Thales CoastShield – Coastal defence system with AI
Thales Unveils CoastShield at Euronaval 2024: A New Era in Coastal Surveillance
At Euronaval 2024, Thales introduced an innovative system called CoastShield, which aims to protect coastlines and ensure safer maritime operations. This new system is a big step forward in coastal surveillance and uses the latest technology to keep our seas secure.
What is CoastShield?
CoastShield is a coastal surveillance system that can watch over the sea and the lower parts of the sky in real-time. It’s a flexible system, meaning it can be adjusted to fit different needs and expanded if necessary. It’s built to handle all kinds of weather and can cover up to 100 nautical miles from the coast. This makes it a powerful tool for countries that want to keep their coastal areas safe.
One of the standout features of CoastShield is its use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI helps the system provide a clearer picture of what’s happening in the monitored areas. It allows operators to make quick and smart decisions when dealing with potential threats. This makes it easier for them to respond accurately and without delay.
How Does CoastShield Work?
CoastShield relies on a mix of advanced sensors, including the CoastWatcher radar, to keep a constant watch on coastal activities. These sensors can detect and track even the smallest movements from the shore to the open sea. It doesn’t matter if the weather is stormy or calm; CoastShield is designed to function effectively in all conditions. The CoastWatcher radar, in particular, is known for its excellent performance, even in tough environments.
The system’s capabilities stretch from 12 to 100 nautical miles and include monitoring activities in the sea and low-altitude airspace. This is vital for spotting anything unusual that might pose a risk to national safety, such as illegal activities or hidden threats. CoastShield helps prevent potential dangers before they become serious problems.
Challenges in Coastal Surveillance
Coastlines are becoming harder to monitor due to growing maritime traffic and hidden threats that blend in with normal activities. It’s not just about protecting people, but also crucial infrastructures like wind farms. There’s a need for a strong and reliable system that can spot and assess possible threats in a busy and often unpredictable maritime environment. Thales, with its long history in the industry, has created CoastShield to meet these demands.
Integrated Technology for Better Safety
CoastShield is more than just a radar system. It combines data from various high-tech sensors to create a complete view of maritime activities. This data is sent directly to the Maritime Control Centre, where it is processed in real-time. The Control Centre uses a user-friendly interface to display information, making it easier for coastguards and other authorities to understand what’s happening at sea.
The system also includes tools like an Automatic Identification System (AIS), long-range cameras, and a video management system that allows for the selection and recording of video feeds. Even drones, satellites, and other advanced equipment can be added to CoastShield, making it a very flexible solution.
Real-Time Data and Faster Decisions
One of the best features of CoastShield is how it uses all the collected data. The Maritime Control Centre can take information from the sensors and put it together to create a clear and up-to-date picture of the situation at sea. AI plays a big role here, simplifying complex data so that decision-makers can act quickly and correctly during emergencies.
This system not only helps to detect threats but also supports coordination between different authorities, like military and civil forces. This teamwork ensures a fast and effective response to any threat.
Why CoastShield Matters
CoastShield is a vital tool in today’s world, where the safety of coastlines and the sea is more important than ever. With longer coastlines and a rise in maritime activities, having a reliable and advanced surveillance system is key. CoastShield gives countries the confidence to monitor and protect their coastal areas while ensuring safe maritime operations for everyone.
By introducing CoastShield at Euronaval 2024, Thales has shown its commitment to keeping our oceans secure. CoastShield is a prime example of how technology can improve safety and protect what matters most. This new system is set to become a trusted ally in coastal surveillance, helping authorities stay ahead of threats and respond effectively.
Thales’s expertise, combined with CoastShield’s advanced capabilities, makes it a standout choice for nations looking to boost their coastal defenses and maritime security.
