Spanish defence prime Indra has announced it is developing a new laser-guided missile defence system to protect warships, with the Spanish Navy’s carrier first in line for the upgrade.
Indra is leading the SILAEM Special Modernisation Programme (Shipborne Launcher System) to develop a new point-defence system to protect vessels against hostile craft, naval and aerial drones, helicopters and anti-ship missiles.
As per a press statement, Indra is committing to an open architecture approach to ensure the new capability can be integrated with sensors and systems from different manufacturers, facilitating integration with a range of different combat systems.
The Spanish Directorate General for Armaments and Materiel (DGAM) officially awarded Indra the €51 million Special Modernisation Programme (PEM) contract at the turn of the year. Since then it has been partnering with small-to-medium Spanish defence firms to co-develop the system components.
The initial funding for the project will see two separate versions of the system developed: a stand-alone configuration and another integrated with the SCOMBA combat system, the unified Combat Management System (CMS) currently used by the Spanish Navy.
As per the Indra statement: “The system will act as the vessel’s last line of defence, enabling it to counter hostile craft, aerial and surface drones, anti-ship missiles and attacks originating from the coastline.”
The SILAEM system will include an X-band fire-control radar, a target acquisition and tracking capability, a turret and the laser-guided missiles themselves.
The scheduled timeline covers the manufacturing, technical qualification, and operational validation of the two initial prototype systems. Testing, due to be completed by August 2028, should include live-fire trials using laser-guided, “fire-and-forget” short-range interceptors against simulated threats.
Once proven Spanish Navy flagship Juan Carlos I has been slated as the primary recipient for an operational SILAEM system.
- You can read more details on the Indra website
