At ADAS 2024 event currently taking place in the Philippines from 25 to 27 September, Systems Engineering & Assessment (SEA) is showcasing its latest technological advancements aimed at addressing modern naval threats. Among the highlights at SEA’s booth is the Ancilia decoy system, designed to counter hypersonic anti-ship missiles—one of the most advanced threats in contemporary maritime warfare.
Paul Parsons, SEA’s Director of International Business Development, sat down to discuss the company’s innovative solutions, its growing presence in Southeast Asia, and its commitment to long-term support for naval customers in the region.
With such high capability, has the Ancilia system been accepted into service in the Royal Navy?
“Yes, we’re currently under contract to supply Ancilia to the Royal Navy. It will be deployed on their Type 26, Type 45, and Type 31 platforms. Here at ADAS 2024 in the Philippines, we’re showcasing Ancilia with the hope that it will also be considered under Horizon 3 for new platforms, like frigates. There’s potential for the system to be retrofitted onto recently built corvettes as well. We’re excited to present Ancilia, as it offers advanced capabilities, particularly in defeating hypersonic anti-ship missiles.”
“While Ancilia is in the spotlight, SEA has already supplied lightweight torpedo launchers to the Philippine Navy. These launchers are installed on two frigates built by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and two corvettes. Our systems can be containerized, and we’ve discussed how they could be adapted for new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), providing both defensive and strike capabilities.”
Are the products you’re introducing internationally different from those you’ve supplied before?
“Yes, they are. The Ancilia decoy system, in particular, is a breakthrough in dealing with hypersonic anti-ship missiles, which are becoming a significant concern in naval defence. On the other hand, our launchers are also unique because they are weapon-agnostic. For instance, the Philippine Navy currently has the Blue Shark lightweight torpedo made in South Korea, but our launchers are capable of firing a range of other weapons, such as the UK Stingray and the American Mark 54 and Mark 46 torpedoes.”
“With the UK upgrading its Stingray torpedo, our launchers will be future-proofed to fire that as well, should the Philippine Navy decide to procure it. Our systems are designed to handle any NATO-standard calibre lightweight torpedo, giving navies more flexibility in their weapon choices.”
How about in Malaysia? Are you making progress with the Royal Malaysian Navy?
“Yes, I’m pleased to say that we’re re-engaging with the Royal Malaysian Navy. There were some delays with their Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programme, but the situation has now improved.”
“The programme has been reorganised, and we are once again in discussions with the Malaysian Navy. We’re offering not only our lightweight torpedo launchers but also the Ancilia decoy system and sonar technologies. It’s exciting to be part of the process as the Malaysian Navy moves forward with its modernisation plans.”
It sounds like Southeast Asia is a key market for SEA. Could you share more about your presence in the region?
“Absolutely. Southeast Asia is a critical region for us. We’ve already supplied torpedo launcher systems to Thailand, and there’s significant interest from other countries, although I can’t disclose specific names just yet.”
“This is a very active region due to various tensions, and our products play an important role in underwater detection and anti-submarine warfare. Before COVID, we had a regional office in Kuala Lumpur, but we had to close it during the pandemic. Now, we’re looking into re-establishing a regional office, likely in Malaysia, as Southeast Asia remains a strategic focus for SEA.”
After-sales service is another critical element for international customers. How is SEA addressing that need?
“After-sales support is a crucial aspect, especially for the Philippine Navy. We’ve been in discussions about providing local support for the systems we supply. In the UK, we maintain equipment that dates back to the 1960s, and we continue to provide support for it. We hope to build a similar long-term relationship with the Philippine Navy, working with a local partner to ensure after-sales services, including maintenance and spare parts.”
“We want to make sure that customers don’t face challenges in keeping their equipment operational. Selling a product and then leaving the customer without proper support is not how we operate.”
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