NSPA’s request includes spare parts for radar systems and other components. According to the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), NSPA is interested in acquiring AN/APG-68 radar processors, engine control systems, proprietary and non-proprietary components and parts, consumables, and engineering, technical, and logistical support.
Northrop Grumman is expected to be the primary contractor for this order. The fulfillment of this contract will enhance NATO’s ability to respond to threats and improve its reconnaissance, intelligence, and surveillance capabilities.
NATO initially ordered five Global Hawk-based RQ-4D Phoenix drones from the U.S. manufacturer in 2012. The AGS program involves 15 NATO member states: Poland, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the United States. The AGS achieved initial operational capability on February 15, 2021.
The AGS core comprises an air segment, a ground segment, and a support segment. The air segment includes five NATO RQ-4D aircraft, equipped with multi-platform radar technology insertion program (MP-RTIP) and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors, alongside long-range, wideband data links.
The ground segment features various fixed, mobile, and transportable ground stations, offering data-link connectivity, data processing, exploitation capabilities, and interoperability interfaces. It bridges the AGS core system with diverse command, control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C2ISR) systems, and connects with multiple operational users and remote facilities.
The support segment includes mission support facilities at the AGS Main Operating Base in Sigonella. The AGS core system, combined with national contributions, offers NATO significant flexibility in employing its ground surveillance capabilities. This will be further enhanced by additional interoperable airborne surveillance systems under the Joint ISR concept, tailored to the specific needs of Alliance operations or missions.
