ThalesRaytheonSystems

In the current global threat environment, ThalesRaytheonSystems' integrated Air Command and Control System (ACCS) allows NATO to gain full situational awareness in the conduct of air operations.

Standing as NATO's first-ever unified system that relies on a single consistent and secure database, ACCS is the first and only existing system capable of supporting NATO's ability to quickly intervene in distant theaters using the speed and flexibility of its air power.

The system provides NATO with a comprehensive approach that spans planning, tasking, monitoring and mission execution for the support of air operations both in and out of the Euro-Atlantic area.

Its standardized communication protocols ensure full interoperability with Air Ground Surveillance (AGS) and integration with Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, allowing for the seamless management of air operations, from planning to execution.

As a fully deployable and sheltered system composed of a Deployable Combined Air Operations Center (DCAOC) and Deployable Air Control Center, a RAP Production Center, and a Sensor Fusion Post (DARS), ACCS is designed to best assist NATO in NATO out-of-area operations.

Given its unique features, ACCS reinforces NATO's core mission of collective defense, making the idea of a ‘one sky, one command and control’ a reality.

Since the program was launched in 1999, 17 ACCS sites have been at location installed across NATO Europe. Additional ACCS site will be installed over the next decade to enhance NATO's air operations capability, and gradually replacing a wide variety of NATO and national air systems currently in operation across the Alliance (Air C2 systems). ACCS successfully fast-forwards NATO's transition toward a single, seamless approach for the command and control of all air operations. Once fully deployed, ACCS will cover 10 million square kilometers of NATO airspace using over 25 military aircraft control centers enabling the Alliance to defend against any air and missile threat and attack.

With the proliferation of ballistic missile technology and the variety of numerous challenging scenarios that NATO currently faces, ThalesRaytheonSystems is one of the few companies in the world capable of providing NATO with an air and ballistic missile defense capability through its integrated Air Command and Control System (ACCS).

ACCS is a game-changer for NATO as it provides the Alliance with a comprehensive approach that spans planning, tasking, monitoring and mission execution.

NATO first contracted ThalesRaytheonSystems with developing and installing ACCS at sites across NATO member nations to insure air sovereignty and air defense. To extend the reach of the system to protect deployed forces, NATO then contracted ThalesRaytheonSystems to add capability for a Theatre Missile Defense layer (TMD1) onto ACCS in 2011.

Building upon its proven expertise, ThalesRaytheonSystems has forged a strong network of partners – working hand-in-hand with various industrial groups across 17 countries – to deliver this critical capability.

The current ACCS includes sensor and weapon system configuration, real-time and organization-wide management and coverage, air and missile track processing, dissemination, classification, display and alerting. All sites use the same set of hardware and software, greatly increasing situational awareness, engagement management, monitoring and control. Already equipped with state-of-the-art technology, ACCS is continuously evolving to better fit the security needs of NATO, moving well beyond the protection of theatres of operation. Considering its solid track record, ThalesRaytheonSystems stands as the most reliable supplier for NATO to advance to the next stage of this integrated air and missile defense command and control system and into territorial ballistic missile defense (Territorial BMD) to include the protection of territory and civilian populations at a time when the alliance most needs it.

Facing the wide diversity of ever evolving threats requires nations to transition air defense systems toward Integrated Air and Missile Defense solutions. Today's conventional threats are rapidly evolving from very low up to very high altitude, such as UAVs, cruise missiles, as well as ballistic missiles.

In recent years, the worldwide proliferation and advancement of missile technology as required the acquisition of dedicated sensors and surface to air missile systems to complement existing assets, thus responding to ballistic missile threat with a multi-layer defense system.

Modern armed forces are seeking enhanced command and control capabilities to improve global effectiveness and readiness of their system, leveraging the wide range of sensors and effectors with no disruption of day-to-day operations.

ACCS provides NATO with such an integrated defense system ensuring optimum protection for all potential threatened areas.

Given its unique features, ACCS changes the face of air operations in Europe, providing NATO with a comprehensive approach that spans planning, tasking, monitoring and mission execution.

A Theatre Missile Defense (TMD1) layer already complements ACCS, serving to defend the civilian populations of NATO member countries against the threat of short range ballistic missiles. Nevertheless, as NATO continues to face constantly evolving threats, ThalesRaytheonSystems is well positioned to help NATO transition to territorial ballistic missile defense (Territorial BMD). This will provide NATO members with a more comprehensive form of protection that goes beyond theaters of operations.