DCNS Tests New Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Piracy System

DCNS has successfully tested a real-time demonstrator for an asymmetric response to terrorist and piracy attacks in the Toulon harbor, France.

This DCNS system is the result of several years of research and development and integrates cutting-edge technologies: ultra-high-definition and high-sensitivity video, augmented reality, powerful algorithms for the detection of threatening behavior, etc. The goal is to accelerate decision taking and prevent collateral damage in close-quarter defense situations.

On 10 December 2014, the DCNS teams experimented with the demonstrator of a new maritime anti-terrorism and anti-piracy combat system. The French Navy provided both technical and operational support for this full-scale test during which maritime terrorist or piracy attacks were simulated. The DCNS combat system allowed the rapid deployment of an effective defense in littoral waters, where most anti-piracy missions take place.

Comprising a network of ultra-high-definition, 360-degree cameras, the tool developed by DCNS ensures surveillance over a distance of several kilometers around the vessel. Information acquired by the cameras is superimposed on top of augmented reality images to facilitate the analysis of the different moving objects in proximity. In the event of suspicious movements, an operator can use a very powerful zoom lens to confirm whether or not the threat is real. A response can then be implemented, ranging from simply issuing a sound or light warning signal to a warning shot or final protective fire. Thanks to a camera mounted on the weapon, the vessel Commander can, in this case, first check that there is no risk of collateral damage.

A 360-degree, real-time visualization of the situation is permanently displayed on a screen on the vessel’s bridge, visible to the vessel Commander and all close-quarter defense operators. Each person is thus able to share the same information at the same time, in a collaborative approach, that can also be found on the bridge of the DCNS concept ship presented by the Group at the Euronaval 2014 trade-fair. Compatible with a large number of ships, this system can operate autonomously or can be integrated within a Combat Management System (CMS) to benefit from other information provided by the vessel’s other sensors, in particular those on airborne drones.

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Press release, Image: French Navy