Havelsan MoU Aims to Enhance Malaysian EW Capability

'Growlerski' is a nickname for Malaysia's Su-30MKM with electronic warfare variant that has the ability to disrupt or jam a range of military electronics systems, including radars and communications systems. (photo : Malaysianwings)


Havelsan has agreed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Malaysian company Impressive Communications to collaborate on electronic warfare (EW) database management and information systems for the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).

Signed on 15 April at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, the MoU is aimed at improving MAF’s EW competence and will comprise a long-term relationship to jointly develop software based on Havelsan’s existing solutions.  A Havelsan spokesperson said the initiative would ‘constitute the backbone of future expansion of EW capabilities in the country’.

The MoU was signed by Impressive Communications CEO Tan Sri Dato Wira Abd Halim Karim and Havelsan’s CEO Sadik Yamac.

The KNIRTI SAP-518 ECM pod is a new technology replacement for the established L005 Sorbstiya series wingtip ECM pods. It operates between 5 GHz and 18 GHz (photo : Ausairpower)

Specifically, the agreement will include training of electrical and electronic engineering students in EW at Malaysia’s National Defense University.

The Kuala Lumpur-based Impressive Communications will act as Havelsan’s local partner in Malaysia. Impressive Communications’ Data Collection, Archiving and Transfer Service (DCATS) can be integrated into existing data servers, remote processing sites and processing software. It is capable of capturing, securing, storing and transferring ‘high volume’ data files in real time and comprises a 19-inch rack.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force currently utilises 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKM multirole aircraft for EW missions. The platforms are equipped with KNIRTI SAP-518 advanced jamming pods. MAF also operates EW units in army and navy units.

Havelsan already has a footprint in Asia-Pacific in the EW realm. It currently supports Pakistan which launched its EW Test and Training Range in 2011.

(Shephard)