Cassidian laser countermeasure system to protect Canadian ships from laser-based attacks

Unterschleissheim, Germany and Elancourt, France--Under the designation LOCATES (Laser Optical Countermeasures and Surveilllance Against Threat Environment Scenarios), the Defence Research Development Canada (DRDC; Valcartier, Québec, QC, Canada) awarded Cassidian, the defense and security division of EADS, a contract to apply new technologies to detect and counter laser-based threats against Canadian Navy ships.

LOCATES aims to develop a detection and tracking capability together with a reliable laser countermeasure system. A prototype system shall be developed and field tested by 2013. In a close cooperation between Cassidian and DRDC, the program will include technologies currently under development with the Canadian research and development agency.

"The Canadian Navy's mission is continuously evolving, and accordingly requires cutting-edge technologies to detect and protect Naval platforms from asymmetric threats," said Simon Jacques, Cassidian head of Canadian sales. "Cassidian is proud to further our long-term collaboration with the DRDC, and leverage our know-how and expertise, to develop future laser detection and counter innovations. 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."

Cassidian capitalizes on a wide-ranging experience in the field of platform self-protection in the electrooptic spectrum. The company has developed laser warning devices for ships, aircraft, and land vehicles that are in operation with several NATO armed forces. Its MILDS missile launch detection system, with more than 6,000 units sold, is the standard missile warner for helicopters and widebody aircraft on a global scale.

SOURCE: Cassidian; www.cassidian.com/cassidian/int/en/press-centre/press-release-renderer.a76b3602-0d5a-4ab1-96db-ac70f3be252b.fc408c5e-9de7-4b18-8ba6-68950768ffa9.html