Group : Sea-Based Air Defense Systems
Status : Under Development
Also Known As : Above Water Warfare System
Origin : Netherlands
Contractor : Thales
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 2028
Total Production : 8

The Above Water Warfare System (AWWS) is a fire control cluster developed by Thales for the Karel Doorman class frigates replacement. The AWWS system is expected to combine the technologies from the APAR radar and the Sea Master 400 radar system. The new radar system will be able to detect and discriminate both airborne and surface targets as well as anti-ship sea skimming missiles traveling at several times the speed of sound. The radars operating in the X and S bands will be able of discriminating threats in extremely complex environments. Besides, the sensor system will be backed up with new generation software to take time critical decisions.

The AWWS system was launched in 2019 and was expected to be deployed by 2024 along with the New M-Frigate operated by the Navies of the Netherlands and Belgium. In 2020 the New M-Frigate entry into service was delayed to 2028-2029. The AAWS is intended to counter and neutralize complex saturation attacks. The AWWS combines the latest radar technology continuously analyzing and optimizing the tactical environment and the deployment of resources. In November 2020, Germany selected the AWWS for the MKS 180 class frigates.