SharpEye Mk11 for POM Programme
The French Navy has selected the Mk11 SharpEye radar, coupled to the MSSR 2000 NATO Mode 5 IFF system from Hensoldt UK to equip the six Patrouilleur d’Outre-Mer (overseas patrol craft) OPVs under construction by Socaraenam, the company announced on 7 July.
The equipment will be supplied to prime integrator AVON Communications. Once installed, it will link to the combat system, supplied by Nexeya, a Hensoldt company. The system will provide surface surveillance for the vessels and the fact the IFF antenna is collocated on the radar reduces space required on board. This makes installation and integration a much less complex task, saving time and allowing smaller vessels to benefit from the capability of more complex systems. The POM vessels will also operate their own UAS, which the Hensoldt equipment will support.
The SharpEye Mk11 radar with combined IFF demonstrates synergies within the company’s extensive portfolio. “This solution puts HENSOLDT at the forefront of radar/IFF sensor suppliers to the patrol boat market and brings two market leading technologies, SharpEye and MSSR2000, together in [a] complementary package that will benefit many patrol boat programmes,” explained Adrian Pilbeam, Head of Sales, Maritime Surveillance at Hensoldt UK.