The demonstrations, conducted in realistic sea conditions, tested the MEP’s ability to detect, identify and track UAS threats and counter-surface ship movements. The equipment package included the BlackLab passive radio frequency detection system, STAG electro-optic/infrared gimbal with advanced thermal cameras, and a tactical data management system using sensor fusion and AI for target recognition.
“The U.S. Navy faces the same evolving drone threats as our land forces, and we recognise the urgency of delivering a reliable solution to protect the lives of sailors,” said Cari Ossenfort, senior vice president and general manager of the Leonardo DRS Naval Electronics business unit. “By leveraging our proven expertise in mobile ground-based counter-UAS and short-range air defence systems, we have rapidly developed and demonstrated a maritime force protection capability that provides sailors with full-spectrum situational awareness and the tools to detect, track, and defeat threats at the tactical edge.”
The MEP is designed for mission flexibility through modularity and platform agnosticism, capable of integrating active and passive RF, EO/IR sensors, 4G/5G electronic-warfare systems, and scalable kinetic or non-kinetic effectors. Leonardo DRS said the development reflects its broader expertise as an innovator and integrator across all military domains, supporting missions from force protection to naval power and propulsion systems.
