General Dynamics [GD]Canada has awarded Omniglobe Solutions, an Invest Ottawa Portfolio company, a contract to provide their unique software-based Internal Communication and Recording system for the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) program.
Omniglobe’s system will support the key communications network technology being delivered by General Dynamics Canada.
The Omniglobe Omni-COM software will be fielded in both the strategic and deployable command centers that support the surveillance elements of the program.
“With this win and the expertise and experience we will gain from this NATO program, we are confident our next-generation technology is well positioned for future international export potential,” said Siva Kumar, president, Omniglobe Solutions. “In addition, our status as a 100 percent Canadian-content small business enterprise positions us for other upcoming NORAD and NATO Aerospace communications projects with similar requirements.”
David Ibbetson, vice president, General Dynamics C4 Systems-International, said: “General Dynamics Canada is committed to providing superior service to our customers, while supporting the advancement of home-grown technologies within the Canadian defense industry. We look forward to building on our rich history of partnering with small technology firms, such as Omniglobe, and bringing Canadian capability to the international stage.”
On the NATO AGS program, General Dynamics Canada will provide the Communications Group Control System (CGCS), software that will monitor and control radio and satellite communications between Global Hawk unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and the main operating base in Sigonella, Italy. General Dynamics Canada will also deliver ruggedized computer workstations and the Omniglobe Solutions’ Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) intercom systems that will enable communications between operators at the operating base and with mobile command centers.
In addition, the company will provide engineering support for the integration of its software and systems at Northrop Grumman’s U.S. facilities and at the main operating base in Italy.
Northrop Grumman [NOC] leads the NATO AGS program, a major international procurement initiative to establish an airborne ground surveillance system that can provide NATO commanders with a comprehensive picture of activity on the ground.
AGS includes five Northrop Grumman high-altitude, long-endurance Global Hawks with mission packages specifically focused on NATO requirements, and associated command and control ground vehicles and base stations.
Once deployed, the AGS system will enable NATO and its coalition partners to gather intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information to support military and humanitarian operations.
With its main operating base at Sigonella, NATO AGS will be co-located with the U.S. Air Force Global Hawks and the U.S. Navy MQ-4C Triton UAS, further advancing synergies across the three programs in operational capability, lifecycle logistics and sustainment.
The NATO AGS contract was signed during the Chicago NATO Summit in May 2012. Development and production of the AGS system is under way, with initial operational capability scheduled for 2016.