significant expansion to our missile prime business.”

AARGM-ER is a major upgrade to the existing AARGM missile, currently in production and fielded with the Navy today.

AARGM-ER is being integrated on the Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft as well as the Air Force F-35A, Marine Corps F-35B, and Navy F-35C aircraft.

11 Aug 21. RN assesses options for next surface-to-surface weapon. The UK RN is scoping out options for its next surface-to-surface guided weapons system but it has yet to move forward with plans for an interim Harpoon anti-ship missile replacement.

In 2019, the UK MoD issued a Prior Information Notice, calling on industry to provide information on potential surface-to-surface guided weapon systems that could replace the Harpoon anti-ship missile (ASM) and bridge the gap to the deployment of the Future Cruise/Anti-ship Weapon (FC/ASW) in 2028.

Asked by Shephard about the status of the Interim Surface-to-Surface Guided Weapon (I-SSGW) project, an MoD spokesperson said: ‘We continue to scope options for the Royal Navy’s next surface-to-surface guided weapon system, alongside wider lethality requirements, to allow us [to] deliver on the commitments outlined in the Integrated Review.

‘No decisions have yet been made.’

Last year, responding to a parliamentary question, Minister for Defence Procurement Jeremy Quin said the I-SSGW project could expect bids by mid-2021. Despite this, as the December 2023 out of service date for Harpoon looms large, the MoD has yet to publish an invitation to negotiate (ITN) or an invitation to tender (ITT) for the I-SSGW project.

Plans to replace Harpoon were reconfirmed in March this year when the MoD released the Defence Command Paper outlining plans for the UK armed forces. If acquired, the RN would probably field a potential interim solution in 2023.

Shephard understands that any ITN or ITT for the RN’s next surface guided weapon system would not be released until the current scoping work is complete.

The MoD would only place a contract after identifying a winning tender and approving a full business case. It remains possible that the MoD could choose not to progress plans for an interim

Harpoon replacement, instead extending Harpoon’s in-service life until its obsolescence and the introduction of FC/ASW. The RN nominally fits the Harpoon ASM onto the UK’s Type 45 Daring-class destroyers and Type 23 Duke-class frigates. Images taken during the UK’s Carrier Strike Group 2021 deployment show Harpoon installed on the Type 23 frigate HMS Kent.

Anti-surface capabilities of the RN also include the Wildcat helicopter-carried Martlet missile. In 2022, the Sea Venom missile will also enter RN service. Both Martlet and Sea Venom are variants of the Future Anti-Surface Guided Weapon.

In July, the UK MoD has confirmed that the RN’s future Type 26 City-class frigates would be fitted with the in-development FC/ASW from 2028, and the department is committed to developing the missile.

FC/ASW has its roots in the Perseus concept, developed by MBDA and shown at the Paris Air Show in 2011. Shephard Defence Insight notes that Perseus is 5m long, weighing less than 800kg in flight configuration. The missile is billed as the long-term replacement for the UK’s Harpoon and France’s Exocet. (Source: Shephard)

26 Aug 21. The timeline for FC/ASW to enter service on Type 26 combined with the procurement. Contenders for the Royal Navy’s interim anti-ship missile requirement. The announcement of the shortlisted options for the Royal Navy’s Interim Surface-to-Surface Guided Weapon (I-SSGW) competition should be made soon. Here we assess the background to the procurement and the likely candidates.

Background

Curiously, only HMS Kent among the 3 Harpoon-capable escorts assigned to the 2021 carrier strike group deployment, sailed with the canisters in place. HMS Montrose, based in the Persian Gulf is the only other RN warship currently equipped with the full set of 8 missiles.

(FCASW is an Anglo-French project to replace a variety of long-range missiles with new generation technology, it is unclear, as yet if it will be capable of hypersonic speeds or another subsonic stealthy cruise missile). As a critical bilateral international project, it is important to signal to the French that I-SSGW will only be a small purchase to cover a 10-year capability gap and does not mean the UK is losing interest in FCASW.

The I-SSGW specification states it must be “a ship-launched, have over-thehorizon anti-ship capability and a terrain-following precision maritime land attack capability.” The desire for land-strike is sound and but adds another dimension to the project. This requirement also effectively eliminates the MBDA Exocet MM40 Block III and the Boeing Harpoon Block II+ from the competition due to their limited capabilities in this regard.

On a good day, the RN is able to put only 2 or 3 SSNs to sea and they have a multitude of other pressing tasks. The RN’s land-attack capability has been used in several conflicts and is a powerful tool but may require the SSN toloiter in a suitable firing area for some time. Frigates able to attack inland targets offers greater flexibility and an alternative, if less stealthy, option.

It should be noted that TLAM is more powerful than most of the I-SSGW contenders and has a 1,000lb warhead and a range of about 900nm.

The RAF’s Storm Shadow has a 450kg warhead optimised for hardened bunker penetration so I-SSGW would complete a suite of UK land-attack weapons, each with its own advantages.

The expectation is that I-SSGW will be fitted to just 5 of the 8 towed array equipped Type 23 frigates which are a key component of the carrier strike group. It is likely the missiles would be rotated around the frigates as they deploy operationally. To accommodate the new weapon on the Type 23, they will have to be canister-launched and have the same approximate footprint of the Harpoons they replace. Although essentially a bolt-on system, it must interface with the combat management system and the ship or other platforms may need to exchange data with the missile in flight.

The candidates

Naval Strike Missile

Deployed in the littoral environment against combatants up to frigate size it would be very formidable. It has been in service since 2012 and successfully exported to several navies, notably bought by the USN for its Littoral Combat Ships and Constellation-class frigates.

RBS15 Mk 4

It is arguably the most modern of the contenders and includes sophisticated electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) and manoeuvres in unpredictable attack profiles at increased speed during the terminal attack phase, delivering a 200kg high-explosive blast and pre-fragmented warhead. The manufacturers say it has a very low maintenance requirement and a planned life of 30 years, subject to planned incremental upgrades.

Sea Serpent

LRASM

The Lockheed Martin Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) AGM-158C is the largest, most capable and expensive option. Based on the successful Joint Airto-Surface Stand off Missile (JASSM-ER), it has a quoted range of up to 500km and a 1,000lb warhead. It is designed to be effective even in the most contested environments where GSP and data links are denied and is capable of autonomous targeting using its own passive sensors and AI.

LM have demonstrated a canister-launched vision but it will be launched from Mk 41 VLS cells by the USN. The air-launched version has been selected by the US and Australian Air Force.

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Arnold Defense has manufactured more than 1.25 million 2.75-inch rocket launchers since 1961 for the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and many NATO customers. They are the world’s largest supplier of rocket launchers for military aircraft, vessels and vehicles. Core products include the 7-round M260 and 19-round M261 commonly used by helicopters; the thermal coated 7-round LAU-68 variants and LAU-61 Digital Rocket Launcher used by the U.S. Navy and Marines; and the 7-round LAU-131 and SUU-25 flare dispenser used by the U.S. Air Force and worldwide.

Today’s rocket launchers now include the ultra-light LWL-12 that weighs just over 60 pounds (27 kg.) empty and the new Fletcher (4) round launcher. Arnold Defense designs and manufactures various rocket launchers that can be customized for any capacity or form factor for platforms in the air, on the ground or even at sea.

Arnold Defense maintains the highest standards of production quality by using extensive testing, calibration and inspection processes.

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