Raytheon Secures $15.4 Million AFATDS Upgrade Contract for Jordan
Overview of the Contract
On December 17, the US Department of Defense announced that Raytheon has been awarded a $15.4 million contract to enhance the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) for Jordan under a Foreign Military Sale (FMS). This workload is anticipated to reach completion by the end of 2029.
Importance of AFATDS
The AFATDS functions as the command-and-control (C2) framework utilized by the US military for coordinating fire support. As an essential tool for artillery operations, the system allows commanders to effectively direct and manage indirect fire across various units.
Context of the Upgrade
This initiative follows the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency’s announcement in February 2020, which approved the sale of up to 700 AFATDS licenses to the Jordanian Armed Forces, alongside comprehensive equipment and services estimated to be valued up to $300 million. According to the agency, Jordan’s ongoing utilization of the AFATDS establishes a strong foundation for this upgrade. The enhancements will significantly improve the Jordanian military’s ability to secure its borders and reinforce ground forces with sophisticated indirect fire capabilities.
Transition to AFATDS Artillery Execution Suite (AXS)
As Raytheon improves the AFATDS for Jordan, it is noteworthy that the US Army is concurrently transitioning to a new system, the AFATDS Artillery Execution Suite (AXS). This innovation aims to simplify user engagement and expedite response times, thus modernizing artillery operations. Furthermore, AXS incorporates an adaptable architecture that enhances the system’s future upgrade potential, ensuring that technological advancements can be easily integrated.
Conclusion
The updates to the AFATDS for Jordan not only bolster the capabilities of the Jordanian Armed Forces but also reflect a continuing commitment between the US and its allies to strengthen regional security. These developments underscore the importance of advanced fire-support systems in contemporary military operations and enhance the operational readiness of friendly forces.
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