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
-
![FY2027 budget request highlights shift in USAF’s future aerial refuelling priorities]()
FY2027 budget request highlights shift in USAF’s future aerial refuelling priorities
The USAF’s Next-Generation Aerial Refuelling Programme is coming under scrutiny in the wake of the Pentagon’s FY2027 budget request, signalling a change in how the force could prioritise the modernisation of its tanker fleet.
-
![Australia’s revised defence investment plan: what it means for air warfare]()
Australia’s revised defence investment plan: what it means for air warfare
The Australian government’s 2026 National Defence Strategy has unveiled a major spending uplift planned for the Royal Australian Air Force, focused on upgrading its air combat and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, as well as upping investment in uncrewed aerial systems.
-
![What does the FY2027 US budget signal for the country’s future airpower plans?]()
What does the FY2027 US budget signal for the country’s future airpower plans?
The record-breaking defence budget request focuses on bolstering some core next-generation aircraft programmes across each domain, although questions remain on the US's commitment to some key defence programmes.
