Kongsberg contracted for Dutch and Belgian frigate propellers and drive shafts
In July 2023, Damen and Thales signed contracts to design, build and deliver four new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates for Belgium and the Netherlands.
Vulcanair Aircraft has selected UTC Aerospace Systems to deliver its Cloud Cap Technology TASE500 imaging systems to support the Chilean Navy’s maritime search and rescue (SAR) mission, UTC Aerospace Systems announced on 8 December.
The systems will be installed on Vulcanair's P68 Observer 2 twin-engine aircraft, which are being delivered to the navy for patrol, maritime observation and SAR operations.
The TASE500 is an all-HD, digital imaging system designed for improved situational awareness. Its lens design is optimised for object recognition, and it features a continuous zoom function and advanced processing capabilities.
Remo De Feo, CEO, Vulcanair Aircraft, said: ‘The addition of the Cloud Cap Technology TASE500 Imaging System to the P68 Observer 2 will allow us to provide a turnkey, high performance, cost efficient solution to the search and rescue market. The all HD imaging system of the TASE500 was a critical requirement in providing the Chilean Navy with superior night-time imaging as well as long range daylight surveillance.’
John Trezza, vice president, Force Protection, UTC Aerospace Systems, said: ‘We are proud to be selected by Vulcanair Aircraft, a respected name in aviation, to provide the Chilean Navy with an optical imaging solution that meets the demands of their extensive maritime operations. The TASE500's optimised lens design will enable search and rescue operators to more easily identify objects at sea and along the coastline.’
In July 2023, Damen and Thales signed contracts to design, build and deliver four new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates for Belgium and the Netherlands.
Alongside progress on its Lionfish contracts, Leonardo emphasised its shift in focus from traditional larger calibre systems toward smaller calibre solutions, epitomised by the X-Gun’s inception in 2017.
The UK Royal Navy’s anti-submarine warfare Spearhead programme, run by the service’s Develop Directorate, has been investigating future and existing technologies with a particular focus on the USV arena.
A new class of General Purpose ‘Tier 2’ frigate will replace the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) Anzac-class frigates, but the selected design options appear to have major issues in terms of compatibility and availability for the future fleet.
RFA Stirling Castle, a 6,000-tonne vessel, will start operations later this year.
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has only so far confirmed that discussions have been taking place with BAE Systems, but a decision has yet to be made, according to The Telegraph.