Ground Combat Vehicle Programme: Issues and Possible Alternatives

The shocking discontinuation of US Army Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) programme January this year has overwhelmed related defence contractors with cold atmosphere. Defence industry giants namely BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Tognum America were all in full throttle when the undesirable news emerged. While the army is forecasting the need for better mobility solution for a nine-member infantry squad, the US government however slashed 83% of the requested $592 million, leaving the army with only $100 million of total fund for the programme’s research and development.

According to Chief of Staff of the US Army Gen Ray Odierno, the Army is definitely in need of a new infantry-fighting vehicle (IFV) but due to the economy downturn, could not afford to develop one. Odierno added that the hope now is that the remaining fund will provide the Army with sufficient capital to develop all required technologies so that in years ahead when the programme is revived, things will get back on track to replace their ageing Bradley.

Emphasising on full nine-member squad mobility

Infantry squads of the US Army consist of nine men – a squad leader and two four-men fire-teams. These people rely on IFVs as their main transportation during battle. As a primary weapon and a means of transport for infantry squads, the Army perceives the IFV as one of its most important asset in battle theatres. The issue regarding the battle-worn Bradley is its lack of space, with the capability to transport only seven soldiers thus necessitating a squad to be divided among vehicles. This separation issue, according to strategic studies, has all this while put these squads in a state of total vulnerability because of the difficulties in communication as well as organisation.

The lack of space does not only prevent a full-sized squad to move in unity, but also disables a squad to take along the often-needed additional soldiers which may include radio-operators, medics or forward observers. The Army is striving to tackle this issue hence the introduction of the GCV platform. 

Overcoming the challenges

Findings and results of more recent war games have highlighted the need for rapid deployment in small formations. The Army is anticipating a more expeditionary type of operations in the near future. Through war games and recent international operations, they learnt that every deployment has to be fast and to be effectively mobile, having to move with minimal but optimal equipments and supports. The Army too believes that future operations will tend to take place in remote areas. Therefore, it is believed that the development of a more rugged and mobile IFV or GCV will greatly contribute in the service’s future deployments.

Though GCV programme’s revival is possible, the Congress through its Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report had earlier outlined some issues regarding the GCV itself. A contrasting fact is that while the Army is striving for all-terrain mobility, the GCV platform turns out to be way heavier than the Army’s current Bradley IFV. While the ageing Bradley weighs no more than 39 tonnes, the GCV however weighs approximately 50 to 65 tonnes. Though this excessive weight came as a result of heavier and stronger armoury, this huge excess weight somehow will affect the GCV’s logistic ability and mobility in and into battle theatres. Weighing at 65 tonnes each, rapid deployment seems impossible. The C-17 is able to transport three Bradleys at a single time but flying three GCVs in a single flight is far beyond reality. Logistic cost is more than likely to skyrocket. This has become a major drawback during its valuation stage, which later brought to the programme’s dead end.

In addition to that, the GCV programme too has faced several technical challenges which may impact its performance later down the road. One issue that comes into question is the vehicle’s ability to protect its passengers without having to overload itself with heavier armour. Materials such as ceramic and other lightweight armour are either too expensive or not suitable for the GCV; they require more time for development. Another alternative is the utilisation of active-protection systems - this kind of technology is not fully developed too. Without being able to overcome these issues, developers may need to settle down with the more conventional armour that brings to a concrete conclusion; more weight and higher fuel consumption and therefore higher operating cost.

Budgetary issue has and will always become a major concern from any government’s point of view. In an effort to contain the programme within its target cost, the Army had to allow some capability trade-offs. Unlike the Bradley, GCV had to give up anti-tank missile launcher. To make things worst, the Army too had settled down without the armour kits that was supposed to protect two-third of the vehicle, smaller and less powerful 25mm cannon instead of the 30mm earlier planned and a set of less sophisticated sensors and optical equipments.

Forking out alternatives

The CBO, post evaluation process suggested a number of alternatives. First alternative is to purchase the German Puma IFV. As one of the strongest option, Puma too lacks on certain features. Another alternative suggested by the CBO is the Israeli Namer APC. The Namer however has an issue regarding firepower. Third suggestion is to upgrade the US Army current fleets of Bradleys to lengthen its service life for years to come. The last and the least favoured option, which now has become reality is to kill the GCV programme, retaining the current Bradley while at the same time running a research for its life-extension programme.

While this article focuses on the US Army GCV programme, ADJ also brings you about a number of IFVs of similar class, which we believe share some distinct features; especially with six or more seating configuration. We will examine each IFV’s survivability (armoury), lethality (weaponry), mobility (engine capacity) as well as maximum number of passengers. The proposed alternatives include other IFVs namely the Puma, Namer, Turkish Tulpar, Bradley and its upgrade programme as well as a few others.

M2 Bradley

First we look at the Bradley IFV, which the Army initially opted to phase out due to its ageing issue as well as a part of future capabilities development process. First entered service in 1981, the Bradley IFV variant was manufactured under the Bradley family of fighting vehicles by BAE Systems Land and Armaments, back then known as United Defense. 

The Bradley weigh falls between 35 to 41 tonnes, depending on armour kits equipped on each vehicle. It is armed with a Bushmaster M242 25mm chain gun as its primary weapon, a 7.62mm machine gun as its secondary firepower as well as a missile launcher for TOW anti-tank missiles. The IFV is powered by a Cummins VTA-903T diesel engine, capable of producing 600hp. Power to weight ratio is rated at 19.7hp/tonne. Therefore, despite its relatively vintage-age, it is no surprise that the Bradley is able to reach a top speed of 66km/h.

Under the GCV programme, the upgrades of US Army current Bradley fleets are considered as one of the cheapest alternatives for the US government. However, this alternative has become an issue due to the Army’s main objective to acquire a nine-seater IFV. It is worth mentioning that under the upgrade programme, the ageing Bradley may possibly undergo quite a few modernisation initiatives including more powerful engine, better sets of suspension, additional armour, advanced optics and an additional 7.62mm machine gun.

Under the government estimation, in order to upgrade and field all Bradley, a sum of $19.5 billion of fund will be required beginning 2014 until 2030. Out of the $19.5 billion, $2.7 billion will have to be allocated over integration process while the rest goes for units purchase, amounting to 1748 in total numbers with a price tag of $9.6 million each.

Schützenpanzer Puma

Development of the Puma IFV began in the 90s as a replacement plan of the German’s ageing Marder vehicle. The development process took place between Rheinmetall Landsysteme and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW). Production started circa 2008 and the German Army received its first Puma in the same year. In term of lethality, the Puma is equipped with a dual-fed Rheinmetall Mauser 30mm cannon as its primary weapon and a 5.56mm HK MG4 machine gun as its secondary. In addition to that, unlike the proposed GCV that eliminates anti-tank missile, the Puma rolls out of factory readily equipped with a launcher for Spike anti-tank missile. It is powered by an MTU 892 turbocharged diesel engine, developing a huge 1073 horsepower with a maximum speed of 70km/h.

The Puma is proposed with a 12-tonne armour kits package, which gives the IFV a total weight of 43 tonnes when fully armoured. Meanwhile, its underbelly is protected against mines and IED threats. At 31.5 tonnes in its basic armour package, the Puma is readily fitted with floating seats for six passengers excluding its crew of three. As an alternative of the GCV, the lack of seat numbers has however become an issue since the US Army is eyeing on a nine-seater solution.

At $6.9 million each, the Puma is one of the cheapest options for the US Army IFV replacement programme. Despite of its lack of passenger seats, the Puma under the CBO evaluation turns out to be the most lethal and possesses higher survivability due to its 450mm-high ground clearance. Moreover, since the Puma is already in production, the US government estimated that integration process will only cost approximately $500 million and they also estimated that the procurement of Puma would cost a total of $14 billion less than the GCV programme’s target cost.

Namer

Born out of the Israel-Lebanon conflict, the Namer, or earlier named Nammera is an armoured-personnel carrier (APC) manufactured by Israeli Ordnance Corps. Designed and developed for the Israeli Defence Force, Namer carries the DNA of its predecessor, the legendary Merkava tank. It was built bottom-up based on Merkava tank chassis hence the large size. Post Israel-Lebanon conflict has saw Israel Defence Force insisted on a new armoured-vehicle to be fielded after the old M113 was proven vulnerable to explosive type of threats. It was in 2008 when the Namer first entered service and production numbers today has reached a total of 200 units.

Compared to Bradley and Puma, the Namer weighs a whooping 60 tonnes, making it the heaviest option among the GCV alternatives. However, it is important to stress that the excess weight comes from a package of strong armour kits, which were made of classified composite matrix of laminated ceramic-nickel-steel-alloy and underlaid reactive armour. The Namer too, thanks to its large build-up is able to fulfil the Army’s demand of a nine-seater IFV.

Despite the advantages of stronger armour and larger interior capacity, the Namer too possesses some disadvantages, which are seen as major drawbacks. In comparison with the Puma and Bradley, Namer is left behind in term of firepower capability. It is only equipped with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun and a 7.62mm machine gun as its secondary weapon. Though it is armed with mortar and smoke grenade dischargers, the Namer is in a position where its defensive capability greatly outweighs its offensive capability. Its lack of offensive power puts the Namer as the weakest alternative under the CBO evaluation. However, bear in mind that the Namer was designed as an APC not as IFV hence the lack in firepower.

Tagged at $11 million each, procurement of the Namer will cost the US government an estimated figure of $19.5 billion – $9 billion less of that the GCV programme. Development and integration process would take up only $300 million while the rest of the $19.5 billion goes to the procurement of 1748 Namer vehicles.

Tulpar

Apart from the suggested alternatives of the GCV programme, it is worth to mention a few other IFVs that have similar capabilities that put them altogether into a similar class. To name one is the Tulpar IFV by Otokar. This Turkish latest and most advanced IFV was designed for the Turkish Armed Forces, unveiled during IDEF exhibition held last year. According to Otokar, the Tulpar will comprise a number of variants including reconnaissance, command-and-control, personnel carrier, mortar, recovery, launch rocket system, air defence, ambulance and anti-tank vehicles. Though available in arrays of variants, this article however brings you about the Tulpar in its IFV variant.

Comparable to the Puma, the Tulpar too is designed with a high ground clearance of 450mm for better protection against mines and IED threats. Looking at its firepower, Tulpar IFV operates with Mizrak 30 unmanned turret, armed with a 30mm dual-fed cannon, L-Umtas anti-tank missile launcher as well as a 7.62mm Browning machine gun as its secondary weapon system. In term of survivability, the Tulpar IFV is offered with three armour packages. Depending on its armour packages, the Tulpar will weigh somewhere between 25 to 40 tonnes.

At the heart of the IFV is a Scania DSI 14/16 diesel engine. Known for its durability and reliability, Scania as one of the biggest European diesel engine manufacturer helps to generate 810hp under the hood, allowing the Tulpar to reach a top speed of 70km/h and a maximum range of 600km. Moreover, this IFV is able to carry nine fully-equipped soldiers, making it a suitable contender under the GCV programme alternatives. Though the price tag is yet to be disclosed, Tulpar, under the IFV flag is a strong contender for armed forces all over the world in search of a capable and reliable IFV.

Anders

Anders history began in 2008 when it first went into development stage following the Polish Army’s demand for a new IFV to replace its Soviet-era BMP-1 IFV. OBRUM was responsible for the development and manufacturing process of the Anders until its first prototype was made public in 2010. Named after a WWII general, Anders’ weigh ranges from 25 to 35 tonnes. Its protection package consists of a set of modular armour, providing all-around shield against 7.62mm rounds. In addition to that, optional add-on armoury may provide further protection up against 25mm projectiles.

In order to enhance its offensive power, the Anders IFV is equipped with OTO Melara’s Hitfist-30P turret, along a 30-mm cannon while its secondary weapon is a 7.62mm machine gun. Anders spacious interior is able to hold three crew and eight additional soldiers. Powering the IFV is a German-made MTU turbocharged diesel engine, which is capable of generating 720hp. Thanks to its reasonable weight, the Anders may reach a top speed of 72km/h and able to reach a destination as far as 600km. Price announcement is yet to be done, but the Polish Army has expressed an interest to purchase 1000 units of similar vehicle.

Naval Surveillance Radar – See the Unseen

Asia military powers have in the last 50 years developed rapidly in term of economy hence permitting them to boost in military expenditures. The protection of territorial waters has required every country to acquire a certain number of naval assets, performing as littoral guardians, resisting incoming threats and at the same time protecting the country’s sovereignty. Naval ships, executing operations in the endless, unpredictable waters, are prone to assaults by various means be it from the air, surface or the hardly detectable underwater threats. Low speed, low manoeuvrability prohibits these naval ships from evading attacks by sources of higher speed and greater capability. It was during the Battle of Britain, when the British became the first force to initiate the wide spread use of the radar, after a thorough study and development process, to detect approaching German aircraft. Coined from the term Radio Detection And Ranging, radar technology was developed many years before and during the World War II. The induction of radars marked the point in history where humans started to rely on technology to enhance their sensory power. Radar, at its best has become the eye to see and the nose to smell, detecting presence of enemies within its range. This, to a greater extent has allowed naval ships to execute operations, be it during the dark, gloomy night or the less permissible dreadful weather. Radars, having been through rapid development since its introduction, has played an important role in defence against multiple threats thus lifting it to a status feared by enemies. Naval powers today rely almost fully on radar detection efficiency, which resulted in limitation of the possibility of errors normally made by human operators. ASPAC Defence - Defense aims at products offered by a few manufacturers of the most modern, latest-generation naval surveillance radars.

Artisan 3D

BAE Systems has initiated the Artisan 3D radar programme, as an integration package for the Royal Navy. Operational onboard the Royal Navy Type 23 frigates, the Advanced Radar Target Indication Situational Awareness and Navigation or known as Artisan 3D has become a superior surveillance radar, capable of imaging objects as small as a bird travelling three times greater than the speed of sound. The radar was designed with a compact and light configuration, contributing to the fact that the radar system weighs only approximately 700kg, allowing installation crew to mount the system within a three-week duration. According to BAE Systems, despite the fact that the radar is small in size, it has the capability to operate through very high signal traffic, as high as 10,000 conflicting phone signals.

Designed to operate on the E or F band frequency, with an outstanding maximum detection range of 200km, the Artisan 3D is capable to efficiently detect fast inshore attack craft, small aircraft as well as panoply of surface and air threats.

Functioning on its primary sensor role with 3D tracking capacity, the Artisan 3D is capable to detect more than 800 targets simultaneously, providing a critical, tactical situational awareness for operator’s safety evaluation and defence mechanism. This generally pictures the radar’s ability to perform in littoral environments, the place where war is more likely to take place and problems most likely to surface. Designed as a software centric system, Artisan 3D helps to boost upgrades capability thus eliminating any necessary costly hardware change. The system’s absolute accuracy and anti-jamming capability, according to the Royal Navy has brought the £100 million procurement into the next stage with proposals of retrofitting the system onto the Royal Navy Type 26 frigates.

RAN-30X/I

For years, Selex has become one of the leading manufacturers of technologies for defence systems, producing panoply of products developed to fulfil security needs of many armed forces. The stages of designing, developing as well as production of defence equipments were done with information superiority in mind. Two of Selex’s most successful surveillance radar systems are the RAN-30X/I along with the KRONOS 3D radar system.

Designed to compete in the “surveillance radar” category, the RAN-30X/I has climbed the vertical ladder to place itself among the most accomplished radar system available in the market. Selex has designed the radar with new a structural configuration, allowing for higher operational flexibility and adaptability to different platforms thus requiring minimal set-up time as well as operational cost.

The RAN-30X/I operates on four main roles. It was designed to perform multiple roles as a measure taken in fulfilling naval forces demand for multi-purpose radar. The roles are, Surface and Air Surveillance (mode 1) for small air and surface target detection, Anti-sea-skimmer detection (mode 2), Over the Horizon (OTH) detection (mode 3), and lastly the Helicopter control and navigation (mode 4).

Depending on the different operational mode, the radar, according to Selex has different instrumental range. In mode one at 15rpm, the radar has an efficiency range of 100km, followed by mode two at 30rpm with 40km efficient range. The third mode, with a gradual rotation of 3rpm, the radar scans for threats within a dazzling 200km range and lastly in mode 4, with 30rpm the radar has a range of 25km.

Currently operational onboard the Italian Navy’s “Cigala Fulgosi” OPV Class vessel, the radar is also currently operating on board Thailand’s Pattani class OPV which had successfully conducted an anti-piracy operation in the Gulf of Eden. This achievement, at one stage has marked the radar capability in supporting high-risk and high-stake high sea operations.

KRONOS 3D

Selex also, through its experience in the development of advanced multi-function radar systems has come up with the KRONOS 3D, a C-Band multi-role radar system with full solid-state active phased array antenna. Selex announced that the radar system has a high detection capability within 180km, its maximum efficient range, in order to support and provide ample time for the ship crew to initiate necessary procedure in case of any incoming threat. The KRONOS 3D radar is available in two configurations, the LND (land based) and the NV (shipborne) versions. Currently operational with the UAE and Peruvian Aguirre class frigates, the KRONOS 3D was developed to stand out as a medium-range radar, with the capability to encounter new generation threats in different environments such as the Electronic Counter Measure (ECM), severe clutter environment in blue water operations as well as rigorous littoral settings in brown water environments. As a measure of Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM), certain features were integrated into the radar system so that the radar is capable to operate within a ruthless ECM environments, minimising the possibility of a defunct radar and detection system.

In 2011, the government of Thailand heralded the procurement initiatives, as a modernisation effort, awarding Selex the contract of supplying a number of KRONOS 3D radar system for its Navy and Air Force. Currently operational with the Royal Navy Air and Coastal Defence Command, the radar system operates through the integration within the air surveillance network of the Royal Thai Navy. Additionally, with more than 20 KRONOS 3D radar system sold worldwide, it is unmistakable that the system possesses its own unique quality, from outstanding sensory capabilities to user-friendly software configuration as well as simplicity of its maintainability.

MRR-3D NG

Thales MRR-3D NG and the SMART-S Mk2 radar systems are currently operational onboard various naval vessels. The MRR-3D NG radar system was introduced by Thales as an effort to set a benchmark for the surveillance radar category. Thales, through its development plan, came up with the MRR-3D NG long range air and surface surveillance radar, retrofitted with multiple capabilities such as tracking and self defence, target evaluation, weapon allocation feature, target classification support, weapon control as well as advanced ECCM features. This radar was developed to operate with top naval powers, fulfilling their demand for the latest, most modern high performance sensory equipments.

Frech Mistral-class Amphibious Assault Vessel, BPC Dixmude (L9015)

As conferred by Thales, the radar operates on G-band frequency with a maximum-instrumented range of 180km. Moreover, the radar has a unique capability that allows it to exploit the duct effect, without compromising data accuracy, therefore providing the radar operators with an advantage of detecting threats and targets beyond its normal range. Weighing less than 500kg, the radar system offers a considerably light package thus making it an ideal choice for small surface combatants while at the same time suits bigger vessels’ operation requirements.

In an event of missile attack, the MRR-3D NG radar projects a dedicated multi-beam pattern in order to provide sufficient data thus minimising the time consumption for target acquisition, providing more time for anti-air weapon system to operate effectively. The radar, proven its capability by Thales, is currently operational onboard various naval ships such as the Norwegian Skjold class fast patrol boat, South African Valour class frigates as well as the renowned French Mistral class amphibious assault vessels.

SMART-S Mk2

The success of the SMART-S Mk2 radar by Thales is marked by the number of procurement awarded throughout the years, basically strengthened by its exceptional features longed by various naval powers all across the globe. While fulfilling the basic attributes of surveillance radar, Thales has, through their development programme enhanced the sensory power of the SMART-S Mk2. One major factor of the radar’s success is the trouble-free utilisation and maintenance throughout its operation life.

Introduced in 2003, the SMART-S Mk2 was principally intended to replace the older generation air-search and target designation radars that back then operates onboard various frigate class vessels. Meant for integration with frigate class weapon system, the radar is programmed to perform in littoral waters, able to conform its operational capability to land clutter and moving coastal objects, which usually resemble alarming threats such as low-flying aircraft and missiles. This in a way helps to reduce errors normally produced on the radar interface, minimising the possibility of command error during any operation.

The radar, developed by Thales Nederland is currently active onboard various navy vessels such as the Karel Doorman class frigates of the Royal Netherlands Navy, Royal Danish Absalon class support vessels, Indonesian and Moroccan Navy Sigma class corvette and the Khareef class corvette of the Royal Navy of Oman.

SEA GIRAFFE AMB

Saab, through its radar programme has successfully delivered the SEA GIRAFFE AMB radar, a product designed to suit small combatants such as corvettes and frigates. The radar has been proven effective during various operations within maritime harsh environments. It was successfully awarded the primary role as surveillance radar onboard USS Independence (LCS-2) in its LCS programme, still running today. The radar, through extensive study at initial stage has been chosen thanks to its unmistakable performance and reliable features. The SEA GIRAFFE AMB, according to an official, fulfilled the programme’s desired cost and performed way beyond the expected requirements.

AMB, which stands for agile multi-beam, consists of twelve stacked receiver beams, in support of covering a great volume of altitude. This, in a way helps the radar system to identify targets up to 65,000 feet of altitude with very accurate data provided by the stacked receiver beams. This feature, in a bigger picture provides commanding officer more reaction time against air and surface threats. The radar also has the capability of 70° elevation thus enabling it to efficiently sensors air targets. Air and surface surveillance, tracking and target identification is done simultaneously, eliminating the need of time-consuming manual operation.

In a general perspective, the radar is capable of detecting multiple threats from multiple directions, including fast moving surface-skimming missiles. The radar is able to automatically detect 200 air targets, 400 surface targets as well as 50 jammer emitters in a single time, backed by the optimisation of hard-to-see detection feature designed to perform in severely cluttered environment. In this modern warfare of stealth-ness, Saab has designed the radar to be configured with stealth radome, in order to minimise radar cross-section (RCS) and infrared signature. Having exceeded major expectations of various naval forces, it is unquestionable why SEA GIRAFFE AMB has become the choice worldwide. Other than the USS Independence, the radar is currently serving onboard various vessels such as the Australian and New Zaealand Anzac class frigates, the Canadian Halifax class frigates, Lekiu class frigates of Malaysia as well as the Baynunah class missile corvettes of the UAE.

TRS-3D

The TRS-3D is a standard naval multi-mode surface and air surveillance and target acquisition radar from CASSIDIAN. Designed for the demanding littoral settings, the C-band radar provides excellent performance over land and water, minimising clutter interference in order to more effectively and simultaneously detects various surface and air targets.

The TRS-3D is suitable for installation as the main radar on corvettes, FACs, OPVs while on frigates and larger ships, as main self-defence radar. Supported by its highly flexible design, the TRS-3D radar integrates a variety of shipboard systems and C4ISR suites, enabling it to perform multiple roles including surveillance, weapon fire control and helicopter detection and guidance. Due to the latest signal processing technologies, the TRS-3D is particularly suited for the early detection of small, fast moving objects, such as speedboats and sea-skimmer missiles.

USS Freedom during a visit to Singapore in 2013

EADS North America has received a contract from Lockheed Martin to supply its TRS-3D radar for the US Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship programme, which is currently undergoing operations in the South-East Asia. As part of a recent Department of Defense award, Lockheed Martin will construct up to 10 Littoral Combat Ships through 2015. USS Freedom completed its maiden deployment in 2010, which included the successful interception of drug vessels in the Caribbean. In addition to the US Navy’s fleet, EADS North America also is providing the TRS-3D radar to the US Coast Guard for its fleet of National Security Cutters, of which three are in operation and two more are in the process of integration.

The radar system is also installed onboard Kedah class OPVs, Bremen class frigates, Braunschweig class corvettes, Nordkapp class OPVs, Svalbard class artic OPV, Flyvefisken class patrol vessels (in combat role), Hamina class missile boats, Ambassador MK III class missile boats as well as the new Finnish Border Guard's new OPV.

SCANTER

L'Adroit OPV

As a Danish defence and aerospace manufacturer, Terma has made it presence felt in the defence industry with numbers of procurement initiatives heralded by many top names. They have introduced the Scanter radar system, which was retrofitted onboard the L’Adroit OPV of the French Navy. The radar was specifically designed with small target detection capability, as a measure against littoral threats such as drug trafficking, smuggling, piracy and terrorism. Designed as an affordable package, the system is capable to prevent major problems normally faced by commercial radars. Performing as a versatile and modular based system, the radar is able to fulfil various needs by its operators. All features are tailored to meet customers’ demands, which in a way proves its flexibility. These features, in a bigger picture portrays that the radar system was given full attention throughout its development process, focusing on littoral environment utilisation. Compared with systems with higher transmitter power, the SCANTER radar system definitely provides more advantages to its operators. By producing lower transmitter output, this in a way assists operators to avoid any jamming attempt by threats around it, preventing a defunct radar system, which is able to expose the ship to greater danger.