New warfare systems "on steroids" for HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth tested in "informative" op

Personnel have completed integration trials on the Maritime Electromagnetic Warfare System Integrated Capability (MEWSIC). This is due to be fitted to both HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth, while also being equipped to the Type 45 destroyers and new Type 26 and 31 frigates.

Sailors from HMS Richmond, HMS Sutherland, energy weapons experts from HMS Collingwood in Fareham, and personnel from the Joint EW Operational Support Centre in RAF Waddingham, tried out the new system and software. These trials focused on how the sailors interacted with MEWSIC.

Able Seaman (EW) Harry Triffitt, from HMS Richmond, said: “Being able to take part in the MEWSIC trials was an informative experience giving us the opportunity to directly help shape future equipment used by the EW branch. The staff working on the project were very accommodating and helpful when it came to explaining the new system. Any feedback we provided as subject matter experts was taken into consideration.”

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AB Triffitt said the new software is similar to Radar Electronic Support Measures, but “on steroids”. “The system is fluid and allows liaison between the Electronic Warfare Director and Operator effortlessly,” he added.

Electromagnetic warfare systems are used to identify enemy forces, equipment, and movement. This information can then be used to plan and conduct operations. MEWSIC automatically fuses all the received electromagnetic emissions together and puts it into a tactical picture, making Royal Navy sailors more aware of their surroundings so they can respond to situations that arise.

Supported by experts and engineers from Babcock and Elbit Systems UK, operators undertook three weeks of trials. They used the system in the same way they would while at sea. Staff assessed how useable the system was and recorded any scenario which could result in human error.