Royal Navy's New Electronic Warfare System Progresses to Next Phase of Development

The Maritime Electronic Warfare System Integrated Capability (MEWSIC), a new electromagnetic warfare system designed to enhance Royal Navy warships, has successfully completed its critical design review (CDR).

Managed by Defence Equipment & Support and developed by prime contractor Babcock in collaboration with Elbit Systems UK, MEWSIC will now advance to the manufacturing, testing, and acceptance phase.

As part of the broader Maritime Electronic Warfare Programme (MEWP), MEWSIC increment 1 aims to bolster the defensive capabilities of Royal Navy warships against Anti-Ship Missiles. The system promises increased detection and identification of radar signals over an extended range, facilitating quicker operational decision-making, heightened situational awareness, and improved ship protection upon deployment.

Once operational, MEWSIC will see the installation of the next generation of Radar Electronic Support Measure (RESM) and EW Command and Control (EWC2) equipment on Type 45 destroyers, Queen Elizabeth aircraft carriers, as well as Type 26 and Type 31 frigates under construction at Govan and Rosyth shipyards in Scotland.

The £100 million, 13-year contract was awarded to the industry consortium in 2021.