Joint Tactical Ground Station processes data directly down-linked from satellite sensors and distributes missile launch information to warfighters
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – May 22, 2018 – The U.S. Army and Northrop Grumman
Jointly cutting the ribbon at improved Joint Tactical Ground Station (JTAGS) facility in Japan, from left: Capt. Lee Schroeder, commander, Delta Detachment, 1st Space Company, JTAGS, Japan; Hoda Phillips, JTAGS program manager, Northrop Grumman; Col. R. Scott Jobe, commander, 35th Fighter Wing, Misawa Air Base, Japan; Craig Bergquist, director, JTAGS Product Office, Missile Defense and Space Systems, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command
The work is part of the pre-planned product improvement program previously awarded to Northrop Grumman to modernize JTAGS. The system was first fielded in 1997 to provide in-theater missile warning using data directly from satellite sensors.
“JTAGS is perpetually ‘on duty’ and ‘first to see, first to report’ on ballistic missile launches,” said Dan Verwiel, vice president and general manager, missile defense and protective systems, Northrop Grumman. “Our continuing collaboration with the Army has enabled even greater capabilities to protect our joint warfighters and allies.”
Northrop Grumman updated JTAGS hardware, software and communication systems. Additional JTAGS data sources include the Space Based Infrared System geosynchronous scanner and highly elliptical orbit feeds. Improvements were also made to soldier-machine interfaces and for cyber protection.
JTAGS receives and processes data directly down-linked from the Defense Support Program and other infrared satellite sensors. JTAGS then disseminates near-real-time warning, alerting and cueing information on ballistic missile launches and other tactical events of interest throughout the theater using multiple communications networks.
Under the direction of the Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, Northrop Grumman has been the JTAGS prime contractor since 1994, responsible for developing, fielding, maintaining and enhancing the system worldwide.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. Please visit news.northropgrumman.com and follow us on Twitter, @NGCNews, for more information.
|