ADVERTORIAL - Fully digital and integrated: the sixth generation of maritime electronic warfare suites from Elbit Systems.

Defence today faces an increasing number of threats in increasing diversity and ditto complexity. This includes action in the electromagnetic spectrum. To support ship and submarine crews in identifying and acting on these threats, Elbit Systems is currently developing its sixth generation of 'EW Suites'. In these, weapon systems and sensors work together in a joint configuration based on advanced hardware and software. The crew is thus able to detect, know and act in a split second.

Whereas previously the air gunner fired his ammunition based on the information provided by his own eyes and ears, in 2021 we rely more on electronic systems that 'see' over the horizon. Not without reason. The number and complexity of threats is increasing. A ship's 'eyes and ears' need to be able to recognise (many) more different threats, and moreover ever faster. Especially when they present themselves from different directions within a short time frame. In addition, targets are increasingly difficult to detect which does not make it any easier to protect a ship or submarine.

Sixth generation
With Elbit Systems' Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, this is nevertheless possible. This company has been developing EW systems for more than 50 years and is now developing its sixth generation of electronic warfare suites. These are fully integrated, digital suites that link radar warning receivers and electronic support measures (ESM) equipment with electronic attack and self-protection systems (including decoys).

Data and more data
The all-round 360° protection created by the suites is based on the real-time collection and processing of large amounts of data. The sixth-generation suites therefore use a large amount and diversity of both sensors (receivers) and effectors (jammers). The millions of pulses per second received by the system are processed in real time by sophisticated software (data and signal processing). In the process, the software is able to distinguish threats from non-threats. For example, its own or other harmless emitters. It can also assign a classification to all threats: how dangerous is the threat?

Based on the conclusion drawn by the software, the system may take action through soft-kill or otherwise hard-kill measures. This can be done automatically and independently when, for example, an enemy missile is detected that can be destroyed by its own firepower long before it reaches its target. In other cases, explicit human consent is required to initiate an action.

Jamming and misdirection
In addition to detection and analysis, the latest maritime EW systems include electronic capabilities to 'jam' or misdirect. For the latter, signals are issued that make it appear that a ship or other threat is at a specific location; when in fact nothing is there. The underlying idea is to use this to distract the enemy, making them more vulnerable or at least doing less damage themselves.

All systems are developed with an open architecture which allows for the integration of equipment and new solutions, including from third parties. This contributes to the growth potential of both surface ships and submarines.

The Israeli Navy's new Sa'ar 6 corvettes are also equipped with "state of the art" integrated EW technology from Elbit Systems.

Developing for the future
Elbit Systems: 'Important when developing these systems is that you try to look into the future as far as possible. After all, building a new frigate takes several years from the drawing board to launching. The sixth generation we are currently developing is therefore tailored to two major customers who will hand over their ships to the end user in 2023.'

This gives the latter access to an EW system that - compared to the previous generation - is more sensitive, more dynamic and faster, as well as operating in a wider frequency range. Typically from 0.5 - 40 GHz. This range covers both interception and jamming of signals. This means: being able to recognise and react to more threats from all directions in a shorter time frame.

SSPA transmitter
One of the technical solutions to make the above possible is the Solid State Phased Array (SSPA) active electronically steering transmitter. Developed by Elbit Systems' Elisra EW and Signals Intelligence division, this transmitter is characterised by a compact design at low weight. Nevertheless, the SSPA hardly develops any heat and thus has low energy consumption. Moreover, it covers all air, ground and maritime systems.

Elbit Systems: 'The SSPA Transmitter uses a large number of active Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductor Solid State Transmitter modules. Advanced technologies that will undoubtedly contribute even more to crew and equipment protection capabilities in the future.'

NOMAD unmanned decoy
Elbit Systems' systems are not only deployed on ships such as frigates. Rheinmetall Canada, for example, chose Elbit Systems as supplier for an integrated EW system deployed in the NOMAD: 'Naval Off board Anti Missile Active Decoy'. This is an unmanned vessel that interferes and sends misleading signals to confuse the enemy. Moreover, the word 'decoy' indicates that it can be used to lure the enemy in such a way that they come within the detection range of the EW system and can then be rendered harmless. Such an unmanned craft can sail completely autonomously but can also be controlled remotely. It thus provides protection to the mother ship and any overarching task force, squadron covenants.

Find out more about Elbit Systems' growing range of maritime systems in the short YouTube video below

More info on Elbit's website.

Source images: Israeli Navy