Page 28 - ADT SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2022 Online Magazine

measures they can take to improve survivability. Newton can be grenade launchers or conventional munitions,
used to accelerate and validate the development of new electronic to the new threats that are emerging at the  LAND
warfare (EW) technologies, tactics, and techniques. The virtual, moment. It determines with enormous precision
physics-based environment allows new technologies to be digitally the trajectory and estimated time of impact of
modelled and virtually tested in a true-to-life environment which cheap and widely used javelin guided missiles;
replicates the battlefields of today and tomorrow. microdrones, which fly at low speed and alti-
tude; and autonomous missiles and drones that
Previously, simulations would only cover a single domain, however fly over the area loaded with explosives await-
modern conflicts are much more likely to involve air, land, naval and ing their target (loitering munition). It also can
even space forces in the same engagement. “This is why the EW detect and track new experimental or hyper-
experts at Leonardo have assessed and evolved the company’s sonic devices, such as the new arrow munitions
existing simulation software to bring it up to date. Newton will be that reach speeds above sound and have a
continuously updated to ensure it remains in line with the multi-do- particularly small radar section, equivalent to a
main requirements of modern armed forces,” a company official two-euro coin, the company official said.
informed.
For Indra’s Managing Director of Defence,
Manuel Escalante, “this sophisticated radar
demonstrates Indra’s ability to provide a quick
and effective response to the needs posed by
new conflict scenarios, applying digital technol-
ogies to the development of a new generation
of defence systems.”

The system incorporates intelligence to dis-
criminate false targets, evading possible enemy
attempts to interfere with its operation with
jamming techniques, used to saturate and cir-
cumvent conventional protection measures. The
new solution is based on a 3D S-band, 100 per
Newton, the company claimed, is also the first commercial tool on cent solid-state, electronically scanned (AESA)
the market to simulate integrated defensive aid suites across the radar, fully configurable by software, highly
electro-optic, infrared and radio frequency sensors and effectors for modular, thus easy to integrate in small spaces
land, sea, and air forces. It also has the ability to portray the kind of as turrets and wheeled armoured vehicle arms
complex multi-threat, multi-mode engagements that armed forces stations. Its small size allows it to be installed on
will be expected to face in near-peer conflicts. virtually any ground platform, from armoured
vehicles to convoy protection vehicles, and it
Barbara Poggiali. Head-Cyber Security Division, at Leonardo, has a very small radar signature that makes it
asserted that Military Internet of Things will become a reality in the difficult for the enemy to detect.
very near future. “This will result in evermore interconnected devices
and systems, and greater volumes of data requiring analysis to The use of AI will serve to increase effective-
realise its potential in supporting informed operational decisions,” ness and efficiency, this applying to all areas
Poggiali said. of the Army. This will include weapon systems,
command and control systems, and personnel
Spanish defence company Indra claimed that it has developed a and material management systems, training,
new active protection radar that incorporates the most advanced among others.
digital technologies to protect vehicles, armoured vehicles and tanks
from the increasingly varied threats that are being used in new
conflict scenarios.

In Ukraine, for example, the enormous vulnerability of tanks and
armoured vehicles to guided missiles, rocket launchers and drones
has been highlighted, which, despite their low cost, manage to
defeat much more advanced platforms, thus providing a great tac-
tical advantage.

Indra said its new electronic scanning radar detects, identifies and
tracks all types of projectiles, from traditional anti-tank missiles,

28 | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022 WWW.GBP.COM.SG/ADT