Multilayer, Network-Centric, Scalable Architecture for Ground Based Air Defence

At Paris Air Show 2017, MBDA presents a new network-centric ground based air defence architecture the company calls NCES (Network-Centric Engagement Solutions). Based on the latest real-time data exchange protocols, it is currently undergoing integration tests with a view to delivery to a military customer in the near future.

“In this approach, sensor resources are networked to develop the best air traffic situation, while ground-to-air resources – whether very short-, short-, or medium-range firing units; or ground-to-air coordination and engagement centres – are also networked to obtain a more effective defence solution,” Franck Seuzaret, Head of Battlefield and Air Defence Systems, explains. “These architectures can be implemented at local level and all the way through to national territory defence. MBDA can provide all the capabilities, sensors, means of communication, coordination centres, firing units, and can also set up a means of engagement architecture to interface with a pre-existing defence structure.” 

Compared to conventional air defence architectures, which can be very hierarchical, networking different resources delivers considerable operational flexibility and very high resilience. With NCES, the organisation of ground based air defence ceases to be constrained by the notion of a battery structured around an organic radar and C2 system, the company explains and continues: “The effectors or launcher systems are acquired by the engagement network immediately on being connected. Similarly, the sensors enhance the air traffic situation as each is added to the network. If a command and control (C2) centre is lost, the missile and sensor equipment attached to it are dynamically taken on board by another C2 centre via the network, with no loss of firepower.”