The RAF's new Air Surveillance Command and Control System sees fulltime operations return to RAF Boulmer.
GUARDIAN, the UK's new Air Command and Control System has been installed in RAF Boulmer's Control and Reporting Centre. The upgrade will enable us to provide more effective support to the Ministry of Defence, Home Office, and NATO tasks, including, Air Policing and Counter-Terrorism.
Our Air Command and Control System uses multiple radar feeds (and other data) to generate a dynamic, real time depiction of all aircraft in the Airspace above the UK. Having this 'Recognised Air Picture', or RAP, enables us to identify aircraft and respond to any threats or hazards. Personnel from 19 and 20 Squadron utilise the new system to exercise tactical air command and control.
Following the upgrade, Officer Commanding 19 Squadron, Wing Commander Misiak said: '19 Squadron's move to CRC Boulmer marks the first part of a revolutionary step in Tactical Air Command and Control in the UK. The new GUARDIAN system provides a capability which is faster and has more capacity to cope with the demands of Homeland Air Defence whilst also preparing operators to support missions across the globe. It is an exciting time!'
Officer Commanding 20 Squadron, Wing Commander Foy, added:
'The new GUARDIAN Command and Control System is an important moment for Air Surveillance and Control System (ASACS) ability to train and prepare our personnel for UK and contingent overseas operations. The return to Boulmer and additional workstations available to us from GUARDIAN will ensure we are able to train more people and to a higher standard. This will not only benefit ASACS, but also the other RAF Force Elements that rely on our support, particularly the Combat Air and ISTAR Forces.'
