US Army Deploys Joint Tactical Ground Station in South Korea for Missile Defence

The U.S. Army and Northrop Grumman have deployed enhanced Joint Tactical Ground Station (JTAGS) in South Korea, advancing 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

Kenn Todorov, vice president, combat systems and mission readiness, Northrop Grumman said, “JTAGS is of growing importance as we create true Joint All-Domain Command and Control systems, especially as we find new ways to integrate and leverage space-based assets.”

Visit: SAHA EXPO, TURKEY -VIRTUAL AEROSPACE & DEFENCE EXHIBITION

JTAGS receives and processes 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 near-real-time warning, alerting and cueing information on ballistic missile launches and other tactical events of interest throughout the theater 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 and communication systems, and enhancements to cyber-security and the soldier-machine interface. The deployments included soldier training and exercise support capabilities.

Northrop Grumman is already executing phase two of the JTAGS Pre-planned Product improvement (P3I) modernization program, delivering additional sensor processing capabilities and updating software architecture.