Feature MT 3/2022 · 33 laboratories and institutions to develop advanced defence equipment or devices. “The choice of the CBRN system derives from the customer’s requirement,” says Luca Mattei, VP, Design and Engineering, Fincantieri Naval Vessels Division. “But even in the absence of a clear request, the CBRN system generally comprises a monitoring and detection system with several sensors for the detection of air and water quality; an active citadel and a static citadel; an NBC fresh air filtering system to feed with clean air the HVAC system; a seawater pre-wetting system that covers the entire external surface of the ship; and one or more cleansing stations to allow the crew to safely exit and enter the ship”. Fincantieri is a leader in high-tech shipbuilding, having delivered over 2,000 naval vessels to date. CBRN systems are customised to specific vessel types, to better harmonise CBRN protection systems with other on-board requirements. The citadel, however, needs to be identified early, while detection system design is being developed. Sensor type and location are, in turn, defined at the contractual level. “The choice of the final supplier is usually a technical and economic compromise,” Mattei explains. The design of the two citadels defines the ship’s general arrangement. Fincantieri’s technical department also specifies the type and position of the NBC filters on the basis of the contractual requirements, and consolidated experience in the design of military ships. The position and layout of the decontamination room are similarly determined. According to Mattei, effective CBRN defence combines the three distinct functions of: monitoring and detecting threats outside and within the ship; protection using pressurised citadels and internal volume with gas-tight boundaries and airlocks; and decontamination using an external prewetting system and implementing suitable ventilation and filtration within. Cleansing stations help decontaminate crew and equipment. Fincantieri does not produce sensors and filters in-house, but may design and manufacture sensors in future. Claiming to follow a requirement-driven process that uses systems engineering methods, thyssen krupp Marine Systems explains it does not source from any specific CBRN defence systems provider, as it prioritises ownership cost reduction for its customers. Center Dahlgren Division. These efforts are intended to safeguard combatants from the harmful effects of CBR contamination, and range from detection and protection to mitigation and survivability in contaminated environments. Should combatants become exposed while operating in a contaminated environment, the Warfare Centers provide them with capabilities for decontamination. Industry Choice CBRN defence is especially pertinent to navies whose missions are evolving in a manner widening their exposure to such hazards. The shift of naval operations from ‘blue water’ to the littorals and inland waterways has increased the need for such capability. While a ship on the high focuses or airborne, surface or sub-surface threats, CB strikes can easily be launched from land or from small craft operating along the coast. The CBRNe (‘e’ standing for high-yield explosives) defence market is highly fragmented, with several players accounting for minor shares, notes Indian market intelligence and advisory firm Mordor Intelligence’s report titled CBRNe Defence Market – Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts, 2021-26. The report points out that, while the majority of CBRNe defence programmes receive government funding, increasing global demand is motivating companies to collaborate with research Sarosh Bana edits Business India in Mumbai, is India Correspondent of Asia Pacific Security Magazine, and a regular contributor to MilTech sister magazine, Naval Forces. He sits on the board of the EastWest Centre, a Hawaii-based think tank. During the course of 2021, Environics received system orders for CBRN monitoring systems for 21 naval and maritime vessels. Representation of a standard layout system recommendedfor destroyer- and frigate-size warships. (Graphics: Environics Oy)
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