US defense contractor Raytheon announced it has completed design, development and testing of its Cooperative Engagement Capability system which will provide the Australian Navy’s new Hobart-class destroyers with enhanced air warfare capabilities.
The systems are yet to be certified by the US Navy, however, before their first international installation.
Once onboard the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Hobart, CEC will expand the ship’s battlespace awareness by sharing sensor data among a network of other Australian and allied CEC-equipped ships and aircraft.
CEC is a real-time ‘sensor-netting’ system that brings together radar data into a single integrated air picture from geographically dispersed ships, aircraft and ground-based units. This integrated picture improves task force effectiveness by enabling longer range, cooperative, or layered engagements.
“The addition of CEC is a major building block for Australia in their defense against anti-air warfare threats in the Pacific Region,” said US Navy Captain Jonathan Garcia, CEC major program manager, Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems 6.0. “This delivery to Australia marks a significant first – expanding the CEC network globally and increasing the US Navy interoperability with a valued, strategic ally.”
The equipment – certified hardware and software – will transfer to Australia for installation on HMAS Hobart (DDG-39), and NUSHIP Brisbane (DDG-41) over the coming months, followed by an integration, test and evaluation period. Raytheon will actively support CEC system integration and testing, including scheduled sea trials, similar to support provided for the US Navy fleet.
In the US, the CEC is currently deployed on ships and land-based test sites, E-2C/D aircraft, and US Marine Corps network systems.