Cassidian is developing new technologies to safeguard Canadian Navy ships against asymmetric laser-based threats, as a part of the laser optical countermeasures and surveillance against threat environment scenarios (LOCATES) programme.
Defence Research Development Canada (DRDC) awarded a contract to Cassidian in 2011 to develop new solutions that will aid Canadian Navy ships in detecting and countering laser-based threats such as laser-beamrider missiles in littoral waters, as part of LOCATES.
The critical design review of Cassadian’s prototype has already been achieved, paving the way for hardware development and integration of a demonstrator system.
Cassidian sales head Simon Jacques said that the Canadian Navy’s littoral missions need cutting-edge technologies to detect and protect its naval platforms from asymmetric threats.
"Technologies developed in partnership with the DRDC-Valcartier will not only satisfy the Canadian Navy’s littoral requirements, but also those of allied navies throughout the world," Jacques added.
The LOCATES programme aims to develop a detection and tracking capability, along with a laser countermeasure system to protect vessels, which are particularly vulnerable in a littoral environment.
In addition to providing detection and tracking capability, the programme also protects naval platforms by providing reliable laser countermeasure system against threats, such as laser range finders, laser designators and laser-guided weapons.
Featuring technologies developed by DRDC and Cassidian’s laser-based self-protection systems, the prototype system is scheduled to undergo field testing from July until the second half of 2013.
Currently in operation with several Nato armed forces, Cassidian’s laser warning devices can be deployed for use on ships, aircraft and land vehicles.
Image: Cassidian to develop new technology for Canadian vessels in cooperation with Defence Research and Development Canada. Photo: courtesy of Cassadian
