MEWSIC is set to replace the Royal Navy’s existing EW system, strengthening its ability to detect and counter modern threats, including anti-ship missiles. The system will be installed on key naval assets, including Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, Type 45 destroyers, and the upcoming Type 26 and Type 31 frigates.
The first production model of MEWSIC has been activated at an Elbit Systems UK facility, where it will undergo critical testing. Meanwhile, an upgraded Combat Management Software System has been delivered to Portsdown Technology Park in Hampshire to support further development.
Dr Allan Paterson, Team Leader for Maritime Electronic Warfare at Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), emphasised the significance of the upgrade. “The Royal Navy has invested in an ambitious programme to deliver modern electronic warfare capabilities that will help its surface warships keep the UK and its allies safe around the world,” he said.
MEWSIC forms part of the broader Maritime Electronic Warfare Programme (MEWP), which aims to modernise the Royal Navy’s defensive capabilities. The second major component of this programme is Ancilia, a new ‘trainable’ launcher for EW decoys designed to counter anti-ship missiles.
Developed by SEA (Systems Engineering and Assessment) in North Devon, Ancilia is a £135 million system set to replace the current Seagnat decoy launcher. Unlike its predecessor, Ancilia can rapidly adjust its firing angle, allowing it to deploy countermeasures without requiring the ship to manoeuvre.
The integration of Ancilia with MEWSIC’s Command and Control system will significantly enhance situational awareness for naval personnel. This will enable better decision-making in combat situations, ensuring the right countermeasures are deployed quickly and effectively.
Although some manual processes remain, such as loading and unloading Ancilia with decoy rounds, Royal Navy specialists are conducting trials to optimise its operation. Once fully tested, two Ancilia systems will be fitted to each Type 26, Type 31, and Type 45 warship, working alongside MEWSIC to enhance the Royal Navy’s electronic warfare capabilities.
