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)
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
-
Turkey considers ditching F-16 Block 70 request in favour of non-US alternative
Turkish officials are signalling dissatisfaction and contemplating abandoning plans to purchase F-16 Block 70s from the US as the deal stalemates, and the country faces hard economic decisions.
-
Why the F-16 fighter jet remains a force to be reckoned with
The Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jet is still in the limelight over 40 years after its first flight. Shephard sums up the latest developments and tells you everything you need to know about the aircraft in the 2020s.
-
Bell delivers first 505 helicopters to Bahrain
Bahrain already operates other Bell helicopter models and has now received the first three 505 aircraft.
-
Elbit awarded contracts to refit Romanian helicopters, jet trainers
Elbit will supply onboard mission equipment and payloads for Romania's IAR 330 Puma helicopter fleets, as well as new avionics to upgrade the country's IAR 99 trainer jets.