MEWSIC provides an advanced sensor upgrade to the Navy’s existing electronic warfare (EW) systems, a crucial component in threat detection and operational planning. The first production unit has been tested at Elbit Systems UK, while its updated Combat Management System has been delivered to Portsdown Technology Park for software development.
The MEWSIC system forms one half of the broader Maritime Electronic Warfare Programme (MEWP), aimed at strengthening the Royal Navy’s electromagnetic warfare capabilities. The second component is Ancilia, a ‘trainable’ launcher developed by Systems Engineering and Assessment (SEA) in Barnstaple, designed to deploy EW decoys against anti-ship missiles.
Ancilia represents a major improvement over its predecessor, Seagnat, offering rapid rotation and adjustable launch angles to maximise defensive effectiveness. Unlike Seagnat, Ancilia eliminates the need for the ship to manoeuvre in response to incoming threats, instead directing countermeasures precisely where needed.
A key enhancement in electronic warfare defence is the integration of Ancilia with MEWSIC’s Electromagnetic Warfare Command and Control system. This innovation allows the automatic fusion of detected electromagnetic emissions with the tactical picture, providing naval operators with improved situational awareness and more effective deployment of countermeasures.
Despite these technological advancements, some operations will still require manual input, such as loading and reloading Ancilia with decoy rounds. Over three days, Royal Navy electronic warfare specialists tested the system and provided feedback to designers to ensure ease of use and operational effectiveness.
Once ready for deployment, each Type 26, Type 31, and Type 45 warship will be equipped with two Ancilia systems alongside MEWSIC. The £135 million investment in this cutting-edge technology marks a crucial advancement in the Royal Navy’s defensive capabilities, ensuring its fleet remains resilient against evolving threats in modern warfare.
