ELT Group took part in TASK FORCE X-CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN (TFX-CentMed), a NATO Allied Command Transformation initiative led by the Italian Defence General Staff dedicated to testing emerging technologies in a multi-domain scenario in the Central Mediterranean, presenting an operational solution for electromagnetic spectrum management in support of air, naval and land defence.
For the occasion, ELT Group presented a demonstration focusing on operations within the electromagnetic spectrum in a multi-domain, multi-threat scenario.
The scenario envisaged the employment of advanced Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Command and Control capabilities (EMSO C2) through surveillance, early warning, and the countering of aerial and naval threats, supported by systems installed aboard a Multi-Carrier Vessel (Italian Navy warship San Giorgio), sensors distributed across UAV platforms, and counter-unmanned aerial system solutions.
The activity successfully demonstrated how distributed sensors and systems deployed across naval, air, and land platforms can cooperate to build an updated electromagnetic situation picture through EMSO C2, supporting decision-making processes and the coordinated employment of available assets. It highlighted the transition from a platform-centric concept to an integrated, data-centric model in which every asset, irrespective of its installation domain and location thought the battlefield, contributes to the collection, analysis, sharing, and operational exploitation of information.
During the activity, the phases of detection, integration, and information sharing were illustrated, leading to the generation of a common situational picture in support of subsequent tactical and operational-level actions. This was achieved through integration and effective data exchange with Command and Control systems at both tactical and higher level.
The Demonstration
The objective of EMSO C2 demonstration was to demonstrate the ability to conduct electromagnetic spectrum operations in a coordinated and distributed manner, employing multiple operational resources capable of collaborating, cooperating, and sharing information in real time.
Through sensors installed on naval, air, and land platforms, the demonstration enabled the collection and integration of multispectral data from multiple sources, contributing to the construction of an updated Recognized Electromagnetic Picture of the Area of Operations. The entire process was orchestrated by EMSO C2, which was able to collect and fuse data, assign specific tasks to the various assets, interpret incoming data flows, query databases and heterogeneous sources - such as archival imagery, operational information, and intelligence inputs - and deliver an enriched picture of Maritime Domain Awareness.
The operational context encompassed both real signals present in the area, such as those generated by maritime traffic, and simulated signals, thereby ensuring a controlled, repeatable, and representative demonstration of complex operational scenarios.
The assets employed included systems for the interception and analysis of electromagnetic emissions, payloads installed on unmanned aerial platforms, electro-optical sensors, and solutions designed to counter hostile drones.
The integration of these capabilities underscored the value of a systemic approach to electromagnetic spectrum operations, supporting an increasingly distributed, interoperable, and data-driven air, naval, and land defence posture.
Through this demonstration, ELT Group reaffirms its commitment to the development of advanced solutions for electromagnetic spectrum management and force protection in complex operational environments.
ELT Group’s Expertise in the Maritime Domain
The ELT Group solutions presented during Task Force X - CentMed integrate with the company’s consolidated capabilities, starting with the next-generation naval EWS suite developed for the FREMM EVO class. In addition to advanced surveillance, detection and countermeasure capabilities, the suite includes a counter-drone system that integrates sensors, effectors and command-and-control functions within a single architecture, supporting all phases of counter-drone defence: from detection and identification through to response management.
A rapidly deployable version of ELT’s counter-drone system is already in operational use by the Italian Navy on frontline units, including FREMM and Multipurpose Combat Ship vessels, confirming the maturity and effectiveness of the solution.
ELT Group’s naval expertise also extends to the infrared spectrum through its DIRCM system for naval applications, designed to protect vessels against emerging infrared-guided missile threats.
The Group has a long-standing tradition in the naval sector and solid experience in successful national and international collaborations on key platforms such as the Franco-Italian Horizon and FREMM class ships, the NH-90 naval helicopter and a wide range of projects in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.
ELT Group provides EW systems for all types of submarines, particularly for the U212 NFS class, which features a highly innovative integrated antenna capable of covering the entire radar and communications spectrum. The field of application is also increasingly expanding towards solutions designed to contribute to the protection of underwater critical infrastructure. (Photo © NATO)
