L3Harris to integrate electronics into new American ships to hunt submarines

T-AGOS-25 — not armed, but extremely important

L3Harris Technologies has entered into an agreement with Austal USA to escort the first T-AGOS-25 class ship for the US Navy. This is not a warship, not a destroyer, and certainly not an aircraft carrier. But his role is one of the most subtle and necessary. T-AGOS-25 is a floating underwater surveillance station, whose task is to listen to the ocean and find submarines that try not to make a sound.

Such ships don't fire, but without them, other ships and planes don't know where to look for a threat.

L3Harris is responsible for the "insides" of the ship

L3Harris acts as a single system supplier — that is, it takes over the integration of key components: electrical and propulsion systems. It's not just installing engines, but creating a cohesive architecture where everything works together — from power supply to motion control.

Special attention is paid to "quiet" work. In order for a ship to hear a submarine, it must be as quiet as possible. L3Harris is responsible for ensuring that the actuators and electronics do not interfere with sensitive sonar systems.

Underwater tracking is the key to anti—submarine defense

The T-AGOS-25 is the heir to the legendary Stalwart—class ships that have been tracking Soviet submarines for decades. The new ship will use modern towed sonar stations capable of detecting sounds at great depths and distances.

He does not attack, but determines the location of the target, transmits data to destroyers, submarines and PLO aircraft. Without such scouts, the anti-submarine defense loses its eyes and ears.

Where will these ships operate

T-AGOS-25 will be deployed in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. His zone is open waters where enemy submarines can hide and wait in the wings. This is especially true in the Pacific Ocean, where the activity of the submarine forces of other countries is growing.

The presence of such ships allows the US Navy to control underwater routes and protect strike groups.

Sources

1. ASDNews — contract overview for T-AGOS-25
2. L3Harris (official) — press release on the award
3. Naval Technology — T-AGOS-25 class capabilities
4. MarketScreener — market impact analysis
5. Military Embedded — technical overview of onboard sensors

British Atlas A400M aircraft to receive new PRIBAD Boat Drop System

IrvinGQ contract for 25 million pounds

IrvinGQ has received a contract from the British Ministry of Defense in the amount of 25 million pounds for the supply of a modern air delivery system based on Atlas A400M aircraft of the Royal Air Force. This order provides for the production of up to 25 PRIBAD (Parachute Rigger Integrated Boat Airdrop) systems, ten-year operational support and full integration with aviation and marine platforms.

The system is designed to revolutionize the way marine boats are delivered to hard-to-reach areas.

How the PRIBAD system works

PRIBAD is an advanced system for parachuting large rigid inflatable boats (RHIB) and rigid hull boats. It is designed for the safe discharge of vessels from 6 to 14 meters long and weighing up to 12 tons from a transport aircraft at a speed and altitude compatible with combat conditions.

After separation from the aircraft, the boat parachutes down and gently lands, after which it can immediately begin performing tasks ranging from rescue operations to tactical special forces missions.

From amphibious landings to naval operations in minutes

Previously, shipping boats to remote areas required complex logistics — sea transportation or manual assembly. PRIBAD allows you to reduce the deployment time to a minimum: the boat is dropped off in a ready-to-use form and immediately comes into action.

This is especially important in emergency situations, humanitarian crises, or rapid response to threats in coastal areas.

Flexibility and integration with the naval forces

One of the key advantages of PRIBAD is its modularity. The interchangeable frames allow the system to be adapted to different types of boats and payloads, from reconnaissance boats to large rescue vessels.

The system will be integrated with units of the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and Special Operations Forces, ensuring seamless interaction between aviation and naval forces.

P-8A Poseidon with secret AAS radar patrols the Black Sea: new generation intelligence

The P-8A Poseidon and its role in naval intelligence

The US Navy P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft, based on a modification of a civilian Boeing 737, was again spotted in a high—attention area over the Black Sea. This time, it was equipped with a rare and high-end intelligence system, highlighting the strategic importance of the mission. This aircraft is a key element of U.S. naval intelligence, providing control over vast waters and tracking the activity of potential adversaries.

AN/APS-154 AAS — "universal eye" under the fuselage

The central feature of this flight was the use of the Advanced Airborne Sensor (AAS) AN/APS-154, developed by Raytheon under conditions of strict secrecy. This system is a multifunctional radar module capable of solving a wide range of tasks.:

• Detection and tracking of submarines by footprints on the surface
• Identification and classification of surface ships
• High-precision coastal reconnaissance, including monitoring of military installations and movement of equipment

The AN/APS-154 combines Synthesized Aperture (SAR) and Moving Target Detection (GMTI) mode, making it one of the most powerful and secretive radars in the U.S. Navy's arsenal.

How the SMPDM mechanism works

A special mechanism is used to place the dimensional radar — the Special Mission Payload Deployment Mechanism (SMPDM). It is installed under the fuselage of the P-8A and lowers the AAS module away from the engines during flight, eliminating radio interference and widening the viewing angle. This allows the radar to operate with maximum efficiency, especially during low-altitude flights along the coast.

Aviation Week & Space Technology magazine first revealed the existence of SMPDM in 2019, confirming its testing on P-8 aircraft, which aroused widespread interest in the expert community.

The importance of patrolling the Black Sea

The regular flights of the P-8A with AN/APS-154 over the Black Sea demonstrate the US commitment to the security of NATO allies and the control of military activity in the region. Such missions allow real-time monitoring of the movement of Russian ships, especially near Crimea and along the coast of Ukraine, as well as identifying signs of preparations for a build-up of forces.

The presence of an advanced intelligence system enhances the operational superiority of the United States and increases the alliance's resilience in the face of hybrid threats.

France's Thales is teaming up with America's Skydweller Aero to create an unmanned solar-powered maritime patrol aircraft

The French company Thales, one of the world leaders in the field of defense electronics, has announced a strategic partnership with the American startup Skydweller Aero. Skydweller specializes in the development of unique solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with a wingspan comparable to a Boeing 747.

Features and capabilities of the project

- Long-term patrol: Thanks to the use of solar energy and innovative technologies, the drone will be able to stay in the air in one position for several weeks or even months, which will significantly expand the possibilities of maritime surveillance and reconnaissance.

- Large wingspan: The size of the device allows you to place complex equipment for radar, optical and electronic monitoring on board, ensuring high efficiency in maritime patrol tasks.

- Thales System Integration: Thales will provide advanced communication, command and intelligence systems, which will enhance the UAV's autonomy and functionality, as well as ensure its compatibility with existing defense platforms.

- Eco-friendly and cost-effective: Using solar energy reduces operating costs and minimizes the environmental footprint, which is especially important for long-term missions in remote offshore areas.

Combining Thales' expertise in defense electronics and Skydweller Aero's innovative developments opens up new horizons in maritime intelligence and security. Such an unmanned patrol aircraft will be able to effectively monitor maritime borders, detect threats, and provide rapid response without the need for frequent landings and refueling.

The project is aimed at meeting the growing needs of the naval forces and coast guards of various countries, especially in the face of increased maritime activity and threats in strategically important regions. It is expected that the first joint platform will be introduced in the coming years, which will be an important step in the development of long-term autonomous patrol technologies.

The Austrian company Schiebel has introduced an improved rotary-wing UAV S-300 with anti-submarine capabilities

At the Paris Air Show 2025, the Austrian company Schiebel demonstrated a new enhanced configuration of its unmanned aerial vehicle with an S-300 rotary-wing engine. The platform is now equipped with an L3HARRIS WESCAM MX-10 turret, an IMSAR NSP-3 radar, an additional optical system in the bow, and an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) sonar buoy. These innovations transform the S-300 from a traditional reconnaissance vehicle into a full-fledged system of multi-domain maritime surveillance and underwater warfare.

Technical features and capabilities

- The L3HARRIS WESCAM MX-10 turret provides high-quality electrostatic and infrared imaging, improving surveillance and targeting capabilities.

- The IMSAR NSP-3 radar with multifunctional operating modes (SAR, MTI, CCD) allows for effective detection and tracking of marine and ground targets in all weather conditions.

- A secondary optical system in the bow expands the range of reconnaissance capabilities and improves navigation accuracy.

- The ASW hydroacoustic buoy allows you to perform tasks of detecting and classifying submarines, which previously was the prerogative of only manned helicopters and large offshore platforms.

The extended payload and versatility of the S-300 make it a unique tool for maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare, especially for small naval forces that do not have the resources to operate manned ASW helicopters. The compactness and the possibility of vertical takeoff and landing make it possible to use UAVs from ships of small and medium tonnage without the need for an airfield.

With the new equipment, the S-300 meets the growing demand for multifunctional, cost-effective and efficient means of monitoring and combating underwater threats in the context of the escalating geopolitical situation in offshore areas such as the Baltic and Red Seas. The integration of advanced American and European sensors also ensures compatibility with NATO systems.

The Royal Navy of Great Britain tracks Russian ships in the English Channel: alarm off the coast

  

The Royal Navy of Great Britain has been put on high alert again due to the appearance of Russian ships in the English Channel. On Wednesday, March 27, 2025, the minesweeper HMS Cattistock and a Wildcat helicopter were sent to escort the Russian hydrographic vessel Admiral Vladimirsky, which was sailing along the southern coast of the country.  

According to British media, the Admiral Vladimirsky was moving across the English Channel in a northerly direction, which caused an immediate reaction from the Navy. The minesweeper and helicopter conducted continuous surveillance of the vessel, presumably used for reconnaissance. This is not the first case in recent months: in January 2025, similar measures were applied against the Russian ship Yantar, and in March against the frigate Boyky.  

The frequent appearance of Russian vessels near British waters increases tensions in the region. According to experts, such actions may be part of a demonstration of military presence or data collection for future operations. Britain, in turn, is demonstrating its determination to protect its maritime borders by actively using ships and aircraft to intercept suspicious objects.