DSEi 2011: Thales develops new counter-IED ECM system
Thales has developed a new ECM in an effort to counter radio-controlled IEDs (RCIEDs, which the company says are currently the enemy’s ‘weapon of choice’.
The Gecco ECM is undergoing tests by Thales, and is expected to be available to order by 2012, Martyn Pratt, ECM product line manager said at a pre-DSEi media briefing on 13 July.
‘IEDs are currently the widest threat and killer in the military forces, and RCIED triggers are a weapon of choice,’ Pratt explained. ‘Give the insurgent a choice and he will used a radio-controlled link.
‘This is for a number of reasons: it enables him to be away from the point of detonation, and more importantly enables him to hit the target he wants, so there is a better kill rate, but also a reduced level of casualties amongst the indigenous population that he has to live in.’
He explained that the key is to not only stop the attack, but to ‘identify attacks and exploit them later on’, maintaining sovereignty over your capability.
This system provides intelligent and agile protection, but also brings some EW capability to the front line, according to Pratt.
Current systems have problems with size, weight and power on both mounted and dismounted platforms.
Pratt pointed out that a lot of equipment currently in service came about as a result of an urgent operational requirement and, therefore, today’s equipment is only designed for today’s conflicts; the ‘new threat new box’ concept needs to be deterred from.
The Gecco is a re-look at technology, and is ‘spectrum-flexible’, making it easy to support because it is modular and extendable.
‘We have created a new base technology that has enabled us to deal with some of those issues that exist today. We have also looked at the architectures of vehicle systems that are coming into service, and we’ve designed them to interface into modern platforms,’ Pratt said.
Following field tests that began last September, Thales has delivered ‘a number of platforms’ to customers.
You may also like
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Intelsat emphasises SATCOM resilience for SOF in contested domains (video)]()
Intelsat emphasises SATCOM resilience for SOF in contested domains (video)
Intelsat outlines how its multi-orbit SATCOM architecture is enhancing connectivity and resilience for special operations forces operating in degraded and contested environments.
-
![US Space Force’s next-generation missile warning system moves forward with $500 million in new contracts]()
US Space Force’s next-generation missile warning system moves forward with $500 million in new contracts
Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) satellites are intended to provide early warning of missile launches from any location worldwide and new ground stations will result in expanded coverage of critical missile warning.
-
![Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces]()
Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces
Airbus was awarded the Composante Spatiale Optique (CSO) contract at the end of 2010. This included an option for a third satellite, which was activated after Germany joined the programme in 2015.
-
![Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)]()
Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)
In today’s contested operational environment, adaptability is key. The new Geospatial-Intelligence as a Service (GEO IaaS) solution from Fujitsu and MAIAR empowers militaries by enabling intelligence advantage, combining advanced technology with human expertise to deliver actionable insights.
-
![Israel sets up new department to boost development of AI and autonomy]()
Israel sets up new department to boost development of AI and autonomy
Israel will continue to develop autonomy for its weapons and platforms as it brings together defence personnel, academia and industry.
-
![Clavister contracted to supply cyber protection for CV90s]()
Clavister contracted to supply cyber protection for CV90s
Clavister CyberArmour, an integrated defence cybersecurity system, will be used on BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 platform in deployments with a Scandinavian country, as well as in an eastern European nation.
