• Olivier LEQEUX, Director of Marketing Naval Turrets, KNDS discusses their latest defence innovation—the RapidFire system.

 By Sangeeta Saxena

 Paris/New Delhi. 19 November 2024. The discussion explores the system’s advanced features, including its integration with the 40 CTA cannon and its innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI). ADU delves into KNDS’ modular operational modes and its collaboration with Thales, aiming to redefine future naval combat capabilities. Olivier LEQEUX, Director of Marketing Naval Turrets, KNDS discusses their latest defence innovation—the Rapid Fire system. Initially introduced at Euronaval 2024, this cutting-edge, multi-target engagement system has been rigorously tested across various regions, including France and the Middle East, with upcoming trials planned in Asia.

ADU. Can you tell us about the Rapid Fire system and why it’s significant for this year’s Euronaval?

 Olivier Leqeux. The Euronaval showcase is a great opportunity to introduce the Rapid Fire system, especially since it’s a pivotal phase in our program with the French Navy. Over the past year, we conducted extensive trials in France and the Middle East, and we are looking to extend these trials to Asia next year. We’re particularly excited about the possibility of demonstrating this system in India, pending the necessary authorizations. The Rapid Fire features the 40 CTA cannon, the same one used in Jaguar vehicles in France and Ajax vehicles in the UK. Its integration into naval systems promises significant advancements due to the high volume of production and shared components.

ADU. How has the qualification phase with the French Navy progressed so far?

Olivier Lequex. We are nearing the end of the qualification phase with the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA). We delivered the first two Rapid Fire systems to the French Navy two years ago. This period is crucial for us as we validate the system’s capabilities and fine-tune its performance based on rigorous trials. Unfortunately, we couldn’t present the full trial video today due to some technical issues, but the trials conducted in the Middle East earlier this year were very successful, demonstrating the system’s ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously.

ADU. Engaging multiple targets at once is a key feature. Could you elaborate on this capability?

Olivier Lequex. Absolutely. One of the unique aspects of RapidFire is its ability to engage up to seven targets simultaneously. Traditionally, people think of engaging a single target at a time, but modern combat scenarios, such as those seen in Ukraine, often involve coordinated attacks using drones, missiles, and surface threats all at once. The RapidFire system is designed to handle this kind of multi-layered assault effectively, giving it a significant edge in modern warfare.

ADU. How does artificial intelligence (AI) enhance the performance of the Rapid Fire system?

Olivier Lequex. The integration of AI is a critical innovation in the Rapid Fire system. We have built a comprehensive database with algorithms and various scenarios, allowing the system to analyse the battlefield situation and propose optimal engagement strategies. The gunner can either follow these suggestions or adjust them based on real-time conditions. This AI-driven analysis helps in making rapid decisions, ensuring effective responses to emerging threats.

ADU. The system can operate in both integrated and standalone modes. What advantages does this offer?

Olivier Lequex. Yes, that’s a distinct feature of Rapid Fire. Whether in integrated mode, where it works in sync with a combat management system, or in standalone mode, the system retains full functionality. This is particularly advantageous if there is a problem with the main combat management system on the vessel. By simply switching to standalone mode, the system can independently calculate the optimal response to threats without relying on external data inputs. This dual-mode capability ensures continuous and effective operation, making it a reliable solution in various combat scenarios.

 ADU. What is the vision for the future development of Rapid Fire, especially in collaboration with Thales?

Olivier Lequex. The partnership with Thales has been instrumental in integrating advanced AI and C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) capabilities into the Rapid Fire system. KNDS brings expertise in ammunition, cannons, and turret systems, while Thales contributes its cutting-edge technology in command systems. This synergy creates a powerful combination that enhances the system’s effectiveness. As we move forward, the database will continually evolve with new scenarios and threats, making the Rapid Fire smarter and more adaptive over time. We envision this as an ongoing development process, or what we call a “growing baby,” which will mature and improve as more data is collected and analysed.

ADU. Are there plans to collaborate with other countries on this system?

Olivier Lequex. Absolutely. We see a great opportunity for international collaboration, especially in expanding and refining the AI database. By working with multiple countries, we can gather diverse threat scenarios and responses, which will enhance the system’s capabilities globally. Some customers may receive a full version of the software, while others may get a limited version, depending on the level of data sharing agreed upon. The goal is to have a robust and versatile system that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different nations while benefiting from collective intelligence.

ADU. How many units have been ordered so far, and what are the plans for future deployments?

Olivier Lequex. We have a global contract with the French Navy for 18 units, and these systems are set to be integrated into all new naval platforms, including future nuclear aircraft carriers. We are also in discussions with several other countries interested in adopting Rapid Fire. The interest has been high, and we anticipate expanding to international markets soon, showcasing mock-ups and live demonstrations to potential clients worldwide.

The Rapid Fire system, with its innovative multi-target engagement capabilities and advanced AI integration, marks a significant leap in naval defence technology. KNDS, in collaboration with Thales, has designed a versatile system that can operate seamlessly in both integrated and standalone modes, ensuring robust performance even in the most challenging combat scenarios. With successful trials behind them and international interest growing, the future looks promising for Rapid Fire as it continues to evolve and adapt through global collaborations and ongoing enhancements. 

As told to Sangeeta Saxena