Rafael advances work on missile defence command and control system

Nov. 29, 2012 by Arie Egozi – FG

Tel Aviv - The extensive use of the "Iron Dome" rocket interceptor in Israel - and the accelerated pace of building the nation's multi-layered defence system against such threats as ballistic missiles - will be reflected in the operational version of a Rafael-developed system which creates a national air situational picture.

The need for such a system is a result of the growing threat presented by hostile aircraft, missiles and armed unmanned air vehicles.

"When rockets and missiles are launched against you and you operate a variety of defence systems, you need a unified air situational picture at all times," says M Ben-Shaya, business development manager of Rafael's air-to-air and air defence directorate.

The company's Modular Integrated C4I (MIC4AD) system is intended to deliver a unified picture to support the command and control of operations involving aircraft and missile defence assets.

It can be used as a decision-support tool, or to allocate the optimal defence system automatically when the time available between a threat's detection and required engagement can be measured in only seconds.

MIC4AD works by combining real-time data from sources such as radar and identification friend-or-foe with intelligence data and air traffic control and a digital terrain model to create a unified, tactical overview.

It can also perform threat assessments and provide hostile target classification, an interception plan and effective command of the weapon system launching process, Rafael says.