The UK Ministry of Defence has launched the assessment phase of a programme to improve the ability of its armed forces to “find, fix and track” time-sensitive mobile ground targets, with its initial emphasis to be placed on the availability of airborne sensors.
Intended to maximise the fusion of data between the UK’s current and future intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance assets, Project Listener will advance from late this year with the choice of two potential lead systems integrators.
The UK Defence Procurement Agency (DPA) is seeking expressions of interest from potential bidders this month and will issue an invitation to tender for the requirement in mid-May, with responses sought by 15 July. Two separate contracts will be awarded by year-end to conduct parallel risk-reduction studies to conclude during 2008. One bidder will then receive a demonstration and manufacturing phase contract to conduct a phased integration of sensors on to airborne, ground and maritime platforms. The programme will be valued at up to £100 million ($175 million), says the DPA.
Possible installations for Project Listener equipment include “legacy platforms, communications bearers or ground stations”, the MoD says. Listener is closely linked to Project Dabinett, which seeks to fill gaps in the UK’s ability to collect and interpret strategic, operational and tactical intelligence data.
CRAIG HOYLE / LONDON
Source: Flight International