Royal Navy Introduces Next-Generation Electronic Warfare Systems to Protect Fleet

The Royal Navy has reached a significant milestone in upgrading its defensive capabilities with the first of its next-generation electronic warfare systems rolling off the production line for final testing and evaluation. This advanced technology will soon provide enhanced protection across the fleet against increasingly sophisticated maritime threats.

MEWSIC: A Symphony of Electronic Warfare

The Maritime Electronic Warfare System Integrated Capability (MEWSIC Increment 1), procured by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), represents a major enhancement to the Navy's ability to detect and counter enemy threats, particularly anti-ship missiles. The system has entered its final testing phase at an Elbit Systems UK facility, while its updated Combat Management Software System is being evaluated at Portsdown Technology Park near Portsmouth.

Dr Allan Paterson, DE&S' Maritime Electronic Warfare Team Leader, emphasised the importance of this development: "The Royal Navy has invested in an ambitious programme to deliver modern electronic warfare capabilities that will help its surface warships keep the UK and its allies safe around the world."

MEWSIC will replace existing electronic warfare systems across the fleet, with installations planned for the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, Type 45 destroyers, and the new Type 26 and Type 31 frigates currently under construction.

Ancilia: A Revolutionary Decoy System

Working in tandem with MEWSIC is Ancilia, a £135 million 'trainable' launcher system for electronic warfare decoys designed to confuse incoming anti-ship missiles. Unlike its predecessor, Seagnat, the new system can swivel rapidly and adjust the angle at which decoy rounds are fired to maximise their effectiveness.

This dynamic capability means ships no longer need to manoeuvre to counter incoming threats, as Ancilia can face them directly. The integration of Ancilia with MEWSIC's Command and Control system creates a powerful defensive combination that naval experts have described as taking anti-ship missile defence "to the next level."

Each Type 26, Type 31 and Type 45 vessel will be fitted with two Ancilia systems, significantly enhancing the fleet's defensive capabilities against modern threats.

Building a Workforce for Advanced Maritime Warfare

The introduction of these sophisticated systems represents not just a technological leap but also a transformation in how naval personnel operate and maintain this equipment. The Royal Navy has already begun training electronic warfare specialists on the new systems, focusing on both operational expertise and practical aspects such as loading and unloading the Ancilia with decoy rounds.

Commander Eleanor Richfield, the Royal Navy's Electronic Warfare Training Lead, highlighted the workforce implications: "These systems represent a significant evolution in how we approach electronic warfare at sea. We're investing heavily in developing our people alongside this technology, creating a new cadre of specialists with advanced skills in electromagnetic warfare operations."

The Navy has established a dedicated training pathway for electronic warfare specialists, combining classroom theory with practical experience on simulators and real equipment. This comprehensive approach ensures personnel are fully prepared to leverage the capabilities of MEWSIC and Ancilia when deployed.

"What makes these systems particularly valuable is how they reduce the cognitive burden on our operators," Richfield explained. "By automating the integration of electromagnetic emissions data with the tactical picture, our teams can make faster, better-informed decisions in complex threat environments."

Industrial Collaboration

The development of MEWSIC and Ancilia showcases successful collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and industry partners. Babcock International serves as the prime contractor for MEWSIC, working with Elbit Systems UK, while Ancilia is designed and built by SEA (Systems Engineering and Assessment) in Barnstaple, North Devon.

This partnership approach has not only delivered cutting-edge technology but also supported high-skilled jobs across the UK defence sector. The project demonstrates how defence procurement can simultaneously enhance military capabilities while supporting domestic industry and technological innovation.

The Wider Maritime Electronic Warfare Programme

These systems form part of the overarching Maritime Electronic Warfare Programme (MEWP), which aims to comprehensively upgrade the Royal Navy's electronic warfare capabilities to meet emerging threats. The programme recognises that in modern naval warfare, electronic and electromagnetic capabilities can be as decisive as traditional weapons.

The MEWSIC system transitioned to the manufacturing, testing, and acceptance phase after successfully passing its design review stage in 2023, marking significant progress in the 13-year contract awarded in 2021 to the industrial consortium.

As threats to maritime security continue to evolve, with potential adversaries developing increasingly sophisticated anti-ship weapons and electronic warfare capabilities, systems like MEWSIC and Ancilia will play a crucial role in ensuring the Royal Navy can continue to operate effectively across the globe, protecting UK interests and contributing to international security.