The new antenna system incorporates signals intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities, enabling it to intercept and analyse both communications signals, including voice and data transmissions over telephone and radio networks (communications intelligence, or COMINT), and signals emitted by beacons and navigation systems (electronic intelligence, or ELINT).

According to Jean-Luc George van Eeckhoutte, Managing Director of Aeromaritime Engineering France, Aeromaritime Group’s Brest-based subsidiary, the AT-7000 is ideally suited to electronic warfare missions: “The advantage of this antenna system is that it supports conventional radio communications while also incorporating intelligence capabilities that allow it to scan Wi-Fi signals and any other signals within its frequency range.”

The AT-7000 operates across a broad frequency range, from 10 kHz to 6 GHz, enabling it to intercept signals from 3G, 4G and 5G networks.

Its coverage also extends to the frequencies used by identification friend or foe (IFF) systems, NATO’s Link 16 tactical data link, and satellite communications systems such as Iridium and Inmarsat-C.

The antenna is housed in a pressure-resistant radome that allows radio signals to pass through. A telescopic mast raises the antenna above the submarine’s sail, enabling communications at periscope depth or when surfacing.

Engineers have incorporated all these functions while retaining the same physical dimensions as the AT-4000. This means the AT-7000 can replace its predecessor during submarine refits without requiring major modifications.

The AT-4000 is currently fitted to Indian, Indonesian and Chilean Scorpène-class submarines.
Aeromaritime Group’s multifunctional submarine antennas are designed and developed in Germany, where the company has its main production facility.