Frequentis Group subsidiary C4i Pty Ltd has provided its VOICE C2 Voice over IP (VoIP) Communication System (VCS) for the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD)’s Guardian project, which aims to develop the UK’s new Air Command and Control System.
The Guardian project is replacing current systems at Royal Air Force (RAF) bases in the UK with new technology allowing the RAF to enhance its air situation picture in support of continued early detection and rapid response of suspected aircraft threats.
Replacing the existing RAF VCS with the new VOIP based system from C4i provides enhanced flexibility, capability and security, as well as reducing overall life cycle costs.
C4i, a member of the Frequentis Group since 2021, is subcontractor to IBM Consulting in the UK, the Prime contractor that is leading the program to develop and install the replacement system.
The new system, already in full time operation at RAF Boulmer, will connect the UK’s defense radars and radio network, as well as delivering new capabilities to improve communication and interoperability between UK, NATO and coalition aircraft.
“The installation of the UK’s new air command and control system at Boulmer is the first step in this project to deliver enhanced capability to deal with the increased demands of UK airspace and essential surveillance of its skies, supporting the MoD and NATO tasks,” said Darren Gardner, Managing Director C4i Pty. “We are pleased to be providing the essential communications for the defense of the UK, supporting the transition to digital technologies to support future capabilities.”
Installations for other vital parts of the voice control system are continuing in other locations throughout the UK.
VOICE C2 is an advanced IP communications system based on simplified hardware and software components that, when combined, deliver a sophisticated communications platform. The system provides users with the ability to access and control radio, telephony, intercoms and paging systems using a single intuitive GUI. It enables customers to operate securely and seamlessly across multiple security enclaves while maintaining isolation as required.
Specifically designed for fixed and deployable air defense environments, VOICE C2 Red/Black platform is operationally proven and purpose-built, it is in active use around the world including for Australian defense forces and the US Department of Defense.
With integrated Classified and Unclassified modes of operation, the system provides operators with internal and external communication and conferencing capabilities via a range of air and ground-based communication networks. Operators have simultaneous access to Red and Black Air/Ground and Ground/Ground communication channels from a single console.