Israel’s Elbit Systems has announced the successful sea trials of its fourth-generation DESEAVER Mk-4 electronic warfare (EW) countermeasure dispensing system (CMDS).

The trials were held to evaluate the system’s effectiveness in responding to complex battlefield scenarios, including multiple concurrent missile attacks. 

According to Elbit Systems, the trials demonstrated the reliability and advanced protection the system in question provides against evolving threats.

The DESEAVER Mk-4 is designed to bring to full effect the soft-kill anti-missile defence capabilities that Elbit’s Integrated Electronic Warfare Suite provides. 

It utilizes advanced deception and confusion tactics to give perimeter protection against multiple missile threats from any direction. The passive and active decoys launched from launchers are selected by algorithms anti-ballistic data for precise positioning and timing.

Unlike its predecessors, DESEAVER Mk-4 can launch more advanced decoys and is more compatible with other EW systems, while it can be fully integrated with other ship combat systems.

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Building on previous experience, the 4th Generation DESEAVER provides remarkable flexibility and 360° defence coverage, significantly increasing the surface vessels’ survivability.

Continuously receiving threat data from various onboard sensors, the DESEAVER Mk-4 system evaluates and classifies each threat and generates a unique defence plan tailored to the specific threat and based on the customer’s tactical doctrine. In fact, the defence plan is based on the Missile Data File (Customer pre-defined Data Table) to suit each specific threat. 

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Launcher Configurations

DESEAVER Mk-4 offers 3 launcher types: 

• Fixed Rocket Launcher Unit (FRLU), 
• Rotating Rocket Launcher Unit (RRLU), and
• Stabilized Rocket Launcher Unit (SRLU). 

Each system may include any combination of these launchers, which can all be tailored to different types of rockets and decoys. The configuration is defined according to the vessel type and customer requirements.

Specifically, the fixed launchers are installed in several positions on deck to provide maximum defence coverage for the ship with a typical capacity of 12-24 decoy rockets.

The rotating launchers, with a typical capacity of 24 rockets, can quickly rotate to the required launching azimuth, providing a 360°, comprehensive defence of the ship. The launcher tubes are mounted at a fixed elevation and can be installed at different elevation angles.

The stabilized launcher has a very high-speed manoeuvring capability in both azimuth and elevation overcoming sea conditions (pitch and roll).

DESEAVER Mk-4 technical characteristics (RRLU) / (SRLU):

• Weight (without payload): 700 Kg / 800 Kg
• Maximum payload weight: 900 Kg / 900 Kg
• Azimuth coverage: ±170º / ±170º
• Elevation coverage: N/A / 5º-70º
• Azimuth speed: 60º/sec / 60º/sec
• Elevation speed: N/A / 40º/sec
• Azimuth accuracy: ±1º / ±
• Elevation accuracy: N/A / ±

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