BAE Systems Awarded $120 Million to Improve Military Data Communications

ROCKVILLE, Maryland — BAE Systems has received a $120 million contract to equip up to 400 U.S. Air Force ground vehicles with improved voice and data communications. These capabilities will enable Air Force tactical air controllers to advise ground commanders and coordinate aircraft operations. The program is a component of the Air Force’s Tactical Air Control Party Modernization (TACP-M) program.

Under the contract, which has a maximum potential value of $233 million, BAE Systems will design, produce, and install the TACP-M’s Vehicular Communications System (VCS).

“BAE Systems understands the critical need for improved tactical air control communications as a core capability for our air, sea, and land forces,” said Ted Wright, acting president of the company’s Technology Solutions & Services business area in Rockville, Maryland. “Our long history of supporting Air Force missions will ensure that air controllers will have a superior communications system that provides the best close-air-support available.”

The VCS will provide mobile voice and data communications for Air Force tactical air control parties to operate effectively throughout the battle space. TACPs advise ground commanders and staff on aerospace power capabilities and assist in planning close-air-support operations using vehicle-mounted communications systems, man-pack radios, and digital communications devices.

Use of different communications systems by ground-force units and among a variety of aircraft and command and control nodes requires that the VCS support multiple waveforms and data protocols. Faster and more accurate mission execution is an increasing priority amid growing battlefield data operations.