UDT 2011: Future submarines will require C4ISR upgrades
The next generation of submarines will be required to carry additional C4ISR equipment in order to satisfy future operational requirements, according to Manfred Klein, senior VP for project development and research at Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW).
Addressing delegates at the Undersea Defence Technology (UDT) conference in London, Klein described the need for additional equipment such as data link and communications technology as well as electronic warfare and an ability to cooperate with special forces (SF) to 'further enhance the operational spectrum of submarines'.
The latter, he said, would involve submarines becoming 'invisible transporters and supporters of combat diver operations', providing space for SF personnel and equipment.
Klein added that next-generation boats would be required to carry 'new weapons and sensors to participate in asymmetric situations' with submarines being used to operate as invisible reconnaissance units deep in enemy waters.
'There, they will need extensive communications and ESM outfits inboard and on masts with working space and accommodation for intelligence teams; [capability for] high-speed data transfers; enhanced optronic systems; and capability to operate drones underwater or in the air; and extended AIP endurance because of a necessity to stay longer in an area close to enemy posts,' he urged.
Additionally, Klein described the development of lithium batteries as being of 'major importance to submarine design', outlining endurance increases between 50 and 400 per cent and reduction in maintenance costs and cycles.
However, Klein warned that navies and industry should not forget the traditional role and capability of the submarine, which provided the 'best bang for the money'.
'We are seeing an increasing number of different missions but we cannot forget this old feature, which is an important part of the submarine,' he concluded.
You may also like
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool]()
Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool
Nomad can provide militaries with real-time intelligence, saving critical time on the battlefield.
-
![AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems]()
AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems
Taurus operates alongside the Israel Defense Forces’ Orion system which supports mission management across tens of thousands of manoeuvring forces, from squad leaders to battalion commanders.
-
![AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster]()
AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster
The plan for the new displays follows fresh investment in Kopin’s European facilities by Theon and an order for head-up displays in fielded aircraft, with funding from the US Department of Defense.
-
![AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end]()
AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end
Persistent Systems received its largest ever single order for its MPU5 devices and other systems earlier this month and has already delivered the 50 units to the US Army’s 4th Infantry Division.
-
![Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella]()
Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella
Turkey has joined the family of countries attempting to establish a multilayered air defence system with government approval in August 2024 for the effort landed by Aselsan. Dubbed Steel Dome, the programme joins Israel’s Iron Dome, the US Golden Dome, India’s Mission Sudarshan Chakra and South Korea’s low-altitude missile defence system.
-
![DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system]()
DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system
MARSS’ NiDAR system has been deployed using sensors from static platforms to provide detection and protection for static sights, such as critical infrastructure, ports and military bases.
