Eurosatory 2026: BAE Systems’ new digital fires system to be ready for demonstration this year
The fire control system has an open architecture to enable customer hardware selection freedom. (Image: BAE Systems)
BAE Systems is presenting its Next Generation Indirect Fire Control System at Eurosatory 2026. It is designed to connect large calibre guns with wider sensor and effector networks to provide targeting information more quickly.
BAE Systems is developing a new digital fires system, currently called Next Generation Indirect Fire Control System as a placeholder, which is designed to increase the precision, speed and connectivity of artillery operations.
The system is designed to support indirect fires while connecting individual guns with wider sensor and effector networks, allowing data to move seamlessly across operations to artillery crews at the point of fire.
According to company officials the software is weapon and sensor agnostic with fused data creating targeting information which can be provided to a range of devices such as tablets or larger vehicle-mounted multi-function displays.
Related Articles
Australia sends M777 artillery pieces to Ukraine
British Army’s commitment to L118 105mm light gun may be death knell for Light Fires Platform
The design enables the system to operate across different artillery platforms and digital environments, allowing operators to incorporate sensors, command systems and other effectors as part of a connected ecosystem.
An underlying concept for the system is to take legacy systems, including BAE Systems weapons such as the light gun and M777 towed howitzer, and improve the speed, accuracy and interoperability of those systems.
The company argues it is a way of adding modern digital fire control without replacing the underlying platform and overcomes the obsolescence and end of life systems that some operators are currently facing.
An official said: “The capability that we’re developing connects sensors and command networks, and artillery platforms through a scalable digital architecture but it still retains an on gun fire control and pointing system.
“This is a modernised system integrated with the lessons that we’re seeing in Ukraine, and how forces want to use artillery systems now and in the future.
“We are currently developing the software and testing as we go through and we are doing sprint cycles throughout the year to hit an end of the year demonstration where we can present to customers.”
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Eurosatory 2026
-
![Eurosatory 2026: What has become of the Main Ground Combat System?]()
Eurosatory 2026: What has become of the Main Ground Combat System?
The Main Ground Combat System has had a troubled life. With repeated delays and competition on the horizon, the programme may be approaching the end of the road.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: France seeks strategic autonomy with Long-Range Ground Strike system]()
Eurosatory 2026: France seeks strategic autonomy with Long-Range Ground Strike system
As countries across Europe strive to acquire new multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) off the shelf, France has opted to develop its own to ensure it maintains domestic capability.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: has the time finally come for Oshkosh’s hybrid electric JLTV?]()
Eurosatory 2026: has the time finally come for Oshkosh’s hybrid electric JLTV?
Oshkosh Defense’s hybrid electric Joint Light Tactical Vehicle offers the standard benefits of this type in scenarios such as silent watch and silent running as well as providing power for recharging systems. The company is arguing its 115kW power opens other roles too, particularly counter-drone.
-
![Upgrades and fresh orders reinforce demand for Dassault’s Rafale fighter jet (updated 2026)]()
Upgrades and fresh orders reinforce demand for Dassault’s Rafale fighter jet (updated 2026)
The French-made aircraft is lining up potentially huge orders in Asia, with the latest F5 platform designed to keep the jet relevant in the modern battlespace until the 2040s.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: new and improved vehicles and counter-drone technology foreshadowed]()
Eurosatory 2026: new and improved vehicles and counter-drone technology foreshadowed
Eurosatory is the world’s largest defence show with more than 2,000 exhibitors listed and more than 43,000 visitors expected, as the show expands to a floorspace of 185,000m². Uncrewed systems and effectors to defeat them, as well as 4x4 vehicles, are all set to be focal points at the event.
-
![France air focus: Lower-cost sovereign capabilities propel $11.38 billion UAV market]()
France air focus: Lower-cost sovereign capabilities propel $11.38 billion UAV market
France is estimated to be Europe’s second-highest spender on UAVs, with a market focused on domestic production, loitering munitions and lower-cost sovereign systems. Its spending profile highlights substantial future market opportunities while reflecting broader industry trends.
