Thales progresses UK FOAEW requirement

Thales Sensors is assisting the UK MOD to move its Future Organic Airborne Early Warning (FOAEW) programme along. The company recently submitted two mission system configurations with a third and final configuration due by the end of June. Previous study contracts, conducted by Thales on behalf of the MOD for the FOAEW programme included estimation of the future threats and the mission systems and platform options required to provide suitable defences.

The current contract requires that Thales works closely with all the relevant platform manufacturers in order to identify areas of risk associated with the installation of the range of agreed mission systems. Each mission system will be tailored to a generic platform, so that the MOD can assess the various options that will be available in the time-scales needed to meet the evolving requirement and budget.

Thales Sensors expects its Active Electronic Scanned phased Array (AESA) technology, developed for combat radars, with applications for air to ground surveillance programmes such as Pod SAR, to provide a sound foundation for the extended performance required for the FOAEW. An AESA radar offers a flexible, future proof solution which can simultaneously perform the vital functions of air, surface and land surveillance, airspace co-ordination, tactical air control and attack co-ordination.

The FOAEW will form a vital part in the UK's maritime force's air defence 'System of Systems'. Operating from the future carrier (Carrier Vessel Future (CVF)) it will support the Future Joint Combat Aircraft (FJCA) to combat the evolving threats. The FOAEW will form a strategic node in the digitised battlespace, by providing tactical data to naval task force commanders, which will significantly increase their capability to fight the littoral war.

David Sheppard, managing director of Thales Sensors, commented: "Thales fully understands the Royal Navy's aspirations for FOAEW which have developed through many years of organic AEW expertise, and will be further enhanced through the delivery of the Sea King Mk7 AEW system early next year. During development of this new system Thales has identified a number of enhancement opportunities which will help to define the most capable organic AEW system ever to enter service. "

Richard Moon, chief executive of Thales Defence, remarked: "Thales is intending to bid as prime contractor for the FOAEW production contract that is due to be placed in 2006/7. Coupled with our bid to build the Carrier Vessel Future (CVF), the company is positioning itself as the UK's major prime contracting alternative. "

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