France, Italy, Spain and the UK have launched a joint programme to develop a new Airborne System Target Recognition Identification and Designation (ASTRID) system by the end of the decade.
The fourth-generation pod will build on the BAE Systems/ Thales Joanna demonstrator programme, which may be expanded to include Italy and Spain. Key ASTRID capabilities will include improved target identification and battle damage assessment; greater stand-off range for platform survivability; and automated search, detection, recognition and identification with man-in-the-loop control and target prioritisation.
It is also intended to provide an all weather capability by integrating the system with other sensors such a radar to provide composite targeting data.
Source: Flight International