UK RAF finds Guardian for aerial threat protection
RAF Typhoons, like these pictured above, are dispatched to intercept or escort aircraft detected by Guardian in UK airspace. (Photo: UK MoD)
RAF approves the Guardian system for improved detection and management of aerial threats.
The UK RAF’s new C2 system to protect from aerial threats, named Guardian, has had IOC declared following the roll-out of a Control Reporting Centre at RAF Boulmer, Northumberland.
Guardian and the Control Reporting Centre together provide a dynamic, real-time map of both friendly and hostile aircraft.
Managed by Defence Equipment and Support, the procurement arm of the UK MoD, and delivered by IBM, the system links the radars and radios of the UK and NATO to communicate between the ground and aircraft.
Guardian will also be installed at RAF 78 Squadron in Swanwick, Hampshire.
The Control Reporting Centres operate 24/7 and will have 50 dual workstations at Boulmer and 29 dual workstations at Swanwick, which could be staffed by more than 100 RAF battlespace management personnel at the two sites.
Guardian enables the RAF to despatch fighter jets to identify, intercept and escort aircraft that are suspected of being a threat.
The system also receives early warnings from NATO reporting centres to prepare the UK for incoming potential threats.
The contract with IBM covers equipment delivery and the first five years of logistic support up to 2027.
More from Air Warfare
-
![What will the replacement of A-10s by F-35s mean for the US Air Force?]()
What will the replacement of A-10s by F-35s mean for the US Air Force?
The USAF plans to phase out its 162 in-operation A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthogs by the end of FY2026, replacing them with F-35As which will bring a leap in capabilities in terms of lethality, survivability and speed.
-
![Embraer turns to AI solution for A-29 Super Tucano CUAS evolution]()
Embraer turns to AI solution for A-29 Super Tucano CUAS evolution
The AI solution is called Gunslinger, which will be used to assist the pilot in decision-making for counter-drone operations.
-
![European Defence Agency picks Airbus Helicopters’ Capa-X for M2UAS project]()
European Defence Agency picks Airbus Helicopters’ Capa-X for M2UAS project
The multi-mission uncrewed platform project is aiming to help the EU agency define new drone designs that are capable of performing a wide range of mission sets with one adaptable airframe.
-
![Anduril marks new milestones with YFQ-44A flight tests as USAF plans further demos]()
Anduril marks new milestones with YFQ-44A flight tests as USAF plans further demos
A production decision on Increment 1 of the CCA Programme is due to be made by the end of the year, with further demonstrations building on F-22 Raptor and MQ-20 Avenger teaming flight tests.
