Strengthening NATO’s Air Command and Control System
ThalesRaytheonSystems and Leonardo are set to enhance their collaboration across all facets of the Air Command and Control System (ACCS). This partnership will focus on on-site system support, deployment to new locations, and retrofitting existing systems. Furthermore, the ACCS will leverage Leonardo’s cutting-edge innovations in command and control (C2), communication systems, radar signal processing, and ballistic missile defense.
Through this strategic agreement, ThalesRaytheonSystems, Leonardo, and their industrial allies will deliver premier technologies to NATO and national operators. The updated framework promises a more agile and innovative management of ACCS developments. The ACCS has been operational in Italy since March 2015, with ten additional NATO member nations transitioning to this advanced system. Notably, the missile defense aspect has been functioning since 2012, while select Alliance members have utilized the deployable system since 2015.
Designed to bolster territorial sovereignty, the Air Command and Control System (ACCS) enables NATO nations to safeguard their citizens and military forces against air and missile threats. ThalesRaytheonSystems is committed to delivering ACCS, a cohesive and interoperable air command and control solution that empowers member states to conduct diverse air operations over European territories and during overseas engagements. Upon complete deployment, NATO’s ACCS will encompass an impressive 10 million square kilometers of airspace.
Since its inception, over 40 companies from 15 member nations have participated in the ACCS program. Leonardo has been a key partner, providing essential data fusion components that support more than 50 radar types utilized by NATO members.
“At ThalesRaytheonSystems, our goal is to integrate more technology into ACCS, enabling us to present NATO with the latest innovations developed by our industry partners,” stated Thierry Weulersse, CEO of ThalesRaytheonSystems.
“Prior to ACCS, each nation operated its individual systems. With these unified capabilities, NATO members are set to experience a significant transformation in air operations. ThalesRaytheonSystems is dedicated to ongoing investments with our partners in support of NATO’s programs and transformation initiatives,” asserted Thomas Got, Vice President for Air Operations and Weapons Systems at Thales.
“This Memorandum of Understanding signifies further acknowledgment of Leonardo’s contributions to NATO regarding the evolution of ACCS towards Integrated Air Missile Defense. Over the past two decades, we have played a pivotal role in the ACCS project’s definition and development, and we look forward to deepening our partnership with ThalesRaytheonSystems,” remarked Manlio Cuccaro, Deputy Managing Director of Land and Naval Defense Electronics at Leonardo.
