Crowsnest helicopter radar to protect QE carriers

Crowsnest, which is an update on Thales’ Cerberus tactical sensor suite, will be fitted to Royal Navy Merlin Mk2 helicopters. It provides 360-degree visibility from the underside of the helicopter, giving airborne surveillance over land and sea, as well as tracking capability.

The deal is also set to sustain over 200 high-skilled jobs in the UK via prime contractor Lockheed Martin (60 jobs at its Havant base), equipment supplier Thales (90 jobs at Crawley) and Merlin manufacturer Leonardo Helicopters (60 jobs in Yeovil).

“Crowsnest will play a key role in protecting the Royal Navy’s future fleet acting as the eyes and ears for the new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers,” said Tony Douglas, chief executive of the MOD’s Defence Equipment and Support body.

“This contract will also sustain hundreds of UK jobs in the process, highlighting how the MOD, through DE&S, can create a positive and collaborative partnership with industry, benefitting both our Armed Forces and the UK economy.”