Naval Technology

Daily Newsletter

07 November 2023

Daily Newsletter

Terma elevates Royal Navy frigates with radar technology

The Type 26 frigates are designed to be versatile, advanced anti-submarine warfare warships, set to replace the ageing Type 23 fleet.

Terma, a Danish advanced technology solutions provider for defence, is set to equip five Royal Navy Type 26 frigates with its SCANTER 6000 radars.

The SCANTER 6000 radar systems provided by Terma are known for their performance in naval applications, offering simultaneous detection capabilities for a range of targets, including small objects, helicopters, and large vessels, both at close and extended distances. This addition enhances the Royal Navy's operational capabilities and situational awareness.

The procurement of SCANTER 6000 series radars by the Canadian Navy, Argentine Navy, Indonesian Navy and the UK's Royal Navy is also contributing to the X-band segment's growth globally, according to GlobalData's "The Global Naval Radar Market 2019-2029" report.

The Type 26 frigates are designed to be versatile, advanced anti-submarine warfare warships, set to replace the ageing Type 23 fleet. The first batch of these frigates already includes three ships, along with the inaugural ship of Batch 2, HMS Birmingham. The second batch, comprising HMS Birmingham, HMS Sheffield, HMS Newcastle, HMS Edinburgh, and HMS London, will all be equipped with Terma's radar systems.

According to GlobalData's report on the "UK Defense Market 2022-2027", the primary supplier for the ship is BAE Systems, but others are also contributing to the program's construction. Babcock will provide the air weapons handling system, GE Power will provide the electric propulsion motor and drive system, David Brown Gear Systems will provide the propulsion gearbox, Rolls-Royce, the gas turbine, Raytheon the bridge and navigation systems, and Rhode and Schwarz the communications system.

The construction of all eight frigates is expected to be completed by the mid-2030s. The SCANTER 6000 radar performs in adverse weather conditions.

Furthermore, this partnership elevates the Royal Navy's capabilities and strengthens defence partnerships. Terma has experience in delivering technology solutions for navies worldwide, including the Danish, French, German, Indonesian, Norwegian, and Thai navies.

As Terma continues to make strides in delivering technology solutions for defence and security forces worldwide, this collaboration signifies a leap in naval technology and international defence cooperation. Terma is set to play a role in bolstering the capabilities of the Royal Navy.

Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) are beginning to see combat deployment

The recent introduction of hypersonic missiles into the global threat matrix has led some observers to consider the potential of DEW as an effective countermeasure to this emerging technology. Consequently, the DEW market presents significant potential for growth due to rising global demand and extensive opportunities for technological innovation, though the exorbitant cost of most DEW systems poses its own challenges, most notably higher financial risk during R&D as well as a relatively limited pool of viable customers.