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.
More from Digital Battlespace
-
US Space Force increases efforts to plug training capabilities gaps
The service has been seeking simulation and emulation solutions capable of reproducing multiple in-orbit threats.
-
US Space Force bets big on the use of AI to improve its capabilities
The service has been conducting several acquisition and upgrading efforts involving artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve communication, data analysis and ISR systems.
-
Thales selected for Syracuse satellite communications terminals for French vehicles
The Syracuse 4B communications satellite, developed by Airbus and Thales Alenia Space, was launched last year, bolstering secure military satellite communications for the French Armed Forces. Thales has now been selected to provide terminals for vehicles.
-
The New Battlefield: Space Defence, Emerging Threats, and Strategic Opportunities (Studio)
The growing importance of space in modern warfare, advancements in satellite technology, and increasing threats from rivals like China and Russia were among the topics of a Eurosatory 2024 panel on military space operations.
-
BAE Systems to provide radios for South Korean aircraft
AN/ARC-232A is a Starfire radio that provides VHF/UHF communications to airborne platforms and the transceiver is software-programmable, allowing for multiple waveform support as well as optional national electronic counter counter-measure (ECCM) capability.
-
Lockheed Martin to work with DARPA on AI effort
During the 18-month period of the contract, Lockheed Martin will apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques to create surrogate models of aircraft, sensors, electronic warfare and weapons within dynamic and operationally representative environments.