Lacroix Showcases Sylena and SEACLAD Milestones at Euronaval 2024, Eyes Future with Next-Gen Decoys

At Euronaval 2024, French defense manufacturer Lacroix celebrated a significant milestone in its naval countermeasures legacy. The company announced the impending installation of its 100th Sylena Decoy Launching System (DLS) on a new vessel in 2025. Alongside this achievement, Lacroix has surpassed the production and delivery of 14,000 SEACLAD decoys, solidifying its reputation as a leader in maritime defense solutions. These milestones come as the company pushes forward with next-generation ammunition and advances in offboard active decoy (OBAD) technologies to address evolving threats.

A Decade of Sylena Excellence

Since its debut a decade ago, the Sylena DLS has gained recognition for its compact design, operational flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Installed on nearly 40 naval platforms across eight countries, the system supports ships ranging from patrol vessels to frigates. Its mortar-based mechanism delivers a mix of countermeasures tailored to defeat radar, infrared, and electro-optical threats. Models such as the Sylena LW, Mk1, and Mk2 offer scalable protection to meet the needs of smaller OPVs and larger warships.

The Sylena LW, for instance, protects patrol vessels with its lightweight, compact footprint, accommodating eight SEALEM RF decoys and two SEALIR IR rounds. Meanwhile, the Mk1 and Mk2 models extend capabilities to larger platforms, with the latter integrating anti-torpedo CANTO rounds without requiring additional launcher modifications.

The SEACLAD Arsenal: Covering All Threat Spectrums

Lacroix’s SEACLAD decoys represent a cornerstone of its defensive strategy, designed to counter a wide array of modern threats. Among the key offerings:

• SEALEM RF Decoys: Featuring advanced corner reflector (CNR) payloads, these decoys are effective against high-tech radar seekers, including chaff discriminator-equipped missiles. Their ability to deliver broadband responses across I-, J-, and Ka-bands ensures adaptability to evolving radar technologies.

• SEALIR IR Decoys: Specifically developed for infrared seekers, SEALIR rounds neutralize traditional, two-color, and imaging IR-guided threats with single-burst morphologic payloads.

• SEAMOSC EO Decoys: These provide masking against electro-optical and laser-guided systems, utilizing advanced back-scattering effects to disrupt targeting.

This comprehensive suite enables seamless coordination of decoys to counter dual-mode seeker missiles effectively, combining radar and infrared measures.

Pioneering the Next Generation of Decoys

Looking to the future, Lacroix is advancing research into third-generation decoys. This effort builds on innovations like the VESTA OBAD system, a hybrid solution combining UAV dexterity with Thales' active payload technology. The VESTA project, funded by the French Defense Innovation Agency (AID) and the Directorate General of Armament (DGA), promises unmatched operational maneuverability and quick response capabilities against emerging missile threats.

Sebastien Gehin, Lacroix’s head of systems programs, indicated that the next-generation decoys could debut by 2026-2027, depending on ongoing testing and customer interest. These developments position Lacroix at the forefront of naval countermeasure technology.

Global Reach and Operational Reliability

Lacroix’s Sylena DLS and SEACLADs are operational across diverse navies, including those of Oman, Malaysia, Qatar, Egypt, Greece, and Saudi Arabia. Notable deployments include the BR71 Mk II corvettes for Angola and the Al Fulk LPD for Qatar, emphasizing the system’s adaptability to various vessel types.

To ensure reliability, Lacroix has implemented serialized tracking for each decoy, incorporating QR and barcodes for lifecycle management. This technology allows real-time monitoring, enhancing maintenance and operational readiness.

Future Horizons

With its proven track record and ambitious roadmap, Lacroix is poised to maintain its leadership in naval defense. As the demand for multi-layered maritime protection grows, the Sylena DLS and SEACLAD family continue to offer critical solutions, while next-gen advancements promise to address the threats of tomorrow. At Euronaval 2024, the message was clear: Lacroix remains a cornerstone of global naval security, combining innovation, experience, and reliability.