For over 25 years, powerful calculation capabilities and the miniaturization of electronic components have driven unprecedented advances in missile and torpedo homing device technology, making them highly discriminant with respect to standard techniques employed by conventional countermeasures.
The latest generation of missile homing devices can instantaneously analyze the target’s spectral, spatial and temporal data and reject any radar echoes or infrared radiation that are not emitted by a ship’s signature.
Most of the missiles today, and which are widespread, are equipped with ECCM (Electronic Counter- Countermeasures) capabilities that reject standard decoys employing metal strips (chaff) or infrared
compositions, “hot spots”.
In the same way, standard countermeasures are systematically rejected by advanced torpedoes having longer ranges and a capacity to analyze the situation, etc. In order to counter the latest threats, recent technological developments have significantly enhanced countermeasures’ credibility and effectiveness.
The Etienne Lacroix Group has developed and perfected a new generation of systems and countermeasures
capable of defeating the current and latest threats:
- The Sylena MK2 decoy-launching range, a specially adapted system to countering current and emerging
anti-missile (RF, IR, EO) and / anti-torpedo threats. - The SEACLAD naval munitions range, in service with numerous navies abroad, in the most extreme
environments from the cold to the warm seas.
With regard to ongoing and future naval program requirements currently in progress (Multi Role Combat Vessels, Littoral Mission Vessels, Joint Multi-Mission Ship…) LACROIX is offering a global solution as OEM manufacturer with tailored made configuration for decoy launcher systems and dedicated munitions.
LACROIX believes that proposing a whole range of inter-operable system’s, using the same ammunitions, is a particularly smart offer (higher readiness level) fitted for the needs of the Republic of Singapore Navy.
Naval News took the opportunity of the event to sit down with Lacroix’s Jean-Marie Pascal, senior business development manager for Asia Pacific.
Naval News – You brought a real Sylena Mk2 decoy launcher to IMDEX for the first time, for which reasons ?
Jean-Marie Pascal, Lacroix – Partners and naval end-users are more and more interested by the global innovative decoying solutions proposed by LACROIX. IMDEX 2019 is a regional maritime defense exhibition for ASEAN region and beyond. It a great opportunity to gather with shipyards, and naval Electronic Warfare experts , and partners to share latest news and business opportunities.
SEEING is BELIEVING !… IMDEX 2019 is a great opportunity to showcase a real SYLENA MK2 DLS (Decoy Launcher System) at “scale 1” . In addition, the SYLENA MK2 DLS is displaying the SEACLAD® range of decoys, namely the SEALEM® mortar (RF) which is a worldwide unique solution deployed in service with LACROIX broadband corner reflector, morphologic infrared decoy capability with the SEALIR® mortar. To be complete, SEALAT CANTO® Mortar is a broadband active acoustic countermeasure acting both as a jammer for dilution and as a false target generator for confusion
As for a conclusion : Each time LACROIX brought SYLENA at a naval show, partners and end-users realize that “The future is Today” . Even EW specialist discovering this solution , began to change their vision about the use of “traditional chaff”, becoming obsolete, and now considering that multipurpose answer (and offer), including new NG effects such as CNR (namely Corner Reflectors)…. Is now on the shelves.
Naval News – Is the RSN already using Lacroix’ solutions aboard some of its vessels ?
Jean-Marie Pascal, Lacroix – Today, in the Electronic Warfare context, LACROIX considers that there is a threat proliferation worldwide of millimetric wave in the K-band [35-40 GHz]. Having said so, Chaff cut to these wavelengths is difficult to deploy because of the ‘birds nest’ effect, and the sheer volume of material needed.
Supersonic and future hypersonic threats have also reduced the time of engagement, reducing the window for the deployment of countermeasures. In the field of naval electronic warfare, we consider chaff technology to be obsolete, and standard system with such solution too.
The Republic Of Singapore Navy is always a step ahead ! Having said so, I will not disclose the on-going particular project brainstormed by the RSN but you can imagine that, somewhere, there are LACROIX cutting edge technologies inside their modern vessels.
Naval News – The RSN is an innovative navy with existing unique vessels such as the LMV which are technologically advanced, multi-role focused thanks to reconfigurable modular missions space. The RSN also has some upcoming revolutionary projects such as the MRCV. Lacroix being an innovative company, how can you answer the future needs of the RSN ?
Jean-Marie Pascal, Lacroix – SYLENA is a versatile, with a modern architecture, which can be interfaced with most of the major CMS manufacturers and CSI integrators, and can accommodate different configuration, with various number of launchers, above or below the deck, in a container version, etc.. which can be mission tailored specifically for the End-user requirements.
Lacroix continues to examine further evolutions. We still have in mind to complete the development of a distraction round compatible with SYLENA®, in accordance with the fundamentals of the distraction tactics. Our understanding is that we can consider that distraction corresponds to a specific timing of the engagement and is not, as many now think, a “long-range consideration”.
LACROIX is setting the standards, and you can easily understand Navy users and partners strong interest for SYLENA MK2 DLS, as the innovative “all in one” solution who can manage multi-threats engagements scenario and which is bringing more capabilities and AAW ASW superiority in this 21st century.
