Indra wins Frontex service contract
Indra has been awarded a service contract by the European Border Control Agency (Frontex) to incorporate its P2006T MRI aircraft into the EPN Triton maritime surveillance operation in the Mediterranean Sea, the company announced on 22 March.
The MRI aircraft is currently conducting surveillance in areas around southern Italy to track the movements of vessels involved in immigrant trafficking, and to support rescue efforts.
The aircraft collects and conveys in-flight information in real-time to the control station at Brindisi airport, Italy. The information is simultaneously shared with the Coordination and Control Center (LCC) of the Italian Guardia di Finanza located in Pomezia (Rome), and the Frontex offices in Warsaw, which supervise the operation.
The aircraft carries surveillance payloads including a FLIR Systems large-format high-definition electro-optical camera, an AIS vessel identification system and a Selex Galileo Seaspray 5000E radar. The aircraft can monitor areas from the coastline to 150 miles out to sea, with patrols lasting from four to six hours.
Indra plans to transfer the MRI P2006T to the Rozas Aero Transport Research Center (Lugo) after completing Frontex’s mission.
More from Naval Warfare
-
UK Royal Navy orders more Remus UUVs
HII’s Remus UUVs can be used for mine-countermeasure, harbour security and reconnaissance operations, as well as hydrographic surveys, environmental monitoring and debris field mapping.
-
How AI tools can reduce fuel usage for maritime platforms
The broader use of algorithms to collect and analyse vessel data can better support navy chiefs and staff.
-
South Korea approves more frigates plus SM-3 missiles
South Korea’s six FFX Batch IV frigates are expected to be delivered by 2032 and will full retirement of remaining Pohang-class corvettes and Ulsan-class frigates, and possibly Gwanggaeto-class destroyers.
-
China’s third aircraft carrier commences sea trials
Fujian, China’s latest aircraft carrier, has embarked on its inaugural sea trials following delays to its construction but featuring technological advancements that have marked a leap in the maritime capabilities of the People’s Liberation Army Navy.
-
Northrop Grumman’s Manta Ray completes testing
Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation was selected in 2021 to build and test and Manta Ray unmanned underwater vehicle (UUVs). A second platform has been under development by PacMar Technologies.