Missile warning system in South Korea to undergo modernization with NGC, U.S. Army
NewsNovember 03, 2020
SOUTH KOREA. The U.S. Army and Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC) have deployed enhanced Joint Tactical Ground Station (JTAGS) capabilities in South Korea, intended to advance battlespace awareness and missile defense in the region.
This deployment marks the completion of phase one of the JTAGS modernization program. The system was first fielded in tactical shelters in 1997 to provide in-theater missile warning using data directly from satellite sensors.
JTAGS is designed to receive and process data directly down-linked from the Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) constellation of satellites, including Defense Support Program and Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) sensors, and other infrared satellite sensors. JTAGS then disseminates warning, alerting, and cueing information on ballistic missile launches and other tactical events of interest using multiple communications networks.
Under the phase one modernization effort, Northrop Grumman and the Army installed JTAGS Block II in permanent facilities in Japan, Qatar, Italy and the Republic of Korea, with updates to hardware, software, communication systems, and enhancements to cyber-security and the soldier-machine interface, according to the company.
