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SMART-S Mk2 radar brings improved capabilities to French Navy anti-aircraft frigates

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Naval Technology - Radar upgrade on French Navy Frigates
 
 
 
SMART-S Mk2 radar brings improved capabilities to French Navy anti-aircraft frigates
 
During DIMDEX 2014, one of the visiting naval ship was the French Navy Cassard class anti-aircraft frigate "Jean Bart". It was the first time we could see the frigate fitted with the new Thales SMART-S Mk2 radar. Navy Recognition took the opportunity to ask the French Navy what benefits this radar upgrade brings to the Cassard class of frigates.
     
During DIMDEX 2014, one of the visiting naval ship was the French Navy Cassard class anti-aircraft frigate "Jean Bart". It was the first time we could see the frigate fitted with the new Thales SMART-S Mk2 radar. Navy Recognition took the opportunity to ask the French Navy what benefits this radar upgrade brings to the Cassard class of frigates.
 The French Navy Cassard class anti aircraft frigate "Jean Bart" in Doha, Qatar during DIMDEX 2014
     
According to Thales, the SMART-S Mk2 is a state-of-the-art radar which excels in complex littoral environments with their mix of sea, land, rain, thunderstorms and targets such as multiple small surface ships, helicopters and anti-ship missiles.

The detection range allows the full performance of new medium-range SAM-systems. Graceful degradation through the use of multiple solid state transmit modules and multiple receive channels ensures robust performance throughout the spectrum of military operations.
     
During DIMDEX 2014, one of the visiting naval ship was the French Navy Cassard class anti-aircraft frigate "Jean Bart". It was the first time we could see the frigate fitted with the new Thales SMART-S Mk2 radar. Navy Recognition took the opportunity to ask the French Navy what benefits this radar upgrade brings to the Cassard class of frigates.
 Detailed view of the SMART-S Mk2 radar onboard the "Jean Bart"
     
Navy Recognition (NR): When was the SMART-S Mk2 installed onboard the Jean Bart ?
Marine Nationale (MN / French Navy): It was installed during the refit of Jean Bart, during the 1st semester of 2012

NR: Which radar is it replacing ?
MN: The SMART-S Mk2 is replacing the existing DRBJ-11B 3-D air search radar

NR: What are the advantages of the SMART-S Mk2 compared to the original radar ?
MN: An improved medium range surveillance as well as better detection and tracking

NR: In terms of air defense, does the SMART-S Mk2 brings new capabilities ?
MN: The new radar brings both better detection and an increased range (about 20% increase). In addition, the SMART-S Mk2 brings a lot to the "watch" function of the anti-aircraft frigate which in turn significantly improves the handling of the 3D air tactical situation.

NR: What is the difference between the SMART-S Mk2 and the Herakles found of the new FREMM Frigates ?
MN: The Smart-S Mk2 is a modern technology 3D surveillance radar but it is not a Multi Function Radar (MFR) like the Herakles. In adition to the surface/air watch mode, the Herakles comes with a fire control mode allowing the FREMM to deploy ASTER surface to air missiles.

NR: Why did the French Navy selected the SMART-S Mk2 for the upgrade rather than another radar ?
MN: The choice fell on the SMART-S Mk2 because on one hand it matched the requirements of the French Navy and secondly because the French Navy is satisfied with the Long Range Radars of the Horizon class air defense frigates.

NR: Will the SMART-S Mk2 be installed on the Cassard (head vessel of the class) and other vessels of the French Navy ? If yes, when ?
MN: The scope of the program includes a radar upgrade on both Jean Bart and Cassard frigates. Cassard planned replacement is for fall 2014. In addition, the Arret Technique Majeur 2 (major refit) program for the Charles De Gaulle aircraft carrier also involves the replacement of the DRBJ-11 by a SMART-S Mk2.

Contacted by Navy Recognition, a Thales source added that one of the requirements for the Cassard class radar upgrade program is weight and insisted that another key advantage of SMART-S Mk2 is its light weight.

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