RAFAEL and Elbit Systems Join Forces to Deliver Cutting-Edge Naval EW Solutions for NATO European Frigates.

On March 17, 2025, Israel's Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Ltd. and Elbit Systems Ltd. secured a contract to provide NATO European countries with an Integrated Maritime Electronic Warfare (EW) Self-Protection Solution for their new frigates. Over four years, the Israeli companies will deliver advanced Decoy Control & Launching Systems (DCLS) and countermeasures for five naval vessels. However, the specific names or classes of these five vessels have not been publicly disclosed. This partnership brings together RAFAEL’s innovative decoy technologies with Elbit’s DESEAVER MK-4 Countermeasure Dispensing System, creating an integrated, cutting-edge defense solution that enhances the frigates' survivability in complex combat environments.

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Elbit’s DESEAVER MK-4 system is a crucial component of the maritime Electronic Warfare suite, providing high situational awareness and the ability to counter various missile attacks (Picture source: Elbit Systems)

The contract will see the installation of Elbit’s advanced DESEAVER, a sophisticated system designed to counter missile threats by launching decoys from multiple launchers. This system is primarily utilized by the Israeli Navy, and it incorporates passive and active decoy countermeasures developed by RAFAEL, including their upgraded BEAM TRAP, SMOKE TRAP, WIZARD, and the new C-GEM active decoy. As NATO faces an increasing number of asymmetric and advanced missile systems, the DESEAVER MK-4's sophisticated countermeasures, including the passive and active decoys developed by RAFAEL, will enhance the alliance’s ability to defend against Anti-Ship Missiles (ASMs).

Anti-ship missiles (ASMs) from Russia and Iran pose a growing threat to NATO ships, with advanced missile systems like Russia's P-800 Oniks and Iran's Khalij, Noor, and Qadr. These missiles are designed to outpace traditional defense systems, making them potential weapons against naval forces. NATO's ships are going to adapt to these evolving threats to maintain superiority in maritime security, as these ASMs target critical vulnerabilities with speed and precision.

Elbit’s DESEAVER MK-4 system is a crucial component of the maritime Electronic Warfare suite, providing high situational awareness and the ability to counter various missile attacks. The system’s integration with other ship combat systems ensures a seamless defense mechanism, positioning it as the next-generation solution in naval EW. With the addition of trainable and stabilized launchers, the system enables the rapid deployment of decoys, enhancing anti-missile defense and overall ship survivability.

Elbit’s DESEAVER MK-4 system is particularly relevant in addressing the evolving threats faced by European navies. Recent NATO naval exercises like Dynamic Manta 2025 in the Mediterranean Sea and Dynamic Guard 25-1 in Norway underscore the need for robust defense systems against multi-directional missile attacks. Strategic competition and emerging threats in the Baltic Sea and Eastern Mediterranean further highlight the critical role of DESEAVER MK-4 in safeguarding naval operations and ensuring stability in contested waters.

RAFAEL and Elbit Systems highlight their commitment to providing reliable, combat-proven solutions to address evolving naval threats. This contract strengthens NATO’s maritime defense capabilities and reinforces their leadership in electronic warfare. Tzvi Marmor, GMV and General Manager of RAFAEL's Land and Naval Systems Division expressed pride in leading the partnership to deliver advanced systems. Further, Oren Sabag, General Manager of Elbit Systems ISTAR & EW, emphasized their pride in expanding their portfolio with this award, showcasing their expertise in effective EW self-protection solutions for naval and air forces.

In conclusion, Rafael and Elbit Systems have partnered to deliver an advanced Integrated Maritime EW Self-Protection Solution for NATO European frigates. Combining RAFAEL’s innovative decoy technologies with Elbit’s DESEAVER MK-4 system, this cutting-edge collaboration enhances naval defense capabilities, ensuring greater survivability against modern maritime threats amid expanding geopolitical tensions.