General Atomics

ISTEC’s ECRP selected by BAE Systems

BAE Systems has selected ISTEC Services Limited and its Enhanced Close Range Protection (ECRP) shield wall system, to provide increased physical protection for an overseas customer.



Above: ECRP fitted to P2000 Archer Class and ECRP Diagram,
Courtesy ISTEC


ISTEC Services Ltd is a British company with 37 years of operationally proven experience in the design, manufacture and supply of complex weapon integration solutions for military platforms in the Land, Sea and Air domains. The Enhanced Close Range Protection (ECRP) system is an integrated buffered pedestal mount for the 12.7mm M2 HMG combined with a modular shield wall to enhance the close protection of the operator.


The ECRP is fully compliant to Restriction on Hazardous Substances ROHS regulations, with all components free from Cadmium plating, while still providing STANAG Level 1 ballistic protection for the operator of the weapon system.

The maritime domain is unforgiving, with salt-laden air, unpredictable motion and complex space constraints which create unique challenges for weapon mounts. ISTEC mounts and protection systems are not just adapted for naval use, they are designed and built for it. For example, key moving parts are arranged to be easily inspected and maintained and ISTEC maritime products are manufactured with marine-grade materials and corrosion-resistant finishes to ensure they operate reliably on everything from submarines to offshore raiding craft. Whether on the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class carriers or fast patrol vessels, ISTEC’s hardware has been operationally proven, tested and trusted in one of the most demanding of environments.  

Mick Coulson, Managing Director at ISTEC said: “ISTEC has vast experience of providing maritime specific weapon integration systems to the exacting demands of the Royal Navy for both its surface and sub-surface fleet.

"We are extremely pleased to be working with BAE Systems to provide their overseas customer with the Enhanced Close Protection System and look forward to working together more in the future.” 

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