Middle East stays hungry for multi-domain C4I
Demand in the Middle East for ‘total systems integration’ in C4I reflects a broader interest in developing robust joint operating capabilities.
UK and US agree Airseeker support extension to 2035
A RC-135W Rivet Joint lands at RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire (Photo: UK MoD)
Airseeker support has been extended to 2035 following an agreement between the UK and US.
The UK has announced it has extended a support agreement out to 2035 with the US for three RAF Airseeker electronic surveillance aircraft – designated RC-135W Rivet Joint – in a deal worth £970 million.
The agreement covers maintenance, spare parts, engineering support, technical data and access to capability updates, according to a Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) statement.
Airseeker support falls under the Rivet Joint Cooperative Programme which had been due to lapse in 2025.
‘The Rivet Joint Cooperative Programme is a fantastic example of the UK/US special relationship and the support for our Airseeker fleet has been extended for a further decade,’ said Jeremy Quin, minister for defence procurement.
‘With a commitment to invest almost £1 billion, this agreement will ensure that we, and our allies, can benefit from the aircraft’s impressive surveillance capability for years to come.’
The aircraft, operated from RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire, by 51 Squadron have been used in counterinsurgency missions in the Middle East relying on its sensor capabilities to detect, identify and geolocate signals throughout the electromagnetic spectrum, DE&S noted.
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Middle East stays hungry for multi-domain C4I]()
-
![Rheinmetall to set up Hungarian JV for digitisation]()
Rheinmetall to set up Hungarian JV for digitisation
Rheinmetall is buying a 25.1% stake in 4iG and setting up a JV in Hungary to drive its digitisation plans.
-
![COW, FUDGE and VINNI tell a tale for Norwegian 5G research]()
COW, FUDGE and VINNI tell a tale for Norwegian 5G research
The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency is looking to exploit public and private 5G networks and has conducted trials involving a 5G network aboard a trailer as well as the use of gunshot detection systems and drones.
-
![Northrop Grumman provides JADC2 connectivity punch for FVL]()
Northrop Grumman provides JADC2 connectivity punch for FVL
Northrop Grumman has proven JADC2 connectivity capabilities in support of FVL networking.
-
![Giraffe stretches with high mast]()
Giraffe stretches with high mast
Finnish-Swedish industry collaboration helps AESA radar to detect low-flying missiles and UAVs, says Saab.
-
![USAF taps industry for space situational awareness satellite bus]()
USAF taps industry for space situational awareness satellite bus
USAF aims to use small satellite bus beyond equatorial geosynchronous orbit.
