Covert Capability and Secure Connectivity
ELTA, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and HENSOLDT Optronics are collaborating on an Integrated Communication and Surveillance (ICS) system for submarines. Both companies displayed the system on their respective ‘booths’ during EURONAVAL Online last week.
Aimed at ISR missions, the ICS is a fully integrated system combining HENSOLDT’s Optical Surveillance Optronics Mast OMS150 with ELTA’s SIGINT and SATCOM payloads. There is an emerging trend in the operational world in which the submarine is no longer a stand-alone platform involved in predefined missions, but has rather become an integrated part of a naval task force. The demand is now for submarines to provide optical surveillance capability day and night and in all weather conditions, to monitor radar and communication transmissions, and to gather intelligence, all of which can then be sent via a secure tactical communication link to a remote command. These requirements have driven navies to procure more ISR sensors and high-reliability communication systems. Typically, the sensors and communication systems would normally need to be installed on multiple masts, but the ICS solution houses all the sensors within a single, uniquely-engineered mast to minimize impact on the submarine’s stealth signature.
“As part of ELTA’s new strategy, we are ramping up our collaborations with global business entities by leveraging our advanced technological experience and know-how accumulated over decades of defense operations. This collaboration will bring value to our customers by offering a unique, cost-effective, compact and high-utility solution,” commented ELTA CEO, Yoav Tourgeman.
“Providing a single integrated mast solution will truly satisfy our customers who are searching to enhance their submarines’ capabilities while being sensitive to the limited amount of space available and retaining a high degree of stealthiness,” observed Harald Hansen, HENSOLDT Optronics Maritime’s Director of Sales.
The ICS provides optical surveillance, radar warning and detection and monitoring of GPS, voice and other communications between ships, land and airborne platforms. The data gathered in real time can provide the submarine’s crew vital information regarding the enemy’s exact location and current situation. The system features a SATCOM and laser system for secure communications.
