FEINDEF 2025: Escribano converts Sentinel 30 naval turret into new ODIN-I air defense system to enhance land-based drone defense.

During the 2025 FEINDEF International Defence and Security Exhibition held in Madrid, the Spanish company EM&E Group, also referred to as Escribano, presented the ODIN-I system, a counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) mounted on an 8x8 military truck. The system, developed for an undisclosed customer, combines several subsystems into a single platform, including the Sentinel 30 remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS), a passive radio-frequency detection unit, an auxiliary electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) system, and a frequency-agile jammer.
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Mounting the ODIN-I system on an 8x8 truck provides space for the inclusion of onboard command, control, communications, and computing (C4) capabilities, and allows for deployment in varied terrain. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The ODIN-I’s jamming system operates across a frequency spectrum from 400 Hz to 6 GHz. This range includes the communication bands typically used by commercial and military drones. The jammer can be reconfigured to operate on a narrower band after signal analysis, in order to avoid unintended disruption to other systems operating in the same environment. Additionally, it can be directed within a limited sector of either 45 or 90 degrees, which increases the output power density and allows for an extended jamming range in that direction. The system’s passive radio-frequency sensors support cooperative detection by allowing several ODIN-I vehicles to share signal origin and distance data. This shared data improves accuracy in locating and tracking drone targets. Detection range is estimated at 14 km against commercial antenna emissions and 40 km against military emissions.

Naval remote-controlled turrets are increasingly utilized in air defense systems due to their capacity to provide precise, rapid-response capabilities against aerial threats, including drones, missiles, and low-flying aircraft. By reducing crew exposure to hostile fire, these turrets integrate stabilized platforms with electro-optical sensors, enabling accurate targeting in various sea conditions and during vessel maneuvers. The modular design of these systems allows for the incorporation of different weapon types, including machine guns and automatic grenade launchers, as well as diverse sensor packages, facilitating adaptability to specific mission requirements. Additionally, remote-controlled turrets can be incorporated into layered defense architectures, often complementing other systems like missiles and electronic countermeasures to enhance overall efficiency.

Mounting the system on an 8x8 truck provides space for the inclusion of onboard command, control, communications, and computing (C4) capabilities, and allows for deployment in varied terrain. The truck-based configuration of the ODIN-I also makes it possible to integrate alternative detection and targeting systems beyond optical and radar-based solutions. The mobility and size of the platform support operational deployment in areas without established infrastructure, and the integrated structure allows for a complete, mobile C-UAS solution that does not rely on fixed installations. The ODIN-I is designed as a multi-sensor, multi-role system capable of addressing different types of aerial threats through passive detection and jamming, as well as through direct fire.

Naval remote-controlled turrets are increasingly utilized in air defense systems due to their capacity to provide precise, rapid-response capabilities against aerial threats, including drones, missiles, and low-flying aircraft. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Sentinel 30 RCWS mounted on the ODIN-I is a two-axis gyro-stabilized turret fitted with a Mk44S STRETCH 30 mm Bushmaster chain gun. It includes a dual-feed system that allows the selection between conventional and airburst ammunition types. The firing rate with conventional ammunition is up to 500 rounds per minute. The fire rate is lower when using airburst munitions due to the increased hit probability associated with programmable ammunition. The weapon station includes a ballistic calculator, programmable inhibition zones to prevent firing within designated arcs, an integrated GPS module, and compatibility with external C4I systems. The standard configuration has a weight of less than 1,800 kg without the weapon and ammunition. The Sentinel 30 is also described as compatible with external sensors and includes a built-in simulator for training purposes.

The EO/IR system integrated into the Sentinel 30 includes multiple components for day and night operation. The day sight camera uses a 1/2.5 type CMOS sensor with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels and offers continuous zoom up to 44x. Its wide field of view (WFOV) is 25.76° horizontally and 18.08° vertically, while the narrow field of view (NFOV) is 0.58° by 0.41°. The cooled infrared (IR) camera is based on a third-generation MWIR detector with a 640x512 resolution and 15 μm pixel pitch, supporting 20x continuous zoom. Its WFOV is 35.5° by 25.24°, and its NFOV is 1.83° by 1.29°. The laser range finder uses a 1550 nm wavelength and operates at programmable frequencies of 1, 3, 5, or 10 Hz. It has a maximum range of 30 km for NATO targets with 30% reflectivity, under visibility conditions of 25 km, and provides a measurement accuracy of ±1 meter.

The Sentinel 30 RCWS has been ordered by several international customers. In February 2025, Escribano confirmed the supply of two Sentinel 30 turrets and two Oteos electro-optical systems to the Royal Thai Navy. These systems will be integrated into the Tor 997 and Tor 998 patrol boats, with deliveries expected by the end of 2025. The turrets are equipped with Mk44 Bushmaster II chain guns. This naval contract follows earlier agreements between Escribano and Thailand, including the 2024 delivery of seven Guardian 1.5 land-based remote-controlled weapon stations, which were installed on Chaiseri amphibious armored vehicles for the Royal Thai Marines and featured 12.7 mm heavy machine guns. The Royal Thai Police also operates EM&E’s aunav.NEXT robots, which are used for the neutralization of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and are capable of lifting up to 250 kg using dual synchronized arms.

The modular design of these naval systems allows for the incorporation of different weapon types, including machine guns and automatic grenade launchers, as well as diverse sensor packages, facilitating adaptability to specific mission requirements. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Sentinel 30 system is also in service with the Spanish Navy, where it is currently installed on Serviola-class patrol vessels. It is planned for future integration into Spain’s F-110 class frigates. Outside Spain, the Peruvian Navy has acquired Sentinel 30 turrets for use on its Pisco-class multipurpose ships and patrol boats. These systems are paired with Oteos EO tracking and fire control systems. In Peru, Sentinel 30 turrets were installed on the BAP Río Tumbes and BAP Río Locumba patrol boats and underwent site acceptance testing. The Sentinel 30 was also installed on other Peruvian vessels, including the training ship BAP Unión and the multipurpose ship BAP Pisco, along with the SCAMO (Sistema de Control de Armas por Medios Optrónicos), developed in cooperation with the Peruvian state shipbuilder SIMA. The Sentinel 30 is described as a stand-alone system that can be operated independently or integrated with a ship’s combat, navigation, or data systems. It includes remote-control operation from within the vessel and uses video from its EO systems for target detection, identification, and tracking.

According to available data, the Sentinel 30’s electro-optical systems allow for detection, recognition, and identification of a NATO-standard 2.3 m x 2.3 m target at varying ranges depending on the sensor used. With the visible light sensor, detection range reaches 20.28 km, recognition 18.11 km, and identification 13.75 km. With the cooled IR system, detection reaches 18.57 km, recognition 7.82 km, and identification 4.15 km. Additional configurations, using HD CMOS day cameras and other EO elements, allow detection ranges of ≥17.3 km and identification ranges of ≥3.6 km. These figures vary based on target reflectivity, environmental conditions, and sensor configuration.

The Sentinel 30 system is modular and can be integrated on both land and maritime platforms. Its 30 mm Mk44 Bushmaster II cannon can be replaced with a 40 mm variant without modification to the turret. Ammunition is loaded into 200-round boxes, and the turret includes a programmable airburst function. The Oteos EO system functions as a fire control and observation unit, supporting long-range surveillance and automated tracking. The Sentinel 30 and Oteos systems have been evaluated in operational maritime settings, including high sea states, confirming their performance across a range of conditions. The use of modular and automated turrets supports platform versatility and mission adaptability. Modularity allows navies to reconfigure vessels for different tasks, reducing the need for separate ships for specific missions. It also lowers maintenance costs and allows platforms to remain in service longer. Automation reduces the number of required personnel and minimizes exposure to threats. The ODIN-I integrates these features into a mobile land-based system designed for counter-UAS operations, expanding the application of Sentinel 30-based configurations into new operational contexts.