84 · MT 3/2022 Homeland Security Forum an inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging mode, an automatic identification system (AIS) receiver, and high-definition, full-motion video sensors, equipped with optical and infrared cameras. This sensor suite enables real-time detection and identification of surface vessels over thousands of square miles, and provides automatic tracking of maritime targets and correlation of AIS transmitters with radar tracks, according to the manufacturer. The selection of SeaGuardian comes after the JASDF received its first of three RQ-4 Global Hawk Block 30i HALE UAVs on 12 March. Second Philippine MRRV Completes Sea Trials The PCG’s second MRRV will be delivered to Manila Bay in May. (Photo: PCG) The second of two multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) completed sea trials 28-31 March off Japan. BRP Melchora Aquino will be delivered in May. Future crew members are currently undergoing training at Shimonoseki Shipyard in Japan, according to the PCG. Once in service, the vessel will join first-of-class BRP Teresa Magbanua, delivered in late February. It will serve as an additional asset for maritime patrol operations and as the main vessel for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. The MRRVs are being acquired under the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project Phase II, a Japanese-assisted project funded through a development assistance loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency. The platforms, modelled after the Japan Coast Guard Kunigami class, have a maximum speed of over 24kt, an endurance of at least 4,000nmi, and can conduct sustained patrols in the country’s maritime jurisdictions, according to the PCG. They are expected to improve the service’s maritime security and safety capabilities, as they will be deployed to support the ongoing operations of PCG Task Force Pagsasanay. to the company. MoD said the spacecraft represents “the critical first step in identifying the processing power, radio frequencies and imagery capabilities UK Space Command requires to provide timely space-based intelligence in support of UK Armed Forces.” The mission will be managed by Space Command, which has recently marked its first anniversary. The work is the first to be contracted under the MINERVA programme, which was announced in the Defence Space Strategy published earlier this year. MINERVA has a budget of £127 million and, according to the MoD, its “findings will underpin the £970million ISTARI programme which will deliver a multi-satellite constellation to support greater global surveillance and intelligence for military operations over the next 10 years.” The MoD describes the spacecraft as “the first in a network of new satellites.” It will be based on SSTL’s extant Carbonite+ platform: the Carbonite 1 and 2 spacecraft were launched in 2015 and 2018 respectively, and were company-developed technology demonstrators, designed to provide video from orbit. “The MINERVA programme provides the route to use space to be fully interoperable and able to share data with our close allies,” Defence Procurement Minister Jeremy Quin said. “This is the crucial first step in delivering this capability and I’m delighted that we’re working together with UK companies to remain at the forefront of innovation in space.” “We are delighted that Space Command has signed with SSTL for a Carbonite+ satellite, and we are looking forward to working together on this pivotal mission for the UK,” stated Phil Brownnett, SSTL Managing Director. “We have established an excellent relationship with Space Command and by working closely together we have evolved and enhanced our Carbonite+ spacecraft design for the Project TYCHE Programme.” Japan Coast Guard Selects SeaGuardian The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) has selected the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAS to support maritime surveillance operations in Japan’s EEZ. According to Japanese media, the JCG has budgeted ¥4 billion ($31.8 million) for the programme, and is putting together a 13-strong team to operate the aircraft. The platform, being acquired under the JCG’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) project, is expected to begin operations in October. The SeaGuardian will be used to conduct wide-area maritime surveillance to support the service’s missions, which include search and rescue, disaster response, and maritime law enforcement operations, said GA-ASI on 6 April. The JCG trialled SeaGuardian in 2020, to validate its capabilities. eaGuardian features a multi-mode maritime surface-search radar with An MQ-9B SeaGuardian in its natural habitat. (Photo: GA-ASI) An artist’s impression of the Carbonite+ spacecraft. (Photo: SSTL)
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM5Mjg=