Go Bold #60: The Bleeding Edge: Federal Fleet Services installs a Counter-UAS system on the Combat Support Ship Asterix

This episode is part of our Bleeding Edge series were we discuss new products, platforms, concepts, technologies and ground breaking events.We are all aware of the dire geopolitical security events that are taking place around the world, including the War in Ukraine, and the Israel-Hamas conflict and the instability of that region.Of particular note is the security situation in the Red Sea where naval vessels and commercial shipping have come under attack from ballistic missiles, and from Unmanned/Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAV), which are also known as Unmanned/Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) or drones. These events have disrupted global shipping and that has far reaching implications for us all.The threat posed by drones is very real and it is a concern to navies and to ship operators around the world. Companies like Federal Fleet Services, which owns and operates the Combat Support Ship Asterix - and lease its capabilities to the Royal Canadian Navy - have recognized this growing problem and have invested their own money to research, select and integrate a counter-UAS, (counter-drone) system onto the Asterix.After looking at various options, Federal Fleet Services selected the MARSS NiDAR counter-UAS system as the best solution available.In this episode we visited the Combat Support Ship Asterix when it was in port at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, and we had the privilege to interview John Schmidt, the President and CEO of Federal Fleet Services who spoke about the selection of the MARSS NiDAR counter-UAS system which will protect Asterix; and we spoke with Ryan Walker, who is also from Federal Fleet Services, and he discussed the components, capabilities and the installation of the NiDAR system, and working with the Royal Canadian Navy to validate and implement new tactics, techniques and procedures for using the system.This cutting edge counter-UAS technology is of critical importance for the threats faced by ships around the world, so it will be interesting to see how the system will do, and how its modularity will enable future enhancements if needed or desired.It's a great chat about new technology and new capabilities that will extend the eyes and ears of the Asterix.We want to thank Federal Fleet Services and the crew of the Combat Support Ship Asterix for their kindness and hospitality during our visit.Go Bold!