Rohde & Schwarz to provide secure communications and direction finding systems for Philippine Coast Guard vessels.

According to a press release published on September 10, 2020, Rohde & Schwarz contracted to provide secure communications and direction finding systems for two 94 meter multi-role response vessels (MRRV) for the Philippine Coast Guard.
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The 94-meter multi-role response vessel is already in service with the Japanese Coast Guard. ( Picture source MilitaryLeak website)

Rohde & Schwarz signed a contract with NTT Communications Co., Ltd. to provide a state-of-the-art IP-based, high quality and reliable maritime integrated communications system for the Philippine Coast Guard. The system, called NAVICS, will be integrated into two 94 meter multi-role response vessels (MRRV) for the Philippine Coast Guard. The ships will be constructed by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. with completion of work and delivery scheduled for 2022. The MRRVs will be financed by the Japanese government, corresponding to Phase II of the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project.

The NAVICS is an integrated communications system (ICS) controls all shipboard communications. NAVICS®, Rohde & Schwarz’ fully IP-based ICS, interconnects the distributed on-board voice terminals as well as all other subsystems for internal and external communications via a uniform IP network, using of ruggedized, highly available IT technology with accreditable security, also provided by Rohde & Schwarz.

This allows for seamless and secure communications between voice terminals, smartphones and on-board/off-board telephony services as well as close integration with the broadcast and alarm system.

External communications is handled by the Rohde & Schwarz VHF/UHF and HF transceivers from the SOVERON® family of radios (Series4400 and Series4100). The Rohde & Schwarz radio equipment will provide COMSEC & TRANSEC and advanced high-speed data transmission, while RF filters and hopping EPM filters will ensure interference-free communications.

Rohde & Schwarz will enhance situation awareness and improve incident reporting with dedicated data communications capabilities, including R&S Postman, a message handling solution, with Map Track, a blue force tracking functionality. This will enable the ship’s crew to effectively exchange information (voice and data) with the fleet, shore stations, other joint forces and governmental authorities. The system ensures a security architecture that allows secure, trusted and tamper-proof communications, i.e. third parties will not be able to interfere with information exchange.

“We are very proud to have been selected by the Philippine Coast Guard, MSB Shipyard together with NTT Communications for this important program,” said Jacques Jourda, Managing Director of Rohde & Schwarz Japan. “Rohde & Schwarz has provided more than 300 ship platforms with state-of-the-art communications technology. We make sure that we deliver a safe, future-ready investment for our maritime customers on time and on budget.”

In addition to external Line-of-Sight (V/UHF) and Beyond-Line-of-Sight (HF) communications, the system will provide onboard communications with smartphone-like intuitive handling. The compact Wi-Fi based wireless voice terminals provide a unique benefit of uninterrupted, high-quality communication while on the move.