The new frigate, to be named BELH@RRA, will be equipped with a number of high-tech systems developed by Thales: The contract will have a positive impact on hundreds of jobs at Thales facilities. The SEA FIRE radar is developed and integrated in Rouen and Limours, while the CAPTAS-4 compact sonar is manufactured in Brest and Sophia-Antipolis. Systems engineering for the Aquilon system is carried out in Gennevilliers, and the SENTINEL electronic warfare system is produced at the Cholet and Brest facilities. Laval and Brive-La-Gaillarde are involved in developing the IFF and naval V/UHF radio, respectively.

Thales equipment on board the new BELH@RRA digital frigate

SEA FIRE radar

Developed with the support of the French authorities, SEA FIRE is a fully solid-state multi-function radar with a four-panel phased array antenna. It meets the requirements of a broad range of missions, from ship self-defence to extended air defence, and can deploy ASTER missiles. SEA FIRE is designed to perform in the complex conditions of the littoral or in heavily jammed environments to counter conventional, asymmetric or emerging air and surface threats. The new radar is suitable for all types of corvettes and frigates.

CAPTAS-4 compact sonar

This system is a compact, modular version of the CAPTAS-4 towed array sonar currently in service on the FREMM multi-mission frigates. It delivers the same ultra-long-range detection performance as CAPTAS-4 with 20% lower weight and a footprint almost 50% smaller. This compact version of the sonar will provide the FTI with the highest level of submarine detection performance of any sonar on the market.

Aquilon integrated naval communication system

Thales is also supplying the Aquilon fully integrated naval communication system and an IFF system associated with the SEA FIRE radar. Aquilon is already in service with the French Navy and numerous other naval forces. Built around an IP architecture, it provides all shipboard and external communications and delivers secure connectivity services for frigate and crew, guaranteeing interoperability between all the actors taking part in the FTI's future missions.

ESM electronic warfare system

The new SENTINEL electronic warfare system from Thales is also built around the very latest technology. With a modular architecture, this all-digital system guarantees electromagnetic compatibility with modern shipboard systems and is capable of precisely identifying fast manoeuvring threats in the complex RF environments encountered in littoral waters.

THALES SA published this content on 21 April 2017 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 28 April 2017 01:54:18 UTC.

Original documenthttps://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/defence/press-release/thales-welcomes-contract-award-french-defence-ministrys-intermediate

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