Airbus at Euronaval 2022: Promoting Secure Oceans with Innovative Technology
In a bid to protect critical maritime spaces, Airbus is integrating unmanned aerial systems (UAS), satellite imagery, and digital transformation technologies into a comprehensive maritime surveillance and domain awareness capability.
This integrated system includes several key components. The Airbus C295 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) is fitted with advanced sensors, such as electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems and surface radar, providing real-time intelligence and persistent maritime domain awareness. These aircraft support interdiction, search-and-rescue, and law enforcement missions over extensive maritime areas, operating flexibly from short or unprepared runways.
Airbus-built satellite constellations, like the CO3D satellites, deliver high-resolution 3D and 2D Earth surface data with 50 cm stereo imagery. This enhances surveillance and mapping of maritime zones and coastal borders, expanding situational awareness on a global scale.
Digital transformation technologies, including maritime digital twins, enable real-time monitoring, simulation, and strategic planning for maritime operations. Digital twins allow commanders to model ship maneuvers, simulate scenarios, and anticipate outcomes safely, thus optimizing operational decision-making and contingency planning for maritime security.
The civil version of the H160 can also be used by military and public operators for search and rescue (SAR) and surveillance missions. The H160M, a new generation helicopter derived from the EASA-certified H160, is specifically designed for maritime operations, serving as a naval asset for anti-surface warfare, naval force protection, maritime security, maritime environment monitoring and intelligence, and search and rescue.
The NH90, a modern, multi-role military helicopter designed to meet the most stringent NATO standards, has fulfilled missions along the east coast of Africa, in the Persian Gulf, the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and northern waters. Its unique, fully integrated mission system for operations in demanding conditions over land and sea, day and night, makes it an invaluable asset.
Over 170 NH90 NFHs have been ordered by seven different customers with more than 123 aircraft being delivered so far. Airbus Defence and Space has also developed a defensive cyber warfare system to secure military networks and protect data, identifying the origin, target, criticality, and impact of cyber-attacks.
In addition, Airbus is considering developing an aircraft based on the A320Neo for long-range maritime patrol (MPA) including the most demanding anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface (ASuW) missions. The company's CyberRange advanced simulation solution models IT and OT systems to simulate realistic cyber-attack scenarios, further enhancing Airbus' commitment to maritime security.
With these advanced technologies and systems, Airbus is well-positioned to safeguard maritime spaces against evolving threats such as smuggling, illegal fishing, and territorial intrusion.
- This comprehensive maritime surveillance system, developed by Airbus, integrates technology such as unmanned aerial systems (UAS), satellite imagery, and digital transformation technologies to enhance situational awareness and protect critical maritime spaces.
- Digital twins, a component of digital transformation technologies, allow commanders to model ship maneuvers, simulate scenarios, and anticipate outcomes safely, thereby optimizing operational decision-making and contingency planning for maritime security operations.
