Royal Navy's next-gen electronic warfare system – it's MEWSIC to maritime defence

The Royal Navy has taken a step forward in modernising its maritime combat capabilities with the introduction of the Maritime Electronic Warfare System Integrated Capability (MEWSIC).

The cutting-edge system is set to boost electronic warfare operations across the fleet, providing enhanced detection, countermeasure deployment, and situational awareness for the Navy's most advanced warships.  

Designed to strengthen the Royal Navy's electromagnetic warfare capability, MEWSIC will be installed on Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, Type 45 destroyers, and the forthcoming Type 26 and Type 31 frigates.

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The MEWSIC programme offers a major sensor upgrade, significantly improving the ability to identify enemy forces, equipment, and movements.  

The first production model of MEWSIC underwent final testing at Elbit Systems UK's Bristol facility, while an updated Combat Management System has been delivered to Portsdown Technology Park near Portsmouth.

These developments will allow for the integration of MEWSIC with the Navy's operational software, bringing the system one step closer to full deployment.  

MEWSIC is one half of the overarching upgrade to the Surface Fleet’s electromagnetic warfare capability under the Maritime Electronic Warfare Programme (MEWP) – the other is a 'trainable' launcher for electronic warfare decoys to confuse anti-ship missiles, Ancilia.

The £135m system will replace the Seagnat launchers on Type 45 destroyers and future frigates.

Ancilia is capable of rapidly swivelling and adjusting the launch angle of decoy rounds, maximising their effectiveness without requiring the ship to manoeuvre to face incoming threats.  

Ancilia's advanced design integrates seamlessly with MEWSIC's Electromagnetic Warfare Command and Control system.

Each Type 26, Type 31, and Type 45 warship will be equipped with two Ancilia systems alongside MEWSIC, providing an increased level of defensive capability.

This combination of enhanced electronic warfare sensors and advanced decoy deployment will allow the Royal Navy to maintain its operational advantage in increasingly contested maritime environments.  

With MEWSIC and Ancilia, the Royal Navy will be able to conduct maritime electronic warfare and meet emerging threats.