Canada begins fitting ‘Strongbow' communications intel equipment on frigates

by Richard Scott

The new antenna array associated with Project Strongbow is shown here in testing at SwRI's San Antonio, Texas, facility. (SwRI)

The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) has begun retrofitting an upgraded communications eavesdropping suite on its 12 Halifax-class frigates under Project Strongbow.

Work has started on the implementation phase, according to Canada's Department of National Defence (DND), with initial operational capability (IOC) planned for 2025. Initial shipboard installations on three frigates are following now-completed environmental qualification and software regression testing.

Project Strongbow is designed to provide the RCN with an enhanced communications direction finding (COMM DF) and signals intelligence (SIGINT) capability by upgrading the existing AN/SRD-505 communications intelligence system. The new system, designated AN/SRD-506, is to detect and analyse complex radio signals.

The Strongbow project has an approved budget of CAD116 million (USD84.5 million). The main acquisition contract was let in 2020 to Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), the US-based original equipment manufacturer, reflecting the fact that a significant portion of the legacy COMM DF fit is maintained. For SIGINT technology, the upgrade was acquired non-competitively through a government-to-government contract.

“Work is under way on the first installs to be completed on HMCS Toronto


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Ukraine conflict: Hensoldt sending additional six TRML-4D radars to Ukraine

by Olivia Savage

This is the fourth order for the TRML-4D radar from the AFU in less than two years. The C-band ground-based air-defence radar (pictured) has been designed for near- to long-range ground-to-air detection and for weapon assignment. (Hensoldt)

Ukraine is receiving another batch of TRML-4D ground-based air-defence radars from Hensoldt to strengthen the country's air defence.

In total, six additional radars will be delivered later in 2024 to the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) as part of a deal worth a EUR100 million (USD107.1 million), the company announced on 3 May.

This order follows several deliveries of Hensoldt's TRML-4D radar to the AFU. In 2022 the company delivered four TRML-4D radars for Ukraine's Diehl Defence IRIS-T surface-launched medium-range (SLM) air-defence systems, and a further four for the air-defence system in June 2023. Over the course of 2023 Ukraine also received eight standalone TRML-4D radars, independent of the IRIS-T SLM system.

The six new radars destined for the AFU this year are not intended for the IRIS-T SLM, a Hensoldt spokesperson informed Janes . They added that the order comprises a set of spare parts, training, and services.


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UAE inaugurates GlobalEye early warning aircraft

by Jeremy Binnie

The UAE's fourth Saab GlobalEye was delivered on 18 April. (Ministry of Defence of the United Arab Emirates)

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced on 24 April that a reception ceremony for an early warning aircraft had been held at Al-Dhafra Air Base.

It cited Major General Ibrahim Nasser al-Alawi, the commander of the Air Force and Air Defence (AFAD), as saying the aircraft was a “qualitative addition” that will help protect the country's strategic interests.

The MoD released a video showing a Saab GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft without AFAD markings being escorted by F-16 and Mirage 2000-9 fighters before landing at Al-Dhafra, as well as personnel with 8th Aviation Wing badges working at a ground station.

Saab confirmed on the following day that it delivered the fourth of five GlobalEyes ordered by the UAE on 18 April.


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Lockheed Martin to ramp up UK Sniper production

by Gerrard Cowan

Seen being carried by a US Air Force F-16, the Sniper ATP is built in Florida in the US and Bedfordshire in the UK. Lockheed Martin is now ramping up UK component production to meet increased customer demand. (Lockheed Martin)

Lockheed Martin is building a new production line for AN/AAQ-33 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) components at its Ampthill, Bedfordshire site in the UK, seeking to meet anticipated demand from NATO allies and other customers for the system, the company has told Janes .

The UK-based work on Sniper supports the manufacturing activities at Ocala, Florida. This work has been expanded with a new production line at Ampthill that will focus on producing cabling to integrate the system into aircraft.

Stacy Kubicek, Lockheed Martin's vice-president and general manager – sensors and global sustainment, said the fresh investment is part of a wider strategy at Lockheed Martin. She placed it into the context of a shifting outlook among customers.


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https://www.janes.com/defence-news/naval-weapons/latest/canada-begins-fitting-strongbow-communications-intel-equipment-on-frigates

The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) has begun retrofitting an upgraded communications eavesdropping suite ...

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