19 Aug 02. Logica and the UK Ministry of Defence signed a contract to analyse and design the C4ISTAR architecture for FUTURE OFFENSIVE AIR SYSTEM (FOAS), the future RAF strike force requirement. This is one of the first programmes focussed on delivering Network Enabled Capability for the Armed Forces.

The FOAS programme will provide the UK with a long-range offensive air capability to replace that currently provided by the Tornado GR4. The Logica team will study the Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4) aspects along with Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) elements of the system, in order to develop an affordable implementation and the battlespace architecture required to support the overall FOAS programme.

Logica has teamed with Raytheon and QinetiQ. The three companies combine extensive FOAS experience with an independent, wide perspective of the UK/US C4ISTAR domains. Together, the team offers a unique balance of defence research, commercial technology pull-through and world-wide prime systems integration experience, capable of delivering the initial study and offering an effective implementation.

Commenting on the award, Kevin Gorman, Director, Logica Space and Defence Division said, “This is a significant win for Logica and our team, which builds upon our extensive C4ISTAR capability. We look forward to working together with the Ministry of Defence in developing the necessary capability to enable future offensive air operations to be conducted within a network centric environment”.

Jonathan Lyle, FOAS Integrated Project Team Leader in the DPA observed “We look forward to working with Logica on this programme. C4ISTAR is an integral element of the FOAS programme and the output from this study will form the foundation for delivering true Network Enabled Capability within the deep strike context and the broader battlespace environment”