NATO uses technology provided by UTI Grup within the Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) System
UTI Grup has provided core modules for two important software components of NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance System: the software command and control application for the main command and control center (MOS – Mission Operation Support) and the software application for the Transportable General Ground Stations – TGGS. The software applications provide voice and message communications, data storage, interoperability and data disseminations among the participants in military operations. The applications have been successfully tested and accepted by NATO, being integrated within the NATO AGS system in place at the air base in Sigonella, Italy.
AGS launch event in Sigonella
Main command and control center in Sigonella
For the hardware part of the AGS System, UTI Grup, through Defense Engineering – one of its member companies, has designed, certified and executed shielded transport cases meant to protect the IT and electronic equipment of the command and control center during transportation, storage and deployment in the field. These cases are equipped with all the logistics necessary to assure data communications and allow proper functioning under extreme conditions, being tested in NATO’s specialized laboratories and proving fully operational under extreme vibrations, mechanical shock and humidity conditions.
Transport case deployed within a transportable ground station
Considering the importance of the system and its application, the quality assurance and control requirements have been observed and implemented in compliance with NATO’s most exigent standards applicable to this project.
UTI’s participation in the AGS program involved a team of more than 60 hardware and software specialists and represents the company’s continuous endeavor to invest in defense-related research activities.
The AGS program was initiated in 2013 and involves representative companies of 15 countries, coordinated by Northrop Grumman, an American technology company, while the Italian company Leonardo was the main contractor for Europe. UTI Grup takes part in the program as subcontractor of Leonardo, the value of the contract between the two companies amounting to 9 mil. Euro.
This NATO program was implemented to support joint intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for all the 28 NATO allies and to give decision makers a comprehensive picture of the terrestrial situation. The system developed within the AGS project will protect ground troops and civilians, will improve border control and maritime safety, will help with the fight against terrorism and will enhance crisis management and humanitarian assistance operations in response to natural disasters.
The launch event took place at Sigonella air base in Italy on January 17, 2020 where two of the five remotely-piloted aircraft for high altitude terrestrial surveillance and reconnaissance were presented.
The AGS system has been acquired by 15 Allies (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and the United States) and soon the allied countries will use this system to which UTI Grup is proud to have greatly contributed, as representative of Romania.
More details about the implemented products:
Full protection system of IT&C equipment – KProtector
* Photo credit: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/photos_172712.htm
