Persisent Systems to roll out regional network for US Air Force bases
Malmstrom AFB is one of three sites to receive IRON networking capability. (Photo: USAF)
Persistent Systems will deliver Infrastructure-based Regional Operation Network (IRON) functionality across three major USAF missile bases to improve situation awareness for security forces.
Persistent Systems has been awarded a $75.5 million contract by the USAF supporting Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) in rolling out the company's Infrastructure-based Regional Operation Network (IRON) across three air bases as part of the Regional Operating Picture (ROP) programme.
Persistent's Wave Relay network will enable airmen equipped with MANET devices to share voice, video, chat, sensor, and GPS data. IRON will extend this network over a 25,000-square-mile area, connecting edge networks into a unified Battlespace Awareness Network.
ROP utilises IRON antennas on fixed towers and poles to connect 75 operation centres and over 1,000 security force vehicles.
Related Articles
Persistent Systems shows early developmental model version of new display
Why China's surveillance balloon is more intriguing than alarming
'The first step will be to roll out ROP across Malmstrom, Minot, and FE Warren Air Force Bases with eventually more to come,' said Adrien Robenhymer, Persistent's VP of business development.
IRON is also used with networked weapons, base defences, distribution of over-the-horizon communications for airborne counterinsurgency, and to support the USAF Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept for dealing with near-peer powers targeting large air bases.
The ROP programme has already commenced deploying IRON systems across the missile fields and work will continue over the next three years.
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![Romania approved for additional $280 million Patriot Air Defence System buy]()
Romania approved for additional $280 million Patriot Air Defence System buy
The possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) from the US will cover the system and any related equipment with Lockheed Martin and RTX as primary contractors.
-
![Polaris to unveil new MRZR Alpha base vehicle at Modern Day Marine]()
Polaris to unveil new MRZR Alpha base vehicle at Modern Day Marine
The new platform was designed to provide 1KW of exportable power as standard and has been developed in partnership with the US Marine Corps (USMC).
-
![British Army details Ajax plans]()
British Army details Ajax plans
Of the six variants in the Ajax programme – reconnaissance (Ajax), reconnaissance support (Ares), C2 (Athena), equipment repair (Apollo), equipment recovery (Atlas) and engineering reconnaissance (Argus) – the Ajax reconnaissance version is now entering service.
-
![CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)]()
CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)
The BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 IFV has been around for decades but continual refreshing to maintain power and relevance, along with a healthy market at home in Sweden and neighbouring countries, has led to more than 1,700 vehicle orders with 10 countries.
-
![Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order]()
Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order
The order further extends the Oshkosh Defense production line as AM General, selected for US orders, pushes to get vehicles out the door with no room for export orders.
-
![US and Europe continue moves to boost 155mm munitions production]()
US and Europe continue moves to boost 155mm munitions production
The new US facility for 155mm artillery projectiles is a reflection of a worldwide trend which has also seen Rheinmetall and BAE Systems working to improve capability in the same area.
