Joint Effects Tactical Targeting System

A key piece of the United Kingdom 's drive for Networked Enabled Capability (NEC) fell into place July 2004 with the announcement by the UK MoD that RSL will develop the Joint Effects Tactical Targeting System (JETTS) Assessment Phase for the UK Ministry of Defence. JETTS is essentially an electronic software based toolset for use by military headquarters staff to manage and coordinate the sensor-to-shooter cycle. NEC emphasises the integration of capabilities to allow the rapid and controlled delivery of precise military effect. The aim is to improve the operational capability in the battlespace by enhancing the combat effects of tempo, simultaneity, surprise, tactical agility, lethality and survivability, all whilst reducing fratricide.

The Defence Procurement Agency opened the JETTS “Battlelab” within the Land Warfare Centre at Warminster in July 2004 to help test new software and to evaluate new tactics and doctrine in a synthetic environment across a wide range of operational teams, such as indirect fire and joint operations.

The value of the Assessment Phase contract is approximately £10 million. Subject to approval, there is a potential follow-on Demonstration and Manufacture Phase of some £300million. RSL's responsibilities as prime contractor include Systems Engineering, Software Development Quality, ILS, Configuration, Facilities, Safety, Security & Risk. It is the intention that JETTS data will also be compatible with the Bowman digital communications system now entering service.

JETTS is anticipated to enter the Demonstration and Manufacture phase in early 2007. The Initial Operating Capability is planned for 2008. JETTS has an open architecture and is readily portable to a variety of infrastructure platforms. The programme will develop in increments giving maximum flexibility, growth and export potential.