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
-
![Top-level commitments but no meat in UK Defence Industrial Strategy’s Statement of Intent]()
Top-level commitments but no meat in UK Defence Industrial Strategy’s Statement of Intent
The initial document focused more on creating the right partnerships and inspiring investment in defence than on any details of how future UK Armed Forces would be armed.
-
![UK begins process on new industrial strategy]()
UK begins process on new industrial strategy
The first stage of developing a new UK Defence Industrial Strategy has highlighted failings in current structures with solutions expected to be proposed in next year’s full strategy.
-
![Romanians put pro-Russian candidate into presidential runoff even as the government spends west]()
Romanians put pro-Russian candidate into presidential runoff even as the government spends west
Romania joined NATO more than two decades ago and the country is vital to the alliance’s geographic reach and its ability to supply Ukraine with weapons.
-
![What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration]()
What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration
Although Trump’s geopolitics policy for Europe remains unclear, defence analysts from the US and Europe predict how his incoming administration would attempt to handle critical issues on the continent.
-
![RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific]()
RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
-
![Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard]()
Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
