SAES and the University of Murcia sign a collaboration agreement on cybersecurity

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The agreement is a university-company chair to develop a space to research as well as to develop activities in several cybersecurity areas of common interest. This collaboration project will be valid for the next two years.

The collaboration agreement has been signed this morning by the Hon. Rector of the University of Murcia (UMU), José Luján, and the President of SAES, Joaquín López. This agreement, valid for the next two years, aims to develop several cybersecurity activities of common interest including training, research, innovation and promotion of technical knowledge.

Cátedra SAES Cybersecurity UMU
The Rector of the University of Murcia and the President of SAES signing the collaboration agreement on cybersecurity

This agreement will lead to optimise SAES cybersecurity certifications and resources, as well as to minimise the potential risks for its clients in this field. «Cybersecurity is one of the greatest threats and one of the biggest challenges of the twenty-first century. These threats will continue to evolve, and this is why we need updated protection measures within the companies IT systems, which is especially important in the Defence sector, where SAES develops its main lines of work», explains Cristina Abad, SAES General Manager.

According to Joaquín López, President of SAES, «this agreement means the strengthening of our commitment as a public-owned company to collaborating with the main public universities in the Region of Murcia. This has a clear aim: to leverage their great knowledge and research potential as well as to develop business synergies in cybersecurity and any other fields of common interest».

José Luján, Rector of the University of Murcia, thanked SAES for their trust in them to seek for solutions that society demands as well as the collaboration of all the people included in this project and who make it possible.

The agreement signed today is a R&I initiative funded by SAES and developed in partnership with the University of Murcia. Both institutions are working together for more than 15 years: they started working on some common projects back in 2006 and then they signed their first university-company chair on ‘free software and critical applications in real time’ from 2009 to 2021.

This is also the second agreement signed with a regional university this year, following the one signed in June with the Polytechnic University of Cartagena (UPCT) to boost the use of artificial intelligence in acoustic detection and underwater technologies. According to Joaquín López, President of SAES, «such agreements strengthen our corporate strategy which is firmly committed to a digital transformation». He also added that «strategic partnerships among public universities and public-owned companies are very important because it is possible to return to society their knowledge and experience, with high quality and the best talent in research».

Cátedra SAES Cybersecurity UMU
Cátedra SAES Cybersecurity UMU
SAES and University of Murcia representatives in the signing of the agreement.

SAES participates with Navantia in UNVEX 2021

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SAES presents its ASW solutions for RPAS and underwater sensors for USV and UUV at the Spanish drone fair.

For UAVs, SAES, which participates in UNVEX 2021 as a co-exhibitor with Navantia, supplies state-of-the-art ASW solutions based on sonobuoys, which enable RPAS as an advanced station for submarine early warning, as well as high-technology underwater sensors and improved signal processing for USV (Unmanned Surface Vehicle) and UUV (Unmanned Underwater Vehicles).

SAES participa con Navantia en UNVEX 2021
Illustration 1: Cristina Abad Salinas, General Director of SAES (center), together with Adolfo Hernández Solano, Commercial & Business Development Director (on the left), and Eduardo Ruiz Pérez, Civil, Security & UxVs Sales and Business Develooment Manager (on the right).

In this sense, SAES has shown two presentations at the Navantia-SAES stand. The first one about its ASW solutions for RPAS, which took place on July 7 at 1:00 p.m., by Ignacio Gutiérrez, Head of ASW Line of Business, entitled “ROASW: ASW System for operation with RPAS”.

On March 2014 SAES attended the III Congress on unmanned vehicles UNVEX’2014 in Madrid. On that occasion, the conference by Ignacio Gutiérrez, entitled “Industry Solutions II”, already indicated that the new ASW missions were going to require the use of UAVs as a distant and elevated platform without a dedicated operator.

In the second presentation, entitled “Submarine sensors in UUV and USV”, on July 8 at 11 am, Eduardo Ruiz Pérez, Sales and Business Development Manager for Civil, Security & UxVs, explained that the sensors will have a great relevance in the evolution of aspects such as autonomy of the UUV, where a technological leap is foreseen, of “strategic importance” for defence and industry.

In the field of unmanned underwater vehicles, SAES presented in December 2020, together with Navantia, the ACASUB proposal, within the Ports 4.0 initiative, to provide submarine capabilities to the USV Vendaval from Navantia, in service at the port of Ceuta. Apart from incorporating its real-time monitoring, the estimation of the noise source, object detection and the sending of acoustic signals to divers in the protection area are under development.

SAES also collaborated in the Ocean Master project to develop a vehicle with a dual function, underwater and surface, adaptable to different platforms. In this initiative, which ended a year ago, SAES worked on the payload, integrating a side scan sonar, acoustic communications and its sonar for the detection of divers.

SAES participates in the virtual edition of ADM Sevilla 2021

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It presents its solutions for submarine and antisubmarine defence for naval and air platforms.

SAES participates in the digital event organized by Aerospace and Defence Meetings Sevilla, from May 26 to 27, with a virtual stand, where it shows its antisubmarine warfare systems (ASW) based on sonobuoys for installation on all types of platforms involved in the war naval such as mine hunters, frigates, submarines, MPA aircraft, ASW helicopters and RPAS.

The fifth edition of ADM Sevilla 2021, the largest business event in the aerospace sector in Spain and one of the main in Europe, is organized by Extenda – Andalusia Export and Foreign Investment, and by the French company BCI Aerospace, specialist in international meetings of the Aeronautic sector.

SAES ASW products

The ASW products that SAES presents at ADM Sevilla are the DISOUROS, for combat ships and ASW helicopters, and the SPAS acoustic sonobuoy processing system for Maritime Patrol Aircraft and RPAS.

DISOUROS is a powerful and advanced acoustic processor for detecting, locating and pursuing underwater threats through the integrated use of low frequency dipping sonar (DS) and passive sonobuoys. It provides multi-statism and interoperability between the ASW platforms involved in the mission: corvettes, frigates, helicopters, MPA aircraft. DISOUROS is fully operational on platforms such as the Visby-class corvettes and the A-109 helicopters.

SPAS is an acoustic sonobuoy processor for detecting, locating and chasing underwater threats from aerial platforms. It incorporates the most advanced acoustic processing techniques for all types of passive and active sonobuoys, in analog and digital implementation. SPAS is fully operational in different countries and different platforms such as the P-3B Orion aircraft, the C-295 aircraft and the SH-60B LAMPS helicopter.

SAES also provides ground support systems for both analysis of ASW missions (such as FTAS) and for training acoustic operators (such as TAT).

SAES is the only Spanish company specialized in underwater acoustics and electronics with more than 30 years of experience in Sonar Systems, Submarine Signatures, Submarine Protection and ASW Systems. SAES technology is in service for various Navies and Naval Forces on 5 continents. SAES systems are at the forefront in sonobuoy processing and at the forefront in the international market.

SAES lecture in NATCOM21 about the advanced processing of the underwater of the Multi-Influence signature

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During the online celebration of the 16th Baltic Military Fair, where SAES participates as an exhibitor.

SAES will offer the lecture Multi-Influence Signature: Modern Signal Processing Techniques to increase the Detectability and Classification of Ships, by Francisco Javier Rodrigo Saura, Head of Maritime Security Product Line, at the IX International Scientific and Technical Conference NATCON “Maritime technologies for defence and security”, which will take place online from April 20th to 22th.

Mr. Javier Rodrigo will present the results of his studies on the exploitation of the multi-influence signature, composed of the acoustic, static and alternating electromagnetic, seismic and pressure signature. Through signal processing techniques based on Machine Learning methods applied to the multi-influence signature, it is verified that the joint exploitation of the signatures increases the detection and classification capability in naval detection systems in comparison with to the individual processing of each type of signature.

To analyse and evaluate the improvement in the detection and classification capacity, standard techniques and techniques based on Machine Learning methods are applied to a Database of multi-influence measurements of surface vessels acquired in shallow waters with the MIRS multi-influence measurement system manufactured by SAES.

Deployment of the MIRS system manufactured by SAES
Deployment of the MIRS system manufactured by SAES

MIRS will be one of the products present in the SAES online exhibitor at the Balt Military Expo 2021 fair, along with other highlights such as the DDS03 diver detection sonar, the MINEA naval mine, the DISOUROS acoustic processor and the DEWARS submarine acoustics signature measurement system.

NAVANTIA and SAES in a pioneering proposal for underwater monitoring and warning for Ports 4.0.

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SAES and Navantia has presented to the Ports 4.0 Program a project that would provide its clients with new capabilities in the submarine environment, thus expanding the capabilities of the USV Vendaval with respect to the model that already operates in the Port of Ceuta.

The proposed solution will allow the real-time monitoring of underwater noise and the estimation of the origin of the source, facilitating evaluations with the aim to compliance with environmental control regulations. Likewise, the solution will allow alerting of the existence of risky objects for navigation and controlling waste or spills in port facilities by monitoring the bottoms of channels, approaches and anchorages.

Additionally, the system will send acoustic signals and warning messages to not be allowed divers that entering into a protected area.

The USV Vendaval of Navantia is the first unmanned surface vehicle marketed and operational in real missions in Spain. It has been incorporated into Navantia Environmental Monitoring and Control System for Ceuta Port Authority.

SAES provides underwater systems and artificial intelligence technologies

The project will include multiple SDH Smart Digital Hydrophones, designed and manufactured by SAES, a side scan sonar and a deterrent system installed at the Navantia’s Vendaval USV

The deployment of multiple SDHs will allow, not only a better coverage of the area for the monitoring of environmental noise, but also the estimation of the origin (direction) of the source, by signal processing techniques.

To the integration of the side scan sonar in the USV, it will be added the use of artificial intelligence technologies (such as neural networks) applied to the sonar image processing to facilitate the detection and classification of objects in the background.

The integration of the Deterrent System in the USV Vendaval seeks to achieve a more compact solution of the system that facilitates the deployment of this equipment from small vessels (even smaller than Navantia’s USV) such as ROVs and Intervention UUVs.

SAES will participate in the European project SEA Defence

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As an entity linked to Navantia and within the Work Package WP3 Low Detectability

 

The SEA DEFENCE project “Survivability, Electrification, Automation, Detectability, Enabling Foresight of European Naval Capabilities in Extreme conditions” consists of a project coordinated by the Dutch shipyard Damen and is aimed at providing the European Commission and the Member States with a roadmap complete and updated on the technologies that will be included in the next generation of naval platforms. It was selected in the EDIDP-FNPRT-2019 call of the European Defense Industrial Development Program (EDIDP) and its development will begin on December 1, 2020, with a duration of 30 months.

SAES will participate in the WP3 Low Detectability work package, focused on identifying technological gaps and detailing the actions to be carried out to counter the threat created by the growing detection capabilities of the new sensors, of surface and submarines, and the ways to counteract it, reducing the detectability of naval platforms, based on current and emerging technologies.

The project, which is the first of the new European programs in the defence field in which SAES participates, under the Navantia Linked Third Party modality. Within the scope of the EDIDP program, a Linked Third Party is one that has a legal or economic relationship with one of the members of the consortium, implements the assigned tasks on its own behalf and receives the grant directly from the EU. A Linked Third Party presents the same eligibility criteria as the direct members of the consortium.

Nombre legalPaísAplicante vinculación
DAMENNetherlandsDamen Holding B. V.
CETENAItalyFincantieri
SEASTEMAItalyFincantieri
SIREHNAFranceNaval Group
SAESSpainNavantia
SAAB ABSwedenSaab Kockums AB
Atlas ElektroniK GmbHGermanyThyssenkrupp
BLOHM+VOSSGermanyLúrsen Defence
Companies and countries participating in SEA Defense

A total of 20 entities from eight European nations participate in the SEA DEFENCE project. These entities include the main European shipyards: DAMEN SHIPYARDS GROUP (Netherlands), FINCANTIERI S.P.A. (Italy), NAVAL GROUP SA (France), NAVANTIA, SA, PYME (Spain), SAAB KOCKUMS AB (Sweden), SEA EUROPE (Belgium), THYSSENKRUPP MARINE SYSTEMS (Germany), ODENSE MARITIME TECHNOLOGY (Denmark), LÜRSSEN DEFENCE (Germany) , TNO (Netherlands), MARIN (Netherlands), CTN (Spain).

European Defence Fund

EDIDP, together with PADR (Preparatory Action on Defence Research), was one of the forerunners of the future European Defence Fund, EDF (2021-2027) that will centralize research and technological development in the European Union, as a complement to the future Horizon program Europe focused on research and development in the civil and security fields.

El EDIDP se centra en la promoción de una industria de defensa fuerte e innovadora, así como en aumentar la autonomía y el liderazgo tecnológico de la UE en defensa.

SAES participated in the Naval Engineering Conference CINAV 2020

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With a conference on the ASW capabilities of the new F-110 Frigate

SAES sponsored from November 4th to 6th the X Naval Engineering Conference CINAV 2020 organized by the Colombian Navy. The company has and participates with a lecture on the latest generation capabilities of the new F-110 Frigate by Ignacio Gutiérrez, head of ASW Line.

The speech summarizes the ASW capabilities that make the F-110 being one of the most advanced ASW frigates.

SAES signed in 2019 a contract with Thales for the manufacture, integration and testing of sonar technology for the project of the new F-110 frigates of the Spanish Navy. This contract is part of the agreement between Thales and Navantia for more than 160 million euros to provide to the future Spanish ships with anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

ASW capabilities of the F-110

SAES systems allow the F-110 Frigate having the maximum integration between acoustic sensors, incorporating the latest technologies in ASW, such as multistatic digital sonobuoys, having an acoustic intelligence database (ACINT) and improving the acoustic operator’s skills thanks to onboard training capacity.

These contributions will make it possible to cover the whole mission, briefing, operation and debriefing phases, thus increasing the chances of success.

Lecture on the ASW capabilities of the F-110 frigate.

The lecture is mainly focused on the sensors developed by SAES: the SAS systems (Sonobuoys Acoustic System) and the AMS (Acoustic Management System).

SAS (Sonobuoy Acoustic System) is an acoustic processor system for the passive and active sonobuoys, in analogic and digital implementation, that are deployed by both the frigate and the ASW helicopter.

The acoustic management system AMS (Acoustic Management System) includes calculation of prediction of sonar performance, fusion of tactical plots and multistatism between sonobuoys and between sonobuoys and Varaible Depth Sonar.

SAES participates at Euronaval 2020 Online Exhibition

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Presents its solutions in underwater acoustics and electronics for the military and civil security and defense markets.

SAES participates from October 19 to 25 at Euronaval 2020 with a virtual stand, where it shows its capabilities in underwater acoustics and electronics in three fields of activity: engineering systems and underwater technology, maritime safety, and special operations.

SAES participates at Euronaval 2020 Online Exhibition
Virtual stand of SAES at Euronaval 2020 Online Exhibition

SAES, specialized in underwater acoustics and electronics, provides sonars, ASW systems, naval mines, underwater signature measurement stations and other high-tech custom solutions. The company develops various international and national projects. In Spain, it has recently obtained contracts for the S-80 and F-110 programs, the last one includes a Technology Transfer agreement with Thales.

Online B2B meetings

Euronaval has gathered 277 exhibitors from more than 20 countries. Navantia and SAES are the only Spanish defense companies.

For the first and most important virtual exhibition dedicated to the naval industry, SAES has a multi-disciplinary team attending meetings by videoconference with delegations, suppliers, and other companies in search of synergies.

Featured Products

They are highlighting the business lines related to the measurement of submarine signatures and the anti-submarine warfare, specifically the MIRS and Disouros systems.

MIRS is a multi-influence signature measurement system for surface vessels and submarines that simultaneously measures magnetic, electrical, acoustic, seismic and pressure influences.

DISOUROS is a powerful and advanced acoustic processor for detecting, locating and pursuing underwater threats through the integrated use of low frequency dipping sonar (DS) and passive sonobuoys. Provides multi-statism and interoperability between ASW platforms involved in the mission: corvettes, frigates, helicopters, MPA aircraft.

SAES has collaborated in the Ocean HackatHon initiative aimed at sea and technologies

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The seahorse geolocation challenge will represent the city of Cartagena in the Brest International Final

The 5th Edition of the Ocean Hackathon was held from October 9 to 11 simultaneously in 19 cities around the world, including two Spanish cities: Cartagena and Cádiz. Since it was first launched in 2016, Ocean Hackathon® has brought together a new community around the ocean and digital environments. Originally based in Brest, it was extended in 2019 to other venues in France and beyond.

SAES has collaborated in the scientific event through the Cartagena Oceanographic Research Institute (CORI) who has organized the event in Cartagena for the first time in Spain. CORI is an ocean research association based in Cartagena for valuing the scientific and technological talent of the Region of Murcia and updating the advances in ​​sustainable development and protection of the oceans.

Thus,  the city of Cartagena has become a benchmark for oceanographic innovation thanks to the sponsorship and collaboration of entities such as the Polytechnic University of Cartagena (UPCT), Europe Direct Region of Murcia, Innova Oceanografía Litoral, Navantia, SABIC and Cartagena City Council, and collaborators such as the Cartagena Port Authority, SAES, Primafrio, COEC, STEM Talent and the CEEIC of Cartagena, the Hippocampus Association, the DiveApp company or groups such as the divers from Cabo de Palos or STEM Talent.

Geolocate seahorses.

The challenge of geolocating seahorses by José Antonio Oliver (marine biologist), Elen García (manager of European projects) and Elena Torro (computer programmer) has won the Ocean Hackathon 2020 of Cartagena.

The project ‘Quantification of ocean litter using images (I-Litter)’, by Carmen Morales from the University of Cádiz, has been the winner of the Ocean Hackathon 2020 in Cádiz.

Both challenges will compete in the International Final that will take place in Brest in the coming weeks, organized by the Campus Mondial de la Mer, together with other twelve maritime cities that will present different proposals based on technologies for sustainability and protection of the oceans.

JOAQUÍN LÓPEZ PAGÁN, new president of SAES

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The Board of Directors of SAES has agreed to appoint Joaquín López Pagán as the new CEO of the company at the meeting held the 5th of October. Born in 1976, he has a Law Degree and a master’s degree in Business Legal Advice. He has been a member of a Spanish Region parliament and Senator of the Senate of Spain.

Joaquín López Pagán

He succeeds Sofía Honrubia, the president from June 2020, and who continues as Commercial and Business Development Director of Navantia, SA, SME (Navantia). From this position she will continue to promote collaboration between both companies as usual.

SAES is part of the state business public sector. It is attached to the Ministry of Finance and Public Administrations through the commercial, also public, SAES CAPITAL, S.A., S.M.E. and this in turn through Navantia, all of them belonging to and included in the SEPI Group (State Society of Industrial Participations). SAES CAPITAL owns 51% of the shares and the 49% belongs to the French company THALES DMS FRANCE SAS.

SAES, specialists in underwater acoustics and electronics, is the benchmark company in Spain for sonar technology and antisubmarine warfare since more than 30 years. Some of its products can be applied to the civil market in the areas of security and underwater measurement for environmental surveillance.

The company, which has participated in the most important Spanish naval programs of submarines, mine hunters, frigates, among other platforms, also has a marked international character, exporting to different countries such as France, the United States, Sweden, Chile, Colombia and Kazakhstan. among others.

SAES has recently obtained important contracts with Navantia and Thales in relation to the F-110 program for which it contributes the acoustic processing of sonobuoys to the frigate and will undertake the manufacture, installation and testing of the Thales cylindrical BMAS sonar, as well as its integration into the sonar suite, among other works. In addition, the company will participate in supporting the life cycle of the S-80 submarine and F-110 frigates. By these contracts, the company strengthens its position in the defense sector as a leading company in ASW technology.