By: Baadshah Chatterjee
Naval forces, whether on the high seas or operating in coastal waters, land forces, whether conducting static defence or operating through manoeuvre, as well as critical, strategic infrastructure are exposed to constantly evolving threats from the air, land and the sea. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and fire control radars equipping manned and unmanned aircraft are classic examples of sophisticated targeting systems that have been developed and pose serious threats. Therefore, self-defence is a vital condition on the modern battlefield. Electronic Warfare plays a key and cost-effective role in this effort. However,
To counter, analyse, detect and track the most advanced cyber threats from air, land and naval platforms, ELTA Systems, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has leveraged its rich technological heritage of five decades to develop the new and innovative Scorpius long-range Electronic Warfare system. It is an Electronic Support Measures (ESM) and Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) system, which is available in a number of configurations, including the land-based Scorpius-G and the naval Scorpius-N (ELL-8256SB). According to ELTA Systems, Scorpius is the most advanced Electronic Warfare system in the world, providing unparalleled electronic protection and engagement capabilities.
Scorpius is based on Active Electronic Scanning Array (AESA) technology, which uses an array of wideband digital transceivers to achieve a significant increase in sensitivity, allowing the system to detect threats over much larger areas than what was previously possible. Scorpius also incorporates Multi-beam Staring (MS) technology, which enables simultaneous scanning of the entire hemisphere. Likewise, it deploys multiple, narrow, high-powered engagement beams, making it easier to simultaneously target multiple threats across the field.
The system uses the latest Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology to achieve a significant increase in Effective Radiated Power (ERP), which far exceeds legacy Electronic Warfare solutions. Along with greatly enhanced sensitivity, this enables the Scorpius to detect, disrupt and degrade enemy radars. Scorpius is effective against very low signals while being able to detect and track more sophisticated threats such as Low Probability-of-Intercept (LPI) radars. The Scorpius-G’s ability to detect and track low-power signals, combined with its wide coverage capability, allow the system to create a comprehensive and accurate Electronic Warfare System.
Scorpius has a flexible, modular architecture based on the use of software. The control unit, which handles the processing and control of all ESM and ECM functions, is easily updated as new radar threats (aircraft, ship and ground) are introduced, including fire control radars, search radars and SAR radars.
Scorpius-G can be mounted on a tactical all-terrain vehicle, thus allowing the system to be flexibly deployed to support manoeuvre operations. A fixed base version is also available for installation at critical points and infrastructure. Multiple systems can be deployed, in network mode, to cover larger and more complex areas. Therefore, the system can play an important role in air defence, enhancing the effectiveness of anti-aircraft systems.
Scorpius-N is designed for ships. It consists of four conveniently positioned panels, for all ESM and ECM functions, ensuring minimal effect on the ship’s radar cross section (RCS).
Scorpius’ highly developed multi-link management capabilities enable it to effectively counter multiple, radar-based threats by providing a protective canopy around ground-based assets. In addition, the system can effectively attack the new generation of radar systems used to provide target data to weapons. Scorpius is fully compatible with leading air defence systems, land and naval. In fact, the advanced capabilities of the system significantly reduce the workload of air defence systems, keeping their capabilities intact for other engagements.
With high and robust wideband multi-receiver detection, tracking, multi-threat jamming capabilities and a flexible software-based architecture, Scorpius offers cost-effective defence capabilities against today and tomorrow’s air, land and sea threats.
The ability to provide customers around the world with solutions that change operational data at the tactical and strategic level, such as Scorpius, is a key factor that makes ELTA Systems a leader in advanced defence electronics.
About the Author
Baadshah Chatterjee is the Director and Owner of Royale Construction since 2016 and is a Research Analyst in TRK News Kashmir since 2020. He Tweets at @Baadshah_gp1609. The views expressed are personal.
