Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Collins Aerospace to advance RAF tactical air command and control

Defence

Collins Aerospace to advance RAF tactical air command and control

The Royal Air Force (RAF) has selected the Collins Aerospace Systems FasTAK Gateway to advance its tactical data link capabilities on the ground as part of the RAF’s Air Support Operations Squadron Digital Command and Control experimentation programme.

Image courtesy Collins Aerospace

The FasTAK Gateway makes it possible to share a tactical view to all connected air, ground and maritime units. Collins Aerospace is a unit of Raytheon Technologies Corp.

“The FasTAK Gateway provides an affordable, complete Link 16 data link picture to tactical ground users and its modular design and software-driven integration approach enables Collins to reconfigure the system to add new data links in the future,” said Heather Robertson, vice president and general manager, Integrated Solutions for Collins Aerospace.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

The FasTAK Gateway features the Collins Aerospace TacNet Tactical Radio Link 16 terminal along with data link processor software, running on mainstream laptop hardware, that manages the data links, radio frequencies and data forwarding for the equipment in a lightweight, transportable container.

The ruggedised system transitions from transport to operational in 20 minutes. It delivers certified Link 16, Variable Message Format (VMF), Situational Awareness Data-Link (SADL) and Cursor on Target (CoT) communications with growth to integrate with a future all-domain operational environment.

For more than 20 years, Collins Aerospace has provided data link and integrated system solutions for the US, NATO and coalition forces that have improved communication and speed for successful tactical operations. Collins Aerospace is a unit of Raytheon Technologies Corp.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle

 

 

Advertisement
ECS leaderboard banner
UK and European allies to develop advanced surface-to-air weapon

Defence

UK and European allies to develop advanced surface-to-air weapon

20 February 2026

UK Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP has announced today that Britain and its European allies will be better defended as they group together to develop advanced air defence weapons to protect European skies and strengthen NATO's shield.

BAE Systems rolls out CV9035 MkIV to Slovak Armed Forces

Defence Events

BAE Systems rolls out CV9035 MkIV to Slovak Armed Forces

20 February 2026

The CV9035 MkIV for the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic has been unveiled during a ceremonial rollout at BAE Systems Hägglunds in Sweden.

Wales to be UK launchpad for advanced autonomous tech

Aerospace Defence Security

Wales to be UK launchpad for advanced autonomous tech

20 February 2026

Thousands of skilled workers in Wales will be involved in the design, testing and manufacture of advanced autonomous technologies and unmanned systems, as a landmark £50 million Defence Growth Deal positions the nation at the forefront of Britain’s defence future.

BAE Systems and SURVICE partner on uncrewed air systems

Defence

BAE Systems and SURVICE partner on uncrewed air systems

20 February 2026

BAE Systems FalconWorks and SURVICE Engineering have signed a Framework Agreement to enable collaboration on the development of uncrewed air system (UAS) technologies.

Advertisement
ODU RT
BAE Systems completes trials of ATLAS UGV

Defence

BAE Systems completes trials of ATLAS UGV

19 February 2026

BAE Systems has completed the latest trials of its Autonomous Tactical Light Armour System (ATLAS) Uncrewed Ground Vehicle (UGV).

Galvion unveils Hellbender ultra-lightweight helmet

Defence

Galvion unveils Hellbender ultra-lightweight helmet

19 February 2026

Galvion has unveiled the Batlskin Hellbender UL (Ultra-Light) helmet — a new ultra-lightweight ballistic head system developed to meet the evolving needs of modern armed forces operating at scale and seeking force-wide standardisation.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Advertisement
ECS leaderboard banner