The UK’s new electro-magnetic system has passed critical design review and is now awaiting final testing, the Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) announced Monday.
The system, called the Maritime Electronic Warfare System Integrated Capability (MEWSIC), is designed to provide Royal Navy warships with enhanced defensive capability against anti-ship missiles.
It is being developed by Babcock International in collaboration with Elbit Systems UK.
According to DE&S official Phil Game, the milestone marks the culmination of several months of collaborative efforts between the UK Ministry of Defence and industry partners.
It also reportedly provides the Royal Navy with great confidence the country is on track to deliver a highly capable system for protection against current and future threats.
“I am also pleased to see the significant investment being made both in UK infrastructure and technology transfer, to secure the long-term sustainability of this critical capability,” Game stated.
Future Applications
Once operational, the new electronic warfare system will enable the Royal Navy to accurately detect and identify enemy radar signals over greater distances than other existing systems.
It will also enhance the service’s situational awareness and help commanders make battlefield decisions faster.
The platform will be installed on Type 45 destroyers, Queen Elizabeth aircraft carriers, and Type 26 and Type 31 frigates.
“The Royal Navy has invested in an ambitious program to deliver modern electronic warfare capabilities to its surface warships that will allow them to maintain the UK’s commitments around the world,” Naval Equipment System Acquisition deputy director Matt Stratton said.
“Achieving the critical design review milestone is visible confirmation of the Royal Navy’s, DE&S’, Babcock’s, and Elbit System UK’s intent to deliver on that promise.”