SAES participates in Cansec, the Canadian benchmark exhibition in defence and security

Cansec, the Canadian exhibition organised by the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI), is being held on the 1st and 2nd June in Ottawa. SAES attends the event with its local partner, MKDS Training, a company with SAES ‘MINEA Sea Mines’ exercise platform included among its solutions on simulation and military training.

SAES attends Cansec 2022, Canada’s largest global defence and security exhibition on the 1st and 2nd June in Ottawa, together with its Canadian partner, MKDS Training.

Since its first edition in 1998, Cansec has become Canada’s benchmark exhibition in the defence and security industry. The event is organised by the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI), bringing together 306 exhibitors in 825 business-to-business meetings, 55 international delegations and government officials from across the globe.

SAES, together with MKDS Training, is presenting its MINEA system capabilities: a modern system with high capacity on detection and signal processing of the multi-influence signature.

SAES smart naval mines are the most advanced smart marine mines that are produced today. They are intended for training minesweeper crews to improve their know-how on mine detection and neutralisation techniques.

There are three models specifically designed for the different depths and characteristics of shallow and deep waters: moored mines, shallow-water mines and cylindrical bottom mines. MINEA naval mines provide MCM crews a safe training experience that allows them to successfully perform MCM operations at sea.

SAES participates with MKDS Training in Cansec 2022
MKDS exhibits SAES’ MINEA mines at the Canadian Cansec trade show

SAES shows its underwater surveillance and protection of critical infrastructures at TECNOSEC, the first exhibition on technology and security in Madrid

SAES participates in TECNOSEC, 1st Exhibition & Congress of High Police, Security and Intelligence Technologies that is held in Madrid on 11-12 May. In the field of security and protection of critical infrastructures, SAES presents its diver detection sonar system (DDS-03) as well as its underwater deterrent system (DES).

The first edition of TECNOSEC (11-12 May) gathers more than a hundred of national and international companies from different Institutions and Police Forces and Critical Infrastructures at the Pabellon de Cristal in Madrid. The event is organised by APTIE (Spanish association to promote technologies and strategic industries), with the collaboration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the intelligence and enforcement services of Spain.

As a global scenario for security interoperability, TECNOSEC address the new framework for physical and logical security of critical infrastructures.

Underwater protection of critical infrastructures

In the field of security, SAES know-how is at the service of underwater protection of critical infrastructures such as ports, offshore installations, fish farming (aquaculture), etc. For instance, systems such as SAES diver detection sonar system (called DDS-03), allows the protection of infrastructures from underwater threats (divers, submarine vehicles, etc.).

SAES underwater deterrent system (called DES) complements the system allowing action against intruder divers by sending audible messages to alert them. Both systems (DDS-03 and DES) can be permanently installed at the dock, from anchoring vessels or even from surveillance vehicles (including unmanned vehicles USV/UUV) in order to broaden its range of application.

Besides its solutions based on active sonars, SAES can also apply its know-how on acoustic, electric, and magnetic sensors to offer a complete and integrated underwater protection to any infrastructure that may require it.

SAES shows its underwater surveillance and protection of critical infrastructures at TECNOSEC
SAES shows its underwater surveillance and protection of critical infrastructures at TECNOSEC

SAES presents its solutions in defence and underwater measurement at INDO PACIFIC 2022

The International Maritime Exposition INDO PACIFIC 2022 is held from 10th to 12th May in Sydney. SAES attends the event alongside Navantia Australia and it will be presenting its solutions in Naval Mines, ASW systems, protection of critical infrastructures, coastal protection, as well as signature measurement systems.

SAES attends the International Maritime Exposition INDO PACIFIC 2022  alongside its partner Navantia Australia, from the 10th to the 12th of May at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney).

INDO PACIFIC 2022 is the premier event of the maritime industry in Australia and, for the first time since 2019, it is gathering commercial maritime and naval defence suppliers to decision-makers from around the world: more than 35 countries will be represented.

SAES is presenting at INDO PACIFIC 2022 its latest developments in smart naval mines such as the MINEA, equipped with multiple sensors, as well as the MILA, designed for special forces operations.

MINEA, the advanced exercise naval mines designed and manufactured by SAES, are designed to measure the real detectability of naval platforms at sea. It is a modern system with high capacity for detection and multi-influence signature signal processing.

SAES is also presenting its ASW systems for naval and aerial platforms, critical infrastructures and protection of underwater environment, as well as SAES technology for underwater signature measurements for submarines and vessels (MIRS and DEWARS systems, designed to obtain the acoustic, magnetic, electric, seismic and pressure signatures of vessels).

SAES takes part in the UPCT employment forum

SAES is one of the engineering companies in Cartagena that took part yesterday in the ‘Employment Forum 2022’ organised by the employment and internships service at the Polytechnic University of Cartagena (UPCT) in cooperation with the ENAE business school. SAES Director of Human Resources, Esther Corbalán, had the opportunity to talk about SAES recruitment needs as well as the more demanded profiles, in her speech to students

The UPCT Employment Forum took part yesterday at the Faculty of Business Sciences building, with the participation of more than 30 companies from the Region of Murcia, including SAES. Beatriz Miguel, Rector of the Polytechnic University of Cartagena (UPCT), mentioned during the event that 23% of students conducting internships last year have been employed by the same company where they received their training.

“There is no greater reward than secure a job that I love even before finishing my studies,” explains Raúl Conesa, student at the Industrial Engineering School, recruited by SAES right after his training.

Raúl Conesa, along with Lucía Francoso, Álvaro Hernández or Sebastián Cánovas were some of the young engineers graduated at the UPCT that have been recently recruited by SAES. They have also taken part in the Employment Forum 2022, sharing their professional experiences with other young engineers who have just graduated at the UPCT.

The most demanded profiles at SAES

SAES Director of Human Resources, Esther Corbalán, gave a speech about SAES recruitment needs as well as the most demanded profiles in the company. These profiles are related to technology, innovation and defence & security systems, to cover engineering vacancies of signal processing, specification and tests, and software development.

According to Esther Corbalán, “SAES is a very attractive company because of its know-how on underwater technology, as well as its great multidisciplinary team of highly-qualified STEM professionals, allowing employees to develop in different areas of the company.”

At the end of the event, Esther Corbalán explained that “this kind of activities are very positive for students as it allows them to discover what careers or internships possibilities are more interesting to them. As companies, events as this one help us discover talent and it is also an opportunity to show them what we can offer.”

SAES has almost 90% of STEM professionals in its staff, including those graduated on Telematic or Telecommunications Engineering as well as Industrial Engineering with its different specialisations.

Eguermin, Naval Mine Warfare school and NATO Centre of Excellence, visits SAES

Eguermin, the Naval Mine Warfare school and NATO Centre of Excellence (located in Ostend Naval Base, Belgium) visits SAES facilities for a third time as part of their training programme. Navy officials from Belgium, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, United States and Norway have been able to gain first-hand knowledge of the SAES products on underwater defence.

The delegation visiting SAES consisted of 16 members of Eguermin from a variety of countries (Belgium, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, United States and Norway), along with the MCM (Maritime Mine Countermeasure) Forces  Commander, Navy Captain José Miguel Maiquez Lax.

SAES, with facilities in Cartagena (headquarters) and San Fernando (Cádiz), is the leading company for the Spanish Navy on underwater acoustics, and it is also at the international forefront on the development and manufacturing of underwater multi-influence signature measurement systems as well as exercise naval mines.

The Eguermin delegation was welcomed by SAES General Manager, Victoria Ruiz, who gave them a brief presentation of the company and gave them a plaque of appreciation for their visit: one to Commander Evert de Boer (Eguermin School) and another one to MCM Forces  Commander, Navy Captain José Miguel Maiquez Lax. Following the welcome speech, Eguermin Navy officials attended a briefing with presentations on SAES business lines and underwater defence products such as MILA, MINEA, and its associated developments. Then they visited SAES workshops and labs in the facilities located in La Palma industrial site.

Visiting SAES for a third time

NATO Naval Mine Warfare and Centre of Excellence ‘Eguermin’ is visiting SAES for the third time, following those of 2016 and 2018, including central headquarters, workshops and labs. Two limpet naval mine mockups (MILA) developed by SAES are being exhibited in Eguermin, the Naval Mine Warfare School where NATO officials are trained.

Eguermin was created in 1965 as a Belgian-Dutch Naval Mine Warfare School and in 2006 was accredited by the North Atlantic Council as a NATO Naval Mine Warfare Centre of Excellence, both located in the same naval base.

SAES products on underwater defence

MINEA is the most advanced multi-influence naval mines today. It develops several types of mines (moored, shallow water and cylindrical bottom) both in combat and exercise versions.

MINEA Naval Mines are equipped with sensors for detection and processing of the magnetic, electric, pressure, acoustic and seismic signatures. MINEA Exercise version are available for training purposes and for gathering intelligence information through the measuring and recording of ship signatures.

MILA is a smart limpet mine that incorporates a programmable detonation system. It can be attached to the hull by a diver, or it can be used as a demolition charge. Its conical shape and low weight in water endow the mine with a low hydrodynamic resistance being easy to be carried by divers.

Eguermin visits SAES
Eguermin visits SAES
Eguermin visits SAES
Eguermin visits SAES
Eguermin visits SAES
Eguermin visits SAES

SAES participates in the World Defense Show in Saudi Arabia with Navantia

SAES has presented its products for the naval platform detection in the first edition of the World Defense Show: MIRS, the multi-influence signature measurement system; and MINEA, the most advanced smart naval mines manufactured today. SAES has also met representatives of the Saudi industry to start a collaboration on the development of antisubmarine solutions.

SAES has exhibited along with Navantia in the first edition of the World Defense Show (WDS 2022), held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 6th to 9th March, presenting its products on underwater security and defence for both civilian and military markets.

WDS2022 is an international event to showcase the latest technological developments from around the globe. SAES is the only Spanish company specialised on underwater acoustics and electronics. It provides high-tech systems for all types of naval defence platforms such as minesweepers, frigates, submarines, maritime patrol aircrafts (MPAs), ASW helicopters and unmanned vehicles (UXV).

SAES at WDS
Javier Rodrigo, Head of the Maritime Security Line, and Alejandro Rejas, Responsible of the Defense Market, representing SAES at the World Defense Show

SAES solutions for naval platform detection

SAES has presented in the World Defense Show its products for the naval platform detection, such as MIRS (the multi-influence signature measure system), which provides high-precision measurements in real time; and MINEA, the most advanced naval mines manufactured today, which measures the real observability of naval platforms at sea.

MIRS is a multi-influence signature measurement system for surface and submarine vessels which simultaneously measures the acoustic, electrical, magnetic, pressure and seismic influences. Since this is a portable station, it can be used in any scenario and with multiple objectives: for obtaining the vessel’s signature in a real scenario, used on a fixed station, as a discreet way of obtaining intelligence in strategic areas, routine signature checks or prior to a mission.

MINEA, the exercise naval mines manufactured by SAES, are used to measure the real detectability of naval platforms at sea. It is a modern system with high capacity for detection and multi-influence signature signal processing.

SAES collaboration with the Saudi industry

SAES has contributed in the Navantia (Spain) and Saudi Arabia corvette programme by developing the NAVANTIS CIC combat system and the simulation software for the towed array sonar. SAES is currently giving training to the Saudi crew in sonars, general acoustics, and sound propagation.

During WDS 2022, SAES has also met representatives of the Saudi industry to start a collaboration on the development of antisubmarine solutions in Saudi Arabia.

SAES also was invited to the reception event hosted by the Spanish Embassador to Saudi Arabia, Jorge Hevia Sierra, to the Spanish companies participating in the World Defense Show.

Special mention among the authorities who attended the event shouold be made of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Ms. Reyes Maroto; the Secretary of State for Defence, Ms. Esperanza Casteleiro; and Admiral Mr. Aniceto Rosique (Directorate-General of Arms and Materiel). They all enjoyed a pleasant meeting with all representatives of the Spanish Defence industry.

SAES, committed to female talent

SAES actively promotes the recruitment of women engineers increasing their visibility and empowering them to middle and top management roles. Forty percent of the Board of Directors are women, including the General Manager, Victoria Ruiz.

Since 2019, SAES continues to work to increase the number of women engineers on board, now present in all SAES departments and levels: from those working on engineering services to those in administration, from low to middle and top-level management roles, including the General Manger, Victoria Ruiz.

According to official data, unemployment rates among women have been raising in recent years, as well as the gender gap and the so-called “glass ceiling” that hinders them from accessing managerial and top positions. Victoria Ruiz, SAES General Manager, states that “40% of SAES Board of Directors are women, and we are so proud of it, we will continue to work towards raising this percentage as well as the number of women engineers who lead medium and large teams and projects”.

SAES, committed to female talent
Consuelo Lázaro, Victoria Ruiz, Sara García and Esther Corbalán, members of SAES Board of Directors

In order to break that ‘glass ceiling’, SAES has developed a significant work-life balance plan that has been active for many years which allows employees, men and women, to benefit from it and improve their work-life balance. According to Victoria Ruiz, “we take social impact steps which do not affect the economic performance of the company”, such as:  intensive working day throughout the year; flexible working hours with a common hour range shared among all; teleworking; and the right to disconnect during off hours.

SAES also participates in the ‘Excellence of Mentoring’ programme developed by the Polytechnic University of Cartagena (UPCT) and the Royal Academy of Engineering. The objective is to facilitate female engineering students in their last year of university to join the labour force, by offering them specific and tailor-made training to achieve their goals and empowering talented women in science and engineering. SAES takes part this year with three mentors: Esther Corbalan, mathematician and Director of Human Resources; Consuelo Lazaro, physicist and Director of Operations; and Esther Moya, mathematician and project manager.

 two generations of #STEM women at SAES
Elena Fernández y Esther Corbalán, dos generaciones de mujeres #STEM en SAES

SAES, as an engineering company, has a low percentage of women employees “as a faithful reflection of representation of women in University and more specifically in sciences degrees,” says Victoria Ruiz, but “we are actively working to promote talented women and to protect work-life balance policies to allow families get organised on equal terms, without this having a detrimental effect on their career development”.

SAES progress towards a cyber secure environment in both its digital infrastructure and its products

Following the collaboration agreement on cybersecurity with the University of Murcia, SAES continues with the set of activities planned with the objective of improving information security. The first activity has been a webinar to SAES employees about how and why is important to be protected from cyber attacks not just at work but also at home.

Cybercrime (as a criminal activity that either targets or uses a computer, a computer network or a networked device) has become the most profitable illicit business in the world, ranking even above drug trafficking. If we bear in mind that nowadays hackers are more and more professionalised, that cybercrime is a constant threat and that almost everything can be hacked, it is a must to know all threats that we face an how to be protected against them.

Following the collaboration agreement on cybersecurity with the University of Murcia (UMU), an action plan has been developed with specific measures for SAES, with the objective of improving the information security in the company.

Cybercrime is a constant threat. SAES is moving towards a cyber-secure environment for its digital infrastructure and products.

On 26th November took place the first webinar in a series of online talks to all SAES employees, in terms of cyber security awareness raising. The talk given by University of Murcia experts was titled ‘Do I really need to have basic knowledge about cybercrime to do my job at SAES?’.

The main objectives in this first session were, on the one hand, to raise awareness of what cybercrime means and how can affect us at professional and personal levels. On the other hand, to advise and provide tools to protect us from hackers in our daily life. Cyber attacks usually seek to obtain sensitive information (banking dara, passwords, confidential information from your company, etc.)

According to UMU experts, hackers always look for the weakest link and take advantage of our lack of awareness and knowledge on cybercrime in order to focus their attacks on that and search for new ways of accessing our devices. For instance, it is possible to hack internet-connected devices such as a food processor or a vacuum cleaner and then reach the rest of devices with more sensitive data such as passwords or banking information.

The only way to protect us from such attacks is by raising awareness and ensuring that all recommendations on confidentiality, integrity and availability are implemented. Specific advice was given during the webinar to avoid phishing, to use safe passwords, to protect us from an identity theft or to safely use devices or online platforms.

SAES strategic plan provides for improving both Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybercrime capabilities in SAES products and its digital infrastructure to enhance the competitiveness of the company. Therefore, SAES has recently signed two collaboration agreements on these subjects with the Polytechnic University of Cartagena (on AI) and the University of Murcia (on cybercrime).

The Master Plan for Information Security developed by SAES includes specific actions not just in terms of technology systems but also for training employees and raising both awareness and knowledge. One of the key elements to maintain the safety of information is to target the human factor: most of the online attacks seek to mislead people, a lot more than to reach vulnerable systems.

Within the framework of the collaboration agreement on cybersecurity mentioned above, SAES will continue to research innovative solutions to strengthen the company’s products so that cyber security also becomes a competitive advantage.

SAES takes part in the 75th anniversary of the Maritime Mine Countermeasure Forces

The celebration of the 75th anniversary includes the publication of a commemorative book titled ‘The evolution of the mine warfare in the Spanish Army’, by Javier Núñez de Prado Aparicio. The book is a historic view of the Maritime Mine Countermeasure Forces, created 26th April 1946 when ‘Bidasoa’ minesweeper, the first mine countermeasure vessel, was delivered to the Spanish Navy.

The ‘Arsenal Militar’ (a military naval base and shipyard) in Cartagena has celebrated today the 75th anniversary of the Maritime Mine Countermeasure Forces central event at the ‘Juan de Borbón’ quay, near the ‘Tambre’ and ‘Duero’ minesweepers. The event has been chaired by Maritime Action Vice Admiral, Juan Luis Sobrino Pérez-Crespo.

The commemoration of this anniversary has been attended by a MCM Forces veteran representation as well as local authorities and partner companies such as SAES, represented by its General Manager, Cristina Abad Salinas. The event honoured those who gave their lives for Spain and a special mention was made to those who died when ‘Guadalete’ minesweeper shipwrecked in 1954, followed by the reading of some penal laws. MCM Forces Commander, Navy Captain Miguel Cuartero Lorenzo, who played a significant role organising the 75th anniversary events, ended the event with a closing speech followed by the Spanish Army Hymn.

SAES takes part in the 75th anniversary of the Maritime Mine Countermeasure Forces
MCM Forces Commander, Navy Captain Miguel Cuartero Lorenzo greets the General Manager of SAES, Cristina Abad Salinas.

A commemorative book titled ‘The evolution of the mine warfare in the Spanish Army’ has just been published by the MCM Forces on the occasion of the 75th anniversary. The publication, edited by Javier Núñez de Prado Aparicio, has been sponsored by SAES among other partner companies. In the book the historic link between SAES and the MCM Forces is well detailed, starting with the development of the minesweeper combat system (by Navantia Sistemas in collaboration with SAES) which can locate, classify, and identify all kinds of naval mines.

In mine warfare there are two branches that evolve together: on the one hand, the naval mine and mining operations, and, on the other hand, counter-mining operations, to tackle the effects. SAES has systems that support both branches of mine warfare: MINEA smart mine and MIRS, a multi-influence signature measurement system for ships and submarines.

MCM Force 

The MCM Force is part of the ‘Standing NATO Mine Counter Measures’ (SNMCMG-2) or the ‘European Maritime Force’ (EUROMARFOR), among other military groups. It also takes part in a variety of international exercises such as the advanced multinational MCM exercise SPANISH MINEX.

SAES sponsors the first Mine Countermeasures Webinar (I WCMM) in Brazil

Javier Rodrigo, Maritime Safety Product Manager, gives a conference on SAES expertise in underwater defence as well as signature measurement, smart naval mines and TDD (Target Detection Devices).

SAES showcases its CMM capabilities at the First Webinar on Mine Countermeasures (I WCMM)
SAES showcases its CMM capabilities at the First Webinar on Mine Countermeasures (I WCMM)

SAES takes part and sponsors the first Mine Countermeasures Webinar (I WCMM) hold 9-10 November in Salvador de Bahia (Brazil). The event is organised by the Brazilian Navy, through the 2nd Naval District Command. This edition goes online due to the restrictions recommended by the COVID-19 pandemic, and features the participation of the Brazilian and French Navies, as well as international corporations such as Saab, Omnisys / Thales, Abeking & Rasmussen and Kongsberg.

The Brazilian Navy, through the 2nd Naval District Command, holds every two years an International Congress, presential, focused on Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Operations. According to the organisers, the event aims to promote the exchange of technical and doctrinal information, strengthen ties between Navies, disseminate new systems available in the market and projects, as well as promote possible partnerships.

SAES participation aims to increase business opportunities in Brazil with the Maritime Safety product line. Javier Rodrigo presentation, as Maritime Safety Product Manager, has shown SAES expertise in mine warfare, mine countermeasures (MCM), signature measurement, naval mines supply and Target Detection Devices.

SAES has developed its own design of the TDD component that is installed in its naval mines, as well as in other mines or in other different kinds of carcases which emulate both the form and the functioning of different kinds of mines. Several Navies are updating their current mines by integrating modern TDD elements with more capabilities, such us the one designed by SAES.

SAES, as a company specialised in underwater defence and in particular in naval mines, has been invited as an expert in the field since the first edition of this conference, back in 2017 in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). SAES has also participated in the ‘Mine Warfare Symposium’ which inspired the current event, where SAES participated altogether with Navantia, with conferences about smart naval mines as well as acoustic, magnetic, electric, seismic and pressure signatures of vessels.