Chess Dynamics progresses development of next-generation Sea Eagle FCRO

Chess Dynamics' next-generation Sea Eagle FCRO on display at the Euronaval 2024 maritime exhibition in Paris. (Janes/Kate Tringham)

UK-based Chess Dynamics is progressing development of the next evolution of its Sea Eagle FCRO fire-control radar and electro-optical (EO) system and says an engineering development model (EDM) is on track to start customer demonstrations early in 2026.

Speaking to Janes in London on 11 June, Mark Byfield, Chess Dynamics' business development director, said the build and integration of the EDM prototype is nearing completion and integration system testing and initial qualification trials will commence in the third quarter (Q3) of 2025. The company is planning to hold a customer demonstration event at a UK coastal site in Q1 2026, he said.

“At the moment we are looking at around February 2026 for the demonstration event, but if we can accelerate this programme, we will, because there is huge interest in the market for this product,” he said.

Byfield said advanced negotiations for the FCRO are already under way with a number of potential domestic and export customers. Following the demonstration event in Q1, he anticipated the signing of several contracts by the end of April. Delivery lead times for the first production units would be around 18 months from contract signing, he said.

Launched at the Euronaval 2024 maritime exhibition in Paris, the Sea Eagle FCRO combines an advanced radar with high-performance EO sensors in an integrated stabilised package. It is intended as a compact, lightweight, and affordable system that can deliver precision fire control for any calibre of in-service naval guns, while having applicability to other weapon types.