Leonardo takes part to Sofex 2018 in Amman, Jordan.

From 8 to 10 of May, Leonardo exhibits its most advanced solutions for security and special operations at SOFEX, Jordan’s biannual conference and exhibition dedicated to special forces.

Leonardo's Falco was used during MONUSCO peacekeeping mission in Democratic Republic of the Congo (Picture source: Leonardo)

Leonardo has a long track record in guaranteeing security through services and technologies and the company continues to invest in new solutions that are able to meet customers’ emerging needs and requirements. At SOFEX, Leonardo highlights the wide range of surveillance and imaging services the Company can provide via its Falco family of remotely-piloted air systems, including the Falco and Falco EVO, the first two models of a fleet that will continue to develop and grow in future. Falco has been operational for a number of years with five customers to date. In some cases, such as the MONUSCO peacekeeping mission which the United Nations is performing in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Leonardo itself delivers surveillance and intelligence, operating the Falco systems on behalf of customers. The Falco EVO, which has been selected in the Gulf region, saw its first delivery in November 2017.

Leonardo offers various solutions using the Falco family system: end users may choose to own and operate the system themselves, own the system but have it operated by Leonardo’s expert crews, or the customer may choose to buy flying-hours or data from Leonardo, which will then deploy and operate its own systems. “Leonardo’s Falco-family systems are mission-proven and have been operating for more than fifteen years” comments Alberto Pietra, Airborne and Space Systems Marketing & Sales Director for Leonardo. “Leonardo has provided a range of packages, from us delivering entire unmanned air systems (including the air vehicle, its sensors and its ground segment) to us directly providing ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) data to the customer.”

 
The Kronos land on Leonardo's booth t Sofex 2018 (Picture source Army Recognition)

Visitors to Leonardo’s stand are able to find out about Leonardo’s extensive range of airborne ISTAR products and systems via an interactive digital display. The Company’s portfolio includes the Osprey AESA surveillance radar, the SEER radar warning receiver and the SAGE electronic support measure system. An advanced electronic warfare product, SAGE can geo-locate threat signals from a single platform. The Miysis system is also be on show, an exportable DIRCM system that uses laser energy to protect aircraft from heat-seeking missiles. At SOFEX, Leonardo also presents the multi-functional and multi-mission KRONOS radar family, which can simultaneously and independently perform surveillance and tracking. On display will be the KRONOS LAND, a compact, flexible and fully autonomous radar system for tactical operations.

KRONOS LAND fits within an ISO 20ft volume and is transportable by standard commercial trucks, helicopters, aircraft, ships or trains. It can be deployed on unprepared sites by two people and made operational in 10 minutes from arrival on site. Also at the exhibition will be Leonardo’s Guardian counter-RCIED system, which provides “electronic armour” to security forces against Radio Frequency (RF) initiated Remotely Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) threats. Guardian incorporates techniques that have been optimised over 20 years of experience in designing electronic equipment to counter RCIEDs. Leonardo’s participation in SOFEX will demonstrate the Company’s capacity to deal with the increasingly complex and challenging battlespace through a diverse portfolio of products, including Leonardo DRS’s ones, ranging from signal-finding equipment and EW jamming to situational awareness technologies, thermal cameras and advanced communication systems. Additionally, DRS highlights its infrared systems ranging from powerful weapons sights to vehicle driver enhancement systems for large tactical vehicles.