Saab supplies integrated Radar ESM and Laser Warning systems for the German Navy
Saab in South Africa (Cape Town) has received a follow-on order from Rheinmetall to supply Radar ESM and Laser Warning systems for the German Navy vessels. The vessels are being operationally deployed as part of UNIFIL, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
The Saab systems is a part of an integrated electronic warfare solution in combination with Rheinmetall’s MASS (Multi Ammunition Softkill System) decoy system. The self protection system provides guarding against both radar and laser guided threats. Rheinmetall is the main contractor for the protection system.
The Radar ESM system from Saab (SME100) is a compact, high performance, tactical ESM system. It intercepts, measures, characterises and identifies signals. The Naval Laser Warner System (NLWS) detects and classifies range finders, designators, beam riders and dazzlers. The system is also unique through its capability of identifying lasers sources with the aid of a threat library.
Saab and Rheinmetall has developed a strong working relationship, which has resulted in the integrated detection unit in combination with MASS for new and upgrade surface ship programs. MASS is a high sophisticated decoy system for use against anti ship missiles and Laser guided threats.
Saab received the first order for self protection systems for the German Naval vessels in 2008 and a number of systems have been delivered since then. The majority of the systems have been installed onboard the German Naval vessels, and a few systems as land-based systems (for training and support). Saab is currently under contract to supply further systems for onboard installation.
In addition to the supply of systems, Saab has also established an ongoing expert workgroup together with Rheinmetall and the German Navy regarding the operational performance and data evaluation of the protection systems.
Saab is a supplier of Naval ESM and ELINT systems as well as Naval Laser Warning systems to countries such as Greece, Portugal, South Africa, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, and Germany.
