Indra to equip ROK Navy’s new KSS-III submarine with Pegaso system

Technology and consulting company Indra has signed a contract with South Korean shipbuilding company Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) to equip the first KSS III submarine of Batch II with its Pegaso electronic defense system.

DSME signed an agreement with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) for the construction of the 3,000-ton class submarines in September this year.

As informed, Indra’s new Pegaso system monitors the electromagnetic signals emitted in its environment to gather intelligence (SIGINT), combining the functions of the radar and communications signals measurement support system (RESM/CESM).

The Pegaso system is capable of the automatic and instantaneous detection of emissions (including accurate information on their angle of arrival), analysis, classification, identification and the recording of pulsed or continuous wave signals on the radar and communications frequency bands. 

It can also record any signals, data and events that occur on the mission for subsequent offline analysis, using specific software tools for detailed study. 

The solution integrates both sensors into a single antenna to increase efficiency, save space and reduce the radar section of the submarine, making it more difficult for the enemy to detect it. 

Furthermore, it also incorporates True Wideband Digital Reception, which instantly covers a wide spectrum of the radar and communications bands to increase the likelihood of the interception of any vessel or aircraft in the submarine’s vicinity to almost 100%, according to the company.

In addition to gathering high-value intelligence for the entire fleet, the system is expected to contribute to the Electronic Order of Battle (EOB) in the area of operations in real time. This means that the data provided by the system will be of vital importance in the command’s decision-making process and the tactical planning of the operation to be executed by the other deployed platforms, the company noted.

Indra will address the high-level integration of its Pegaso system into the combat system (CMS) developed by Hanwha Systems, the local South Korean company. It will also work with the DSME shipyard to support the South Korean Navy in defining the doctrine for the use of electronic defence systems on submarine platforms, particularly in the field of communications signals intelligence in areas of conflict.