Omniglobe Solutions awarded NATO AGS sub-contract

Omniglobe Solutions will provide its software-based Internal Communication and Recording system for the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) programme. The company was awarded a contract for the equipment by General Dynamics Canada.

Omniglobe's Omni-COM software will support the Communications Group Control System (CGCS) being delivered by General Dynamics Canada for the programme. It will be fielded in both the strategic and deployable command centres that support the surveillance elements of the programme.

The CGCS will monitor and control radio and satellite communications between Global Hawk unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and the main operating base in Sigonella, Italy. General Dynamics Canada will also deliver ruggedised computer workstations and the Omniglobe Solutions’ Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) intercom systems that will enable communications between operators at the operating base and with mobile command centres. In addition, the company will provide engineering support for the integration of its software and systems at programme leader Northrop Grumman’s US facilities and at the main operating base in Italy.

The NATO AGS programme aims to establish an airborne ground surveillance system that can provide NATO commanders with a comprehensive picture of activity on the ground. It includes five Northrop Grumman high-altitude, long-endurance Global Hawks missionised to NATO requirements, and associated command and control ground vehicles and base stations. Once deployed, the AGS system will enable NATO and its coalition partners to gather intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information to support military and humanitarian operations. 

With its main operating base at Sigonella, NATO AGS will be co-located with the US Air Force Global Hawks and the US Navy MQ-4C Triton UAS. Initial operational capability for the programme is scheduled for 2016.