Defense Arabia recently had the opportunity to interview Dr. Thomas Lehmann, Head of Business Unit Integrated Mission Systems at Anschütz, about their innovative SYNTACS solution. SYNTACS is a game-changer for smaller naval units facing space and budget constraints, providing them with effective situational awareness and decision-making support for maritime security missions.
Introduction:
Smaller naval vessels often lack the capabilities of their larger counterparts due to limitations in space and budget. This can be a significant challenge for missions requiring effective situational awareness and rapid decision-making, such as maritime security operations.
SYNTACS to the rescue:
Anschütz’s SYNTACS is a revolutionary solution specifically designed for smaller and medium naval platforms. It leverages a modular approach and commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) products to deliver a scalable and cost-effective combat management system. SYNTACS seamlessly integrates with various sensors and systems, providing a unified picture of the operational environment and optimizing command and control capabilities.
In this interview, Dr. Lehmann delves deeper into SYNTACS, addressing crucial questions such as:
- How does SYNTACS seamlessly integrate with various sensors and systems on smaller naval platforms?
- How does the modular approach of SYNTACS adapt to the specific needs of different missions?
- How does the customized after-sales offer for the HSI-32 interceptors ensure maximum uptime?
- How is SYNTACS adapting to emerging threats like drone swarms and cyberattacks?
- What specific demonstrations or showcases are planned for SYNTACS at the World Defense Show (WDS)?
Smaller naval units often face space and budget constraints limiting their capabilities. How does SYNTACS overcome these limitations to provide effective situational awareness and decision-making support in maritime security missions?
Combat management systems today exhibit versatility but can be excessively complex, often overwhelming lighter ship types and missions. In contrast, SYNTACS distinguishes itself as a smart and scalable solution, founded on readily available commercial-off-the-shelf products.
With SYNTACS, Anschütz expands integrated navigation capabilities to include mission management and combat systems tailored for small and medium platforms. As a system of systems, SYNTACS seamlessly integrates sensors and capabilities according to the customer’s specific requirements. This approach ensures that customers only invest in and pay for the functionalities they genuinely need.
How does SYNTACS seamlessly integrate with various sensors and systems on smaller naval platforms to enhance command and control capabilities, thereby optimizing situational awareness and decision-making during maritime security operations?
SYNTACS boasts an embedded integration platform designed to seamlessly collect, assess, and disseminate a comprehensive range of data and targets. Going beyond mere navigational data, this sensor-agnostic platform adeptly incorporates information from various sensors, including electro-optics sensors, sonars, surveillance radars, and ballistic modules responsible for managing weapon stations.
SYNTACS computes mission-critical data and assembles a fully integrated situational overview, presented through a unified user interface for navigation and mission control. This comprehensive picture can be seamlessly shared across the fleet or transmitted to shore-based control centers. The platform also features supplementary tools for tactical navigation, alarm zone surveillance, classification, and strategic maneuvers, including interception and Identification Friend or Foe protocols
The modular approach of SYNTACS allows it to deliver various features. Can you explain how this modularity works and how it adapts to the specific needs of different missions?
SYNTACS offers a robust and adaptable foundation for missions, leveraging standardized hardware and an integrated platform. The system allows for the seamless incorporation of additional sensors, and the customization of workstation functionalities through the utilization of software modules. These modules encompass a wide range of capabilities, including mission management, data recording, data links, remote control capabilities for unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), and integration with weaponry.
In the context of the HSI-32 high-speed interceptors built by CMN NAVAL for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, equipped with Anschütz’s integrated mission systems, how does the seamless integration of navigation and C2 systems enhance mission effectiveness? For example, how does it improve situational awareness, decision-making speed, and operational agility?
The HSI-32 High-Speed Interceptors feature multifunctional workstations equipped with a unified interface for navigation and mission, ensuring the instantaneous delivery of clear and precise mission-relevant information at every workstation. SYNTACS seamlessly integrates command and control functions, advanced situational awareness capabilities, and provides a turnkey solution for the complete functional chain from surveillance, situation analysis, and detection to combat and fire control. Additionally, the system fully aligns with IMO standards and holds type approvals for high-speed operation.
Can you elaborate on how the customized after-sales offer for the HSI-32 interceptors ensures maximum uptime, and what specific measures or strategies are in place to provide competent service support and full availability of spares?
The customized after-sales solution for the HSI-32 interceptors prioritizes proactive maintenance, rapid response, and continuous improvement to ensure maximum operational readiness. The combination of scheduled maintenance, 24/7 technical support, and strategic spare parts availability contributes to a comprehensive and reliable support system.
In summary, the after-sales offer for the HSI-32 interceptors is designed to guarantee maximum operational readiness through a combination of proactive measures and robust support strategies.
The collaboration with local Saudi partners is crucial for long-term service support and technology transfer. Can you share details about the established training programs or knowledge transfer initiatives that empower local personnel to maintain and operate SYNTACS independently?
The collaboration with local Saudi partners is pivotal for long-term service support and technology transfer. We have established comprehensive training programs aimed at empowering local personnel with the skills and knowledge needed to independently maintain and operate Anschütz systems and products. These initiatives ensure a sustainable and self-reliant capability among our Saudi partners.
The maritime security landscape is constantly evolving, with emerging threats like drone swarms and cyberattacks becoming increasingly common. How is SYNTACS adapting to these new challenges, and what future upgrades or integrations are planned to maintain its edge in this dynamic environment?
SYNTACS is designed with adaptability in mind, continually evolving to address emerging threats in the maritime security landscape. To counter challenges such as drone swarms and cyberattacks, ongoing research and development initiatives focus on integrating cutting-edge technologies of partners. Future upgrades include enhanced cyber resilience measures, advanced threat detection algorithms, and improved interoperability with any counter-drone systems. Regular software updates and modular hardware components ensure SYNTACS remains at the forefront of maritime security, effectively countering evolving threats in this dynamic environment.
Anschütz is a prominent exhibitor at World Defense Show (WDS). What specific demonstrations or showcases do you have planned for SYNTACS at WDS that will highlight its capabilities and potential for various maritime security applications?
Anschütz is making its debut at the World Defence Show, showcasing our expertise as a manufacturer, integrator, and service provider for integrated mission and navigation systems. Explore the versatility of SYNTACS, discover our after-sales solutions, and learn about our future potential, including collaborative ventures with local partners. Visit us at stand E10 to delve into our offerings and engage in insightful discussions.
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