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
ODU RT

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
Security & Policing Rectangle

 

 

Advertisement
ECS leaderboard banner
Airfield upgrade under way at RAF Coningsby

Defence

Airfield upgrade under way at RAF Coningsby

11 February 2026

A £28 million project to upgrade the airfield at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire is now under way, supporting the station's vital role in defending UK airspace around the clock.

Avon Protection launches EXOSKIN-S2 CBRN protective suit

Defence Security

Avon Protection launches EXOSKIN-S2 CBRN protective suit

11 February 2026

Avon Protection has expanded its EXOSKIN protective ensemble range with the EXOSKIN-S2 high-performance CBRN suit, designed for operators in the military, first responder and special forces segments.

HMG Paints develops apprenticeship pathways

Aerospace Defence

HMG Paints develops apprenticeship pathways

11 February 2026

As National Apprenticeship Week reaches its 19th year, HMG Paints is continuing its commitment to workforce development within the sector through a showcase of the various development pathways found within apprenticeships in the business.

Raytheon

Defence

Raytheon's Coyote NK variant defeats multiple drone swarms

11 February 2026

RTX's Raytheon has successfully showcased the capabilities of its Coyote Block 3 Non-Kinetic (NK) system during a recent US Army demo.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Red Hat to improve MoD

Defence

Red Hat to improve MoD's digital delivery

11 February 2026

Red Hat today announced a new enterprise agreement with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to provide centralised and scalable access to Red Hat's hybrid cloud platforms and a consistent security footprint, enhancing cloud-native and AI capabilities and improving interoperability across MoD operations and approved third-party providers ...

Brandwatch and Blackbird.AI to deliver advanced IEAC to NATO

Defence

Brandwatch and Blackbird.AI to deliver advanced IEAC to NATO

10 February 2026

Social intelligence and social media management firm, Brandwatch and Blackbird.AI, a provider of narrative intelligence, today announced their consortium has been selected by the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA), on behalf of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), to deliver an advanced Information Environment ...

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Advertisement
General Atomics LB