US defense technology company - Leonardo DRS has just introduced a new integrated anti-unmanned aerial vehicle system for naval platforms, aimed at strengthening defense capabilities in the context of increasingly complex maritime threats.
This solution is called M-MEP (Maritime Mission Equipment Package), designed to detect, identify and neutralize UAVs in a unified system.
M-MEP is considered an important step forward in a modern maritime defense strategy when integrating many technologies. The system combines maritime radar, electro-optical/infrared sensors and electronic warfare (EW) tools, allowing warships not only to detect but also respond quickly to threats from unmanned aerial vehicles, including herd attacks.
A noteworthy point is that M-MEP not only operates on manned ships but is also compatible with unmanned platforms, helping to expand the scope of application in modern combat.
When detecting a target, the system can use GPS and 5G-based jamming technologies to disrupt the operation of enemy UAVs, causing them to lose control or positioning capabilities.
The system is supported by the SAGEcore software platform, which allows the integration of artificial intelligence into the sensor data analysis process.
Thanks to that, M-MEP can support real-time threat identification, and at the same time provide appropriate response recommendations for the operating crew. The integrated toolkit also makes installation flexible on many different types of ships.
According to Leonardo DRS, threats from drones are developing rapidly in terms of quantity, operating range and level of automation.
Therefore, M-MEP is designed to help the US Navy and its allies maintain their advantages with an integrated solution that can be deployed quickly and easily upgraded.
Another important point of the system is its ability to predict threats thanks to machine learning and AI applications. Instead of just reacting when a UAV appears, M-MEP can analyze data to predict behavior and propose early response plans.
This helps strengthen proactive defense capabilities, especially in high-intensity combat environments.
In addition, the system is also designed to be continuously updated to cope with increasingly sophisticated tactics of the enemy. Flexible upgrade capability helps M-MEP maintain long-term efficiency in the context of constantly changing UAV technology.
Leonardo DRS has integrated M-MEP into the unmanned water surface vehicle Sea Machines Stormrunner and is expected to be introduced at related events in the near future.
The company also said it will demonstrate how this system can coordinate with the existing assets of the US Navy to expand maritime space awareness and build a multi-layered defense shield for the surface fleet.
