UK MoD Deploys Globalstar SPOT Gen4 for RAF Force Protection training
Image courtesy Globalstar
RAF Force Protection is responsible for protecting the RAF at home and abroad, and RAF Honington Station in Suffolk is its headquarters. The Station hosts initial and ongoing specialist training for the RAF's entire Force Protection capability.
As of April 2022, every Force Protection serviceperson participating in training exercises, which are carried out in rugged and isolated areas, is safeguarded by reliable tracking and SOS support thanks to their SPOT Gen4 devices and Globalstar’s enabling fleet of satellites in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO).
RAF Force Protection previously used a tracking system based on GSM mobile technology, but it was deemed to have insufficient reach across all remote training locations. Additionally, the GSM-based system was not cost-effective.
Other satellite-based systems were also evaluated, but SPOT Gen4 was determined the ideal solution due to its ruggedness, ease of use, and economy. The flexibility, cost-efficiency and convenience of Globalstar’s unlimited airtime packages were also strong influencers in the MOD’s procurement decision.
“The RAF Regiment are at the heart of Next Generation Force Protection for Air & Space Power. Their arduous training, which enables them to operate in the highest risk environments, demands that we provide the most advanced capabilities to reliably track our servicepeople in training, and to know that they’re OK at all times,” says Air Commodore Jamie Thompson, Force Protection Force Commander and Air Officer Force Protection.
“Thanks to the reach and reliability of Globalstar’s satellite network and SPOT Gen4, we now have the assurance that we can continuously monitor our personnel as they carry out their training exercises, and that they can rapidly get emergency help if needed,” Air Commodore Thompson added.
In the event of an emergency, one press of SPOT’s SOS button instantly sends an alert along with the user’s GPS co-ordinates to an operations centre to facilitate speedy rescue.
The deployment was facilitated by Globalstar’s specialist partner, Centerprise International. Established in 1983, Centerprise has long been a key and trusted supplier of IT software and hardware to the UK MoD.
Mark Brady, Director, Defence & Security at Centerprise International, commented, “Personnel safety is a high priority for the MoD during training and we’re delighted that Globalstar’s SPOT Gen4 devices are now enabling RAF Force Protection to reliably monitor its teams during rigorous field exercises, and ensuring that users get urgent assistance if ever needed.”
SPOT Gen4: the newest member of award-winning SPOT family
SPOT Gen4 is the newest member of Globalstar’s award-winning SPOT device family. Launched in EMEA in August 2020, latest generation SPOT Gen4 offers enhanced mapping interfaces, more display options, improved water resistance, and geofencing, among other improvements.
The buttons on SPOT Gen4 can be flexibly configured to send pre-programmed messages, with options for transmission types. Users can check in with colleagues via the OK button and SPOT can be used for other non-emergency communications using the Help button.
“We’re extremely proud that the UK MoD selected SPOT Gen4 to support RAF Force Protection, enabling tracking and SOS emergency help for personnel as they participate in essential training,” said Mark O’Connell, General Manager EMEA and APAC at Globalstar.
The award-winning SPOT family of devices is to date credited with over 8,500 rescues worldwide.
RAF Honington in Suffolk is the home of RAF Force Protection who are responsible for protecting RAF and Defence Air & Space power at home and abroad. The Station is the centre of excellence for delivering the RAF’s vision of Next Generation Force Protection. Embracing technology and fusing it with the specialist skills provided by the RAF Regiment and RAF Police, the Force is consistently deployed on global operations ranging from Counter-UAS activity through to training our international allies and partners in Force Protection. RAF Honington is home to over 1,500 Whole Force personnel.
Founded in 1983, Centerprise International is a UK IT value-added reseller and manufacturer, providing end-to-end IT solutions in collaboration with best-of-breed IT innovation partners and has a proven understanding of the UK's regulated IT landscape.
Globalstar pioneered personal safety by introducing its SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger in 2007. Today, leveraging its low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, Globalstar reliably connects and protects assets, transmits key operational data and saves lives – from any location – for consumers, industrial companies and government agencies in over 120 countries.
