The evolution of the long horizon integrated maritime surveillance system: strategic advance from the homeland to the blue waters

Abstract

The seas, which serve as the arena for global and regional political and eco nomic power struggles, are becoming increasingly important for monitoring and controlling various activities. Previously, naval surveillance for defence purposes has developed into an operational requirement for maritime security within the scope of maritime domain awareness, covering all sea-related activities. In this process, the Turkish Navy has adapted to the changing security environment by transforming the Long Horizon Integrated Maritime Surveillance System (LHIMSS), developed initially to support battlefield surveillance in the Aegean Sea. The system was expanded to include capabilities for acquiring the “white picture” (a civilian maritime traffic overview) for situational awareness at sea —a new operational necessity. Starting with a focus on the Aegean, the surveil lance system was developed to encompass all surrounding seas and the high seas where the Turkish Navy operates. Originally reliant on foreign technology for Command, Control, Communication, Computer, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR), the system is evolving into a high-level, integrat ed system-of-systems through software and hardware development capabilities acquired by the Turkish defence industry under the Navy’s leadership, following an evolutionary procurement model.