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Air defense command and control solution from IBM
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The goal
Improve air defenses with cost-effective components
Is your current national air defense able to exchange data and information with defense forces and allies in realtime? The air defense command and control solution from IBM uses commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components to meet requirements established by your military.

The advantage
Why IBM?
IBM's proven air defense command and control solution has helped countries upgrade or replace their existing air defense systems, while streamlining operations, reducing costs, and simplifying maintenance and service.

The foundation of every air defense command and control system is built with IT components. IBM has been providing IT solutions for nearly 100 years. We have a long history of implementing winning IT-based solutions for governments. Our experience allows us to reuse ideas, concepts and designs so we can deliver a solution faster, with lower risk, for a lower cost.

The benefits
Meeting air defense requirements—on a budget
In an intelligent move away from traditional defense procurement, the air defense command and control solution from IBM makes extensive use of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware and software. This provides you with proven reliability and shorter development time.

Our solution is built on past successes—the Falkland Islands Air Defense Command System delivered by IBM in 1999 and the UKADGE (United Kingdom Air Defense Ground Environment) Capability Maintenance Programme, which is scheduled to become operational in 2004.

Our solutions are tailored to match your defense requirements and schedule. While specific components for your needs may differ, a typical solution would include the real-time ability to:
  • Import and display radar pictures.
  • Track the location of every aircraft.
  • Distinguish friendly units from others.
  • Communicate by voice between operators and fighters.
  • Exchange critical data.
  • Avoid friendly-force errors.

The approach
IBM solution solves U.K. Air Defense dilemma
An air defense command and control solution from IBM is scheduled to provide air defense security for the United Kingdom beginning in 2004. It will replace the country’s current service that dates back to the 1980s. Rather than patch their existing system or risk losing their defensive edge, the Ministry of Defense chose to replace it with UKADGE (United Kingdom Air Defense Ground Environment) Capability Maintenance Programme. The new system makes extensive use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components, so it will cost less to deploy, maintain and expand than their present proprietary-based system.

The new system provided by the air defense command and control solution from IBM is designed to provide displays and controls for 160 air defense operators with functions that include:
  • Radar interfacing
  • Air track generation and management
  • Graphical map and data display and control
  • Voice and data communications
  • Database replication and management
  • System management

The financial advantage
Protect your budget without cutting corners
The benefits of replacing an aging air defense system extend beyond national security and safety. A modern air defense command and control solution from IBM can also help protect your defense budget.

The use of affordable commercial off-the-shelf components means:
  • Deployment expenses are minimized.
  • Long-term maintenance expenses are reduced.
  • Data sharing across platforms—internally and with allies is cost-effective.
  • Future expansions, upgrades or merges are less expensive.