Northrop Grumman Corporation has successfully demonstrated phase two of its Deep Sensing and Targeting (DSaT) system during Vanguard 24, an annual capstone experiment organized by the U.S. Army. This advanced system is designed to gather space-based data for long-range precision fires while airborne, addressing key capability gaps and enhancing future warfighting requirements by extending mission effectiveness and standoff range for Army platforms.
During the recent test event, Northrop Grumman achieved several critical objectives. The company effectively combined multiple space-based sensor data sources to provide the Army with real-time targeting intelligence, facilitating deep strike operations. Additionally, the team utilized tactical radios for both Line of Sight and Beyond Line of Sight communications, ensuring seamless integration into existing and future networks. By incorporating automation and intelligence analysis services, the DSaT system significantly improved the efficiency, accuracy, and speed of mission operations.
Pablo Pezzimenti, Vice President of Integrated National Systems at Northrop Grumman, remarked, “DSaT demonstrates our capability to move data at the speed of future warfare to best support the warfighter’s targeting needs while not bound by land or sea. Delivering space-based data to an aircraft enhances the flexibility to process, exploit and distribute intelligence for faster decision making when every moment matters.”
Leveraging Northrop Grumman’s tactical edge portfolio, the DSaT system enables intelligence collection that extends beyond the visual line of sight of local sensors, integrating data into civilian aircraft. This initiative is sponsored by the Department of the Army Headquarters G-2’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Task Force and aligns with the Army’s High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) platform. Together, DSaT and HADES provide a comprehensive deep sensing capability for the warfighter, supporting a mission roadmap that encompasses a full solution for ISR and target nomination.
Phase one of the DSaT system was previously demonstrated at EDGE 23, marking a significant step in advancing military capabilities and ensuring effective support for future operations.