Defense News

Australia

Chess Dynamics has secured a contract from BAE Systems Maritime Australia to supply its SeaEagle FCEO surveillance systems for the initial batch of the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) Hunter class frigates.

This system will furnish the RAN with a cutting-edge surveillance capability, facilitating the detection, tracking, and identification of surface and air targets as part of the Hunter Class Frigate Program. Its highly precise tracking data is anticipated to enable passive targeting for weapon systems, thereby reducing operator workload.

The SeaEagle FCEO has been chosen for integration into various global naval programs, including the Royal Navy’s Type 26 Global Combat Ship, which served as the blueprint for the Hunter class frigates. Equipped with an advanced daylight camera, a high-resolution infrared camera, and an eye-safe laser rangefinder, the system boasts a sophisticated software suite providing a comprehensive view of the maritime environment.

David Tuddenham, Group Managing Director of Chess Dynamics, expressed delight at the selection by BAE Systems Maritime Australia. "Our system has demonstrated its reliability, and we are confident it will furnish the RAN with the capability it requires to operate effectively in increasingly demanding maritime environments."

Integration of the SeaEagle FCEO system into the combat management system of the Hunter class frigates will afford the crew a single, user-friendly interface. Additionally, the system can exchange information with other ships and assets in the fleet, bolstering the RAN’s overall maritime situational awareness.

This contract signifies a significant milestone for Chess Dynamics, further cementing its position as a leading provider of high-performance electro-optic sensor systems for the maritime defense market. The SeaEagle FCEO system is poised to play a pivotal role in the RAN’s Hunter Class Frigate Program, furnishing the fleet with the requisite capability to operate effectively in a contemporary maritime environment.