Thales enhances UK's battlefield surveillance capability

Thales Sensors is to enhance the battlefield surveillance capability of the UK MoD under the INCE (Interim Non-Comms ESM) Electronic Warfare (EW) programme. The system, being initially supplied to 14 Signals Regiment on Pinzgauer 4X4s, is C130 transportable and will play a key role in the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, superseding that played by Pinemarten and Beady Eye.

INCE consists of three 3 sensors stations and a non-comms control station and will provide a high probability of intercept over the 0.5GHz to 18GHz frequency range. Using a rotating dish antenna, INCE is based upon Thales' naval EW export systems technologies, whilst retaining processing commonality with the RN's Melinda processor. The contract also includes a training and five year integrated logistic support package.

Thales has incorporated considerable upgrade potential, building on a highly successful working relationship with the end user, in designing the low cost and low risk solution for INCE. In a related project for the UK MoD Thales is currently engaged in the Soothsayer Assessment phase, along with EDS Defence and SwRI (Southwest Research Institute).

Richard Moon, chief executive of Thales Plc, said: "Thales' role in INCE is a clear demonstration of its strong capabilities in land EW. Thales has an unrivalled track record in EW for the UK MoD having recently delivered world-leading expertise to the British Army in the tactical EW system Odette. These skills are also being employed on the Soothsayer assessment phase which Thales was down selected for last year."

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