“Revolutionizing Naval Defense: Leonardo and LACROIX Forge Strategic Partnership”
The collaboration will enable the partners to merge Leonardo’s MJTE anti-torpedo countermeasures with LACROIX’s SYLENA MK2 decoy launching mechanism. The SYLENA MK2, capable of deploying an array of countermeasures to safeguard vessels ranging from OPV to large frigates, facilitates the expansion of the MJTE market to encompass small and medium-sized crafts.
Leonardo and LACROIX have established a strategic partnership that will enable both entities to join forces in devising and incorporating solutions within the naval countermeasures domain. This alliance is poised to explore innovative technologies along with fresh business prospects and will initially lead to the development of the SYLENA Mk2/MJTE solution. This initiative will integrate LACROIX’s SYLENA MK2 DLS (Decoy Launching System) with Leonardo’s MJTE (Mobile Jammer Target Emulator) anti-torpedo measures.
The MJTE is Leonardo’s state-of-the-art torpedo jamming solution. It has the capability to mimic the signature and acoustics of its platform and produce a formidable jamming signal, creating realistic false targets, which allows the targeted ship to execute effective evasive strategies. When compared to alternative solutions in the market, the innovative MJTE incorporates a range of protective methods into a cost-effective unit and performs remarkably well at short ranges.
The MJTE forms part of Leonardo’s advanced anti-torpedo suite, which includes the towed Black Snake sonar, the new OTO Decoy Launching System 20 (ODLS20), and the company’s software suite that determines optimal release timing for countermeasures and escape routes for the host craft.
The partnership agreement between Leonardo and LACROIX will broaden the potential market for both the MJTE countermeasure and the SYLENA MK2 launch system. The compact, lightweight design of the SYLENA MK2 makes it an ideal choice for small to medium vessels, widening the prospective user demographic for the MJTE. Concurrently, the cutting-edge capabilities introduced by the MJTE will enhance the functionality of the SYLENA MK2 system.
“This partnership reaffirms Leonardo’s capability to understand, address, and often foresee market demands. There is evident synergy in our collaboration with LACROIX as together we can deliver a sophisticated anti-submarine countermeasure solution, even for platforms with limited space. These require compact and light launch systems that can simultaneously provide Anti-Air Warfare and Anti-Submarine functionalities.”
Andrea Padella, Head of Defense Systems, Leonardo Electronics
Leonardo is devoted to ensuring safety and security for individuals and communities globally through its leadership in next-generation technologies. Collaboration across the industry, with governmental bodies, and between individuals to deliver superior security capabilities is integral to its ‘Be Tomorrow – Leonardo 2030’ strategic framework.
“Following the collaboration with Leonardo to integrate SYLENA within their Athena-C combat management system as part of ongoing agreements, this partnership is a logical advancement in the evolution of joint solutions. Leonardo is a significant contributor in the European Industrial and Technological Defense Base (BITD) and this partnership showcases the maturity of our solutions alongside the unmatched modularity and flexibility of our system range.”
François MOULINIER, COO of LACROIX Defense
Responding to customer feedback, LACROIX has developed a series of next-generation Decoy Launching Systems (DLS) since 2012, enhancing vessel survivability ratios for a variety of crafts, from patrol boats utilizing the SYLENA® Lightweight to destroyers equipped with the SYLENA® MK1 and MK2.
SYLENA® launchers are adept at utilizing the latest generation of SEACLAD® munitions, corner reflectors, and IR decoys, as well as ASW solutions with the SEALAT tailored for the SYLENA® MK2.
The SYLENA® MK2 DLS is the first “in-service” static anti-missile system globally, functioning with both corner reflectors (SEALEM) and anti-torpedo measures, optimizing vessel defense with a highly dependable system at minimal operational costs.
Moreover, the fact that the SYLENA® DLS static launcher operates solely with mortars, devoid of any pneumatic constraints, and maintains a small footprint on deck with minimal recoil facilitates reduced acquisition and integration expenses. Consequently, this system has managed to persuade numerous navies to either retrofit or equip their vessels accordingly.
