German Naval Ships to be Equiped with the Latest Identification Systems

EADS, ULM, Germany: EADS Defence & Security (DS) will equip German naval vessels with identification systems, which will help to avoid confrontations with unknown aircraft. The so-called IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) systems work on the basis of state-of-the-art digital and encryption technology in line with the latest Mode S identification process, which is intended to prevent critical situations through fast recognition of aircraft, as was the case with the UNIFIL mission off the Lebanon’s coast. 
 
As the company announced on Friday, Defence Electronics, an integrated Business Unit of EADS Defence & Security, equipped two further S143a class fast patrol boats with the MSSR 2000 I identification system and accepted them in October in a record time of only 20 days from the request by the customer to the boats’ departure for Lebanon. This means that since the beginning of the year, 9 naval vessels have been equipped and others are to follow by the beginning of 2008. 
 
“On account of the increasing complexity of combat situations and scenarios, both on the ground and in the air, identification is today an existential matter during all military operations,” explained Bernd Wenzler, CEO of Defence Electronics. “Only fast and reliable identification of one’s own and friendly forces can ensure that dangerous or even fatal incidents can be prevented.” 
 
The identification systems, so-called MSSR 2000 I secondary radars, provide an overview of the air situation based on queries, that are in part transmitted in encrypted form, and automatic replies from the aircraft. This supplements the information previously supplied by primary radars and in this way improves monitoring of crisis regions. Since one’s own forces can be identified quickly and reliably with this system, accidental attacks on one’s own forces can be avoided, above all during multinational operations. 
 
MSSR 2000 I has been installed on board German naval vessels of the type F122, F123, K130 and S143a. Moreover, the system is being used by the naval armed forces of France, Norway and Finland as well as together with air defence and traffic surveillance radars in such countries as Germany, Portugal, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Malaysia and in future also in the Philippines. The MSSR 2000 I is the only militarily qualified mode S enhanced surveillance secondary radar in the world also offering mode 5 capabilities.  
 
Defence Electronics is an integrated Business Unit of EADS Defence & Security (DS). DS is a systems solutions provider combining military air systems, missile systems, communications and intelligence systems, global security solutions, sensor and avionics systems, as well as test and support solutions into a single effective network. In 2006, DS – with its around 23,000 employees – achieved revenues of EUR 5.9 billion. In 2006, EADS generated revenues of EUR 39.4 billion and employs a workforce of about 116,000.