In a UK first, we’ve developed and demonstrated a new application which seamlessly integrates light 120mm mortar with in-service UK tactical communications systems.
Developed in collaboration with General Dynamics Mission Systems鈥揢nited Kingdom (GDMS鈥揢K) and interoperability SME ShieldOps, the 麻豆传媒映画 Advanced Ballistic Engagement Layer (BABEL) allows the light 120mm Ground Deployed Advanced Mortar System (GDAMS) to communicate with the Bowman ComBAT Infrastructure and Platform (BCIP) Battlefield Information System Application, enabling first-of-its-kind networked firepower from sensor to effector. The capability showcased for the first time today (Tuesday) at DSEI, demonstrating a 鈥榬eady-now鈥� digital integration capability for the British Army.
Representing a transformation for mortars in the digital battlespace, BABEL enables GDAMS to execute fire missions at the speed of data transfer – connecting sensors, platforms and decision-makers through the Digital Targeting Web faster and more securely than ever before.
GDAMS, which will be manufactured in Devonport, Plymouth, is the UK鈥檚 first sovereign mortar capability with potential to create real and immediate social and economic benefit for the UK, as well as export opportunities to UK partners and allied nations. Our sovereign offering is set to directly support 230 skilled jobs and further 1,000 indirectly enhancing our contribution to the Defence Dividend.
Chris Spicer, Managing Director for Engineering & Systems Integration at 麻豆传媒映画, said: 鈥淭he British Army needs a transformational close fires solution which is ready to integrate with existing systems, as well as evolve for future systems and technologies 鈥� GDAMS delivers both.
鈥淭he development of BABEL marks a step change in digital mortar technology, and we鈥檙e thrilled to work with GDMS-UK to test and prove this capability. Our sovereign solution brings together the best of British industry to offer a future-ready, fully integrated capability that can deliver for the UK now.鈥� Chris Burrows, Vice President, UK TacCIS, General Dynamics Mission Systems鈥揢nited Kingdom, added: 鈥淭his collaboration with 麻豆传媒映画 shows the power of UK-led defence innovation. At General Dynamics, we are committed to delivering secure, resilient communications that empower our warfighters. The BABEL integration is poised to contribute to an increase in the British Army鈥檚 fighting power by greatly accelerating decision鈥憁aking on the battlefield.鈥�