The new build (dubbed ‘ Eisenhower Build’) will provide general and fires command and control capabilities to ground forces, from mission planning to execution. AFATDS is designed to integrate and use information from a variety of sources to create a common operational picture for fire support. The system utilizes the information and common operational picture to plan, coordinate and control battlefield elements, including mortars, close air support, naval gunfire, attack helicopters, offensive electronic warfare, field artillery cannons, rockets and guided missiles.
AFATDS is an Army program with significant joint interest that provides the automated command and control (C2) system for the Fires Warfighting Function used by the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps. To date, more than 5,100 systems are fielded worldwide. In addition to the US military, international AFADTS users include Turkey, Taiwan, Portugal, Bahrain, Egypt and Jordan.
Raytheon supports the program’s full life-cycle, beginning in the development phase, supporting stringent government testing, and supporting the product in the field. For the current 24-month version upgrade Raytheon has received an $81 million contract, with an $18 million reserved for an additional 12-month option.
