ASTOR : A Far Sighted Strategy For Battlefield Success
Battlefield commanders and peacekeepers are to get a new high technology airborne surveillance system which will give them a greatly improved picture of the situation on the ground, Defence Secretary George Robertson announced today. The £800 million Airborne Stand-Off Radar System (ASTOR) will operate at long distance to give detailed, accurate and up to date information about forces, infrastructure and vehicle movements. A consortium led by Raytheon Systems Ltd has been chosen as preferred bidder for the ASTOR programme, which will create or sustain around 2500 jobs in the United Kingdom. George Robertson said: "This is a big deal for the Armed Forces, a big deal for the companies concerned and a big deal for the United Kingdom. And it is a good deal for all three. Accurate and timely information is crucial to the success of the Armed Forces in a wide range of operations, from humanitarian aid missions to major conflict. If I did not know that before the recent campaign in Kosovo, I certainly know that now. In future, ASTOR will give us what we need better and quicker." ASTOR is a joint Army and RAF requirement which consists of new, highly effective radar systems installed on high-flying Global Express business jets. It will be a significant step forward for the British Armed Forces, and indeed for NATO. "ASTOR will provide UK industry with valuable, high technology work. The company estimates that the project will create or sustain around 2500 jobs in the United Kingdom. There could be over a hundred jobs sustained at Short Brothers in Belfast as a direct result of this decision, with potential for several hundred more either at Shorts or other suppliers in Northern Ireland. "ASTOR's Main Operating Base will be located at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire. This will lead to an increase of around 350 Service and 50 civilian posts at the station." ASTOR is a joint Army and RAF requirement which is expected to enter service in 2005. The radar systems will be mounted on five Global Express business jets. The UK's choice can also now be considered for a similar NATO-wide surveillance system which is currently being studied by the Alliance. A consortium led by Raytheon Systems Ltd has been chosen as the preferred bidder for the development, production and in-service support of ASTOR. The consortium includes Short Brothers, Motorola UK Ltd, GEC Marconi Avionics and Marshall SV. The ASTOR project management team will be located in the UK, and the prime contractor will place work representing 100% of the contract value with UK firms. The Defence Procurement Agency will manage the project under Smart Procurement principles, with an Integrated Project Team involving representatives from industry and the Services.
