Israeli company Elta Systems has collaborated with German company Hensoldt to develop a single technology for submarine masts that combines optics, communication, and other sensors. The Integrated Communication and Surveillance System (ICS) combines Hensalt's optical surveillance electro-optical mast OMS 150 with Elta's expertise in signal intelligence and satellite communication payloads. Elta, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries, said that the product will address the need to combine combat capabilities on a single mast while maintaining submarine stealth capabilities.

The technology and collaboration experience we have accumulated over decades is part of us. Yoav Tourgeman, CEO of Elta, said, "This collaboration will bring value to our customers as it provides a unique, economical, compact, and highly practical solution. The ICS system combines optics, radar alerts, GPS monitoring, and communication with other vessels and units. Real time collected data can provide submarine crew with important information about the exact location and current situation of the enemy. It is equipped with satellite communication and laser systems for secure communication. The system was launched as part of the European Maritime Trade Show European Navy, which was held almost this year due to the outbreak of the coronavirus.

Brent Sadler, a senior researcher in charge of naval warfare and advanced technology at the Heritage Foundation think tank, said that submarine fleets are likely to grow in the coming years, which means that the "periscope market is growing faster than in the recent past. " Submarine periscopes, as well as other communication, radar, satellite communication, and optical masts, tend to hang submarines and form a small forest on the sails or command towers of ships. As a 26 year submarine officer, Sadler pointed out, "If you have fewer sticks sticking out in the water, the likelihood of you being detected is smaller, so fewer masts will reduce the cross-section of radar and optics (protrusions)

So the current trend is to reduce the number of masts that extend out of the water, "he added," so if you have a periscope and need to conduct radio communication or listen to enemy radar, it's best to install it on one mast. "Two sources who are developing ICS systems at Elta said that the new integration aims to provide submarines with additional capabilities to supplement Navy special forces. The demand for submarines is increasing, and due to their limited ability to perform individual tasks, underground submarines require more sensors and communication tools to collaborate with other vessels as well as air and ground assets. Sadler pointed out that one of the challenges here is not only to miniaturize the additional payload, but also to cool the heat, as these additional devices and sensors add detectable heat. According to Shlomi Dor, a retired Israeli naval commander and an expert in naval systems at Elta, the traditional dilemma for submarine pilots is to successfully carry out missions while secretly drilling holes. Anyone just needs to contact the submarine. This mast is a very powerful solution, and I believe it will make a great contribution to missions around the world Elta stated that the ICS system integrated on the mast can be completed during the modification without changing the existing submarine infrastructure. Michael Sela from Elta told Defense News that the system is built on mature and field validated sensors, and utilizes the company's expertise in phased array satellite communication antennas and other technologies. Expected to be put into use in the near future. Sadler said that the development of periscope design, as well as other technological trends, will affect the design of submarines, perhaps making periscopes taller and smaller in size. The increase in submarine purchases implies an increase in economies of scale, which will lead to research and development behind new designs. But Sadler expressed concerns about the cooperation between Elta's parent company IAI and China in civil aviation projects. The West, especially the United States, has sounded an alarm about China's involvement in defense industrial bases. He said that potential customers in Asia and Europe are also facing more doubts about their cooperation with China there. This ability has a niche and meets market demand, but it is necessary to ensure that the connection with China is resolved