At Eurosatory, Northrop Grumman showcased its Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) system for integrated air and missile defence.

FAAD C2 is a staple in the sector, and its architecture continues expanding as new threats arise. This exploit is made possible thanks to a spiral development kicked off 37 years ago, along with the Avenger Short-Range Air Defense System (SHORAD). Progressive miniaturisation and constant evolution have brought the system to its current aspect and performance.

Today, FAAD C2 is a battle-proven system providing critical command and control (C2) capabilities beyond SHORAD duties, thus including Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), and counter-rocket, artillery, and mortar missions.

FAAD C2 excels at creating a comprehensive air picture by correlating data from multiple sensors and sources. It then distributes this integrated view to all connected effectors, enabling faster and more informed decision-making across the battlefield. For example, at least 29 different radars and as many as 40 effectors have been integrated, according to the company’s official literature. This capability allows forces to quickly detect, track, and engage a wide range of aerial threats. The system's open, multi-domain architecture is a key strength, allowing for easy integration of various sensors and effectors from different services and allied forces.

This flexibility has made FAAD C2 an ideal choice for enhancing interoperability among NATO allies. In Europe, it was successfully fielded in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, among other, significantly improving air and missile defence coordination in the Baltic region.

A couple of years ago, FAAD C2 has also played a crucial role in testing and implementing new command and control standards. It was used to assess the Universal Command and Control (UC2) interface, a U.S. Department of Defense initiative aimed at creating a universal language for inter-service communication.

As threats evolve, FAAD C2 continues to adapt. Its battle-proven architecture allows for the future integration of additional sensors and effectors, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of air defence technology. Albeit well known for decades, Northrop Grumman decided to showcase the system as it perceives a growing demand for security applications, including border and critical asset protection. The system's versatility in counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) roles was highlighted, demonstrating its capability to support jamming and other defensive measures. In particular, the system simulated an area defence scenario, with a M230LF 30x113mm Bushmaster chain gun as effector.