Raytheon completes CEC development for integration on RAN ship

HMAS Hobart. Credit: Bahudhara.

Raytheon has completed the development and testing of its cooperative engagement capability (CEC) system, which has been designed to deliver advanced anti-air warfare defence capabilities to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

CEC has been built as a real-time ‘sensor-netting’ system and integrates radar data from geographically dispersed vessels, aircraft and ground-based units into a single picture.

The integrated picture helps increase task force effectiveness by allowing longer range, cooperative or layered engagements.

CEC will now be required to attain certification from the US Navy prior to its first international installation on-board the RAN’s Hobart-class guided-missile destroyer, HMAS Hobart (DDG-39).

Once installed on the navy ship, the new system will help enhance the destroyer’s battlespace awareness by sharing sensor data among a network of other Australian and allied CEC-equipped vessels and aircraft.

Programme Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems 6.0. CEC major programme manager US Navy captain Jonathan Garcia said: “The addition of CEC is a major building block for Australia in their defence against anti-air warfare threats in the Pacific Region.

“This delivery to Australia marks a significant first, expanding the CEC network globally and increasing the US Navy interoperability with a valued, strategic ally.”

The CEC system is set to undergo an extensive integration, testing and evaluation period over the coming months.

It will also be deployed on the RAN’s second Hobart-class vessel, NUSHIP Brisbane (DDG-41).

Raytheon will be responsible for providing active support to the equipment integration and testing, in addition to the scheduled sea trials.