SEA press release
Ancilia is a highly modular and flexible maritime countermeasures solution delivering effective and rapid protection against modern dynamic threats, such as hypersonic and ballistic missiles. A step-change in decoy launcher technology from traditional fixed solutions, Ancilia’s trainable base, provided by fellow Cohort Group company Chess Dynamics, removes the need to manoeuvre the vessel. Its relatively compact size enables it to be fitted to a wide range of maritime platforms.
Capable of a rapid movement and offering support for a multitude of surface and subsurface countermeasure effectors, the system can counter a wide range of threats quickly and effectively. With a decoy-agnostic open architecture, the system can launch any standard 130mm NATO decoy, and other calibres of effectors, and can be retrofitted onto existing platforms and integrated with existing Combat Management Systems (CMS) and third-party Electronic Support Systems (ESM). Drawing upon SEA’s Combat System expertise, Ancilia uses modern electronics, mechanical systems and software and requires minimal deck footprint in comparison to other systems of its nature.
Ancilia draws upon SEA’s proud history of decoy launcher expertise, including providing systems to the UK Royal Navy. SEA’s countermeasures systems are in service across the Royal Navy’s Type 23 frigates, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Albion, and Type 45 destroyers, while its Torpedo Launcher System is the preferred system of the UK Royal Navy and many other navies worldwide, including in the Indo Pacific region.
“With the speed and sophistication of missiles increasing and the response window for surface platforms shortening, navies need to rapidly and accurately deliver decoys that protect against threats such as hypersonic and ballistic missiles. Ancilia revolutionises maritime countermeasure technology by providing far greater manoeuvrability and speed of response than existing, fixed solutions.
Richard Flitton, Managing Director at SEA
Richard Flitton added: “SEA has a proud history of partnership and collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region, including in Australia, and we’re proud to showcase our new technology and discuss the region’s defence challenges with delegates at the show.”
SEA’s appearance at Indo Pacific 2023 reflects its continued presence in the region where it provides advanced defence technologies and supports the development of local capability through partnerships with companies such as BlueZone Group and Daronmont Technologies in Australia.
SEA was also contracted by New Zealand’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) in 2023 to build and install the communication system upgrade on two Royal New Zealand Navy ANZAC frigates. SEA will work with New Zealand-based companies such as Beca, MAROPS and McKay to deliver the upgrade.
Following its launch at DSEI in September 2023, SEA will also be bringing KraitOptimise, its Underwater Situational Awareness capability to Australian shores for the first time. KraitOptimise provides simple and intuitive visualisation of complex environmental data to dramatically improve sonar positioning and performance and overall mission planning.