SPX snaps up UK-based datalink and RF countermeasures specialist
Claw directional inhibitor for C-UAS operations. (Photo: Enterprise Control Systems)
Hardware and software integration between both companies could optimise SIGINT to deliver a clearer battlefield picture and facilitate threat interdiction.
US firm SPX on 3 August announced that it has completed the acquisition of UK company Enterprise Control Systems (ECS).
The value of the transaction was not disclosed. It follows announcements in recent days of two other bids by US firms for defence and security UK businesses — Cobham for Ultra and Parker-Hannifin for Meggitt.
ECS designs and manufactures tactical datalinks and RF countermeasures, including C-UAS and counter-IED RF jammers. It will operate alongside SPX subsidiary TCI.
SPX president and CEO Gene Lowe said: ‘We see significant opportunities to grow our presence in COMINT, and complementary technologies and solutions worldwide.’
Hardware and software integration between both companies could optimise SIGINT to deliver a clearer battlefield picture and facilitate threat interdiction.
For example, ECS and TCI technologies could be blended in a C-UAS solution pairing the latter’s Blackbird detection and location system with the former’s Claw jammer.
Colin Bullock, founder of ECS, said: ‘Combining ECS’s expertise in RF countermeasures and encrypted data links systems with SPX’s strengths in RF detection and location systems, as well as its global infrastructure and resources, is a great opportunity to further advance product development.’
More from Defence Notes
-
![Ukraine turns legacy Kongsberg land turrets into semi-autonomous USV weapons]()
Ukraine turns legacy Kongsberg land turrets into semi-autonomous USV weapons
The company told Shephard that Ukraine is operating modified Protector weapon stations originally supplied for armoured vehicles, with human operators authorising engagements from hundreds of kilometres away.
-
![UK urged to prioritise sea, air and space over heavy armour]()
UK urged to prioritise sea, air and space over heavy armour
A report from the Council on Geostrategy argues the UK should move away from a traditional balanced force and shift investment to naval, air and space capabilities, backed by a larger fleet of attack submarines and deeper AUKUS integration.
-
![Thales: deployment speed to determine winners in ‘production versus production’ era]()
Thales: deployment speed to determine winners in ‘production versus production’ era
At its technology summit in London, attended by Shephard, Thales UK examined the importance of speed to delivery, the growing focus on cross-domain capabilities and how procurement reform could be crucial for future battlefield advantage.
-
![Orchestrating operational readiness across every defence domain]()
Orchestrating operational readiness across every defence domain
Are all systems ready for the next mission? Have upgrades been applied? Are all assets aligned to deploy together, on time and fully prepared? In modern defence operations, readiness is no longer measured platform by platform. It is measured by how well people, assets, data and decisions move together — across land, sea and air.
