NATO ACCS set for full deployment

Testing for the NATO Air Command and Control System (ACCS) programme has now been completed by ThalesRaytheonSystems (TRS), with the system’s ability to operate in a network configuration linking sites across Europe successfully demonstrated.

TRS testing showed that pilot sites at Lyon Mont Verdun in France, Glons in Belgium, Uedem in Germany and Poggio Renatico in Italy could be linked by the ACCS, with military air movement operations handled daily. The number of military operations handled on a daily basis during the testing was higher than for any operations conducted up to now.

The testing showed the system’s high level of performance and its ability to interconnect NATO and National Air Command and Control (AirC2) units across four European nations into a single integrated AirC2 system.

Enzo Montalti, director AirC2 programme office and services, NATO Communications and Information Agency, said: ‘This success marks a key milestone in the adoption of the ACCS system by NATO member nations. It will be phased in alongside existing national systems and then replace them progressively, ultimately enabling member nations to plan and conduct air operations together in a full automated manner.’

Philippe Duhamel, CEO, TRS, added: ‘This is the last milestone before full deployment of ACCS in all European NATO nations. Once fully deployed, the system will protect 10 million sq km of European airspace against a range of threats by coordinating systems in member nations.’

ACCS is designed to adapt to new operational challenges as NATO operations evolve, with continued advancements to AirC2 or additional ballistic missile defence capabilities. ACCS will provide the solid command and control foundation needed for future alliance missions. As a ‘smart’ defence system, ACCS provides all NATO nations with a common basis for training, standard procedures and centralised maintenance, in order to reduce support costs and increase staffing flexibility.