A new electronic warfare (EW) suite being developed by Babcock and partners for Royal Navy vessels has moved a step closer to operational readiness.
The first MEWSIC (Maritime Electronic Warfare System Integrated Capability) suite, dubbed System 1, has recently been delivered to the U.K. Ministry of Defence, and has been accepted by the National Armaments Director Group.
The System 1 suite will now be used for a series of further tests to ensure it’s working as it should and can be integrated into other existing RN systems in use aboard its vessels.
Team Leader Dr. Allan Paterson said: “MEWSIC will provide a key component of the platform protection suite for the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers, Type 45 destroyers and the Type 26 and 31 frigates, particularly against the threat of anti-ship missiles.
“Given recent global events, the need for investment in this area has never been greater, so taking delivery of the first MEWSIC system is a key achievement. My congratulations to the MoD/industry team whose hard work made this possible.”
A £100 million, 13-year contract to develop MEWSIC was awarded to a Babcock-led industry consortium including Elbit Systems UK in 2021.
MEWSIC is due to be fitted to 21 RN ships, including both Queen-Elizabeth class carriers, six Type 45 destroyers, eight Type 26 frigates, and five Type 31 frigates. Initial Operational Capability is planned for 2027.
- You can read more details about MEWSIC on the Babcock website
