OCEAN2020 demonstration kicks off
The first OCEAN2020 demonstration is set to commence today, 20 November, in the Gulf of Taranto.
OCEAN2020 is a European Defence Fund pan-European military research project that aims to evaluate how RPAS can help respond to the challenges of maritime surveillance.
The two day demonstration will bring together six naval units, nine RPAS, five satellites, two ground communications networks, four national Maritime Operation Centres (MOCs) and a prototype command centre (EU MOC) located in Brussels.
The demonstration will be coordinated at sea by the Italian Navy, which is providing ships and helicopters for the project and has helped develop the operational scenarios for the demonstrations. These will include the interdiction of a hostile vessel and the interception of an enemy mine-laying ship during an amphibious operation.
Throughout the exercise, the overarching objective will be to demonstrate how RPAS can support surveillance and interdiction operations at sea, providing an integrated picture of the situation for operators. The demonstration will also provide an opportunity to assess integration and interoperability capabilities at a European level as well as in the context of joint operations with NATO.
Leonardo is providing a number of capabilities for the exercise, including being responsible for the surveillance, defence and communication systems on board the Italian Navy’s Virginio Fasan and Federico Martinengo frigates, the latter which also hosts an SH-90A helicopter.
The company will also provide maritime domain awareness solutions at the Italian Navy Operations Center, headquarter of the Naval Squad Command, and will fly its SW-4 Solo and AWHero UAS during the demo. It will also provide advanced electronic scanning radar sensors on unmanned aircraft; telecommunications services of Athena Fidus developed by Telespazio and earth observation services provided through E-Geos Seonse platform using the capabilities of Cosmo-SkyMed satellites.
Leonardo has also participated in the creation of the prototype European maritime operations centre in Brussels, which will host operations during the exercise.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![RTX Raytheon targets nearly 170% RAM production increase to meet global demand]()
RTX Raytheon targets nearly 170% RAM production increase to meet global demand
The US multinational company is currently assembling 300 Rolling Airframe Missile rounds per year, with plans to reach 800 units annually after significant investment and modernisation of its facilities.
-
![Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies]()
Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies
The Spanish Navy’s Alvaro de Bazan-class of air defence frigates will receive the latest Aegis Weapon System technology among other modernisations to extend the service life to 2045.
-
![UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns]()
UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
-
![Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant]()
Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, Raytheon’s VP of Shipboard Missiles disclosed what improvements the company plans to offer for the Sea Sparrow NSV.
-
![US Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star’s 50-year service highlights capability gaps in Antarctica]()
US Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star’s 50-year service highlights capability gaps in Antarctica
Delays in the construction of the Polar Security Cutter – the future substitute for the Polar Star – are likely to prolong the ageing icebreaker’s service time even more, putting the USCG in a risky position.
