The French defense procurement agency has ordered drone detection systems from Cerbair for the seven newly-acquired French Navy offshore patrol vessels.
Cerbair will provide the naval version of its radio frequency detection system, called the Hydra.
The system scans the electromagnetic spectrum to locate a drone and its pilot using advanced signal processing and artificial intelligence algorithms.
According to the French firm, the Hydra 100 has a detection range of 2 kilometers (1.2 miles), while the Hydra 200 and 300 can detect targets up to 7 and 10 kilometers (4.3 and 6.2 miles), respectively.
Stealth System
The system provides 360-degree coverage and does not emit any radiation, ensuring discreet operation.
Moreover, it features a modular architecture, allowing its integration with new vessels and retrofitting with old ones, the French firm said.
“This contract represents a major milestone for Cerbair in our commitment to providing on-board solutions that are increasingly adapted to the operational needs of the French armed forces and their allies,” vice president of sales at Cerbair Brian Girard said.
French Offshore Patrol Vessels
Paris ordered the OPV vessels last year to replace the navy’s high-sea patrol vessels based in Brest and Toulon, as well as the Flamant-class craft based in Cherbourg.
A trio of companies were awarded the 90-million-euro ($983 million) contract: CMN, Piriou, and Socarenam.
Naval Group and Thales will manage some of the vessels’ future assets, including combat systems and maritime surveillance equipment consisting of sonars and radars.
The vessels will be deployed in “semi-permissive environments” for missions including seakeeping and information processing.
They will be able to accommodate drones or helicopters for both surveillance and combat missions.
“In a context of increasing maritime traffic and tightening threats at sea, patrol boats are filling a very wide range of missions: support for deterrence, presence in areas of sovereignty and interest, evacuation, protection, escort and intervention in the context of the action of the State at sea,” the defense procurement agency said.