New mission module for Protector USV

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has developed a new mission module for its Protector USV, giving the system the ability to fire missiles, the company announced on 8 March.

The development has culminated in a successful test firing series, which saw a number of missiles launched from Protector hit simulated enemy targets.

The missiles fired were Spike missiles – a family of precise, electro-optical, precise missiles that can be launched from aerial, land and naval platforms. The new mission module will give the USV the capability to remotely strike land or naval targets with no risk to the operating force. The USV is operated from a remote command and control room or from aboard other naval platforms.

The Protector has been in use since 2004. Rafael has supplied the USV to a number of fleets and civilian bodies around the world to meet growing requirements for remotely-operated vessels with modular payload carrying capabilities.

The recent test brings to an end the operational integration process of Protector's entire suite of mission components, which also includes a stabilised weapon station – Mini-Typhoon; a water cannon, non-lethal means, EW systems for protection and escort of naval vessels, MCM, electro-optical long-range detection and tracking systems.

Moshe Elazar, head of Rafael's Land and Naval Systems Division, said: 'The firing test demonstrates Protector's side array of capabilities and applications.

'These assets are vulnerable to sabotage or terrorism and the damage that can be inflicted can in some cases be catastrophic. Protector's capabilities are a major force multiplier for navies, for detection, deterrence and finally neutralization of the threat.'