The Italian air force is aiming to have its integrated air defence radar network in place, and operational, by the end of 1999, with a new command centre at Poggio Renatico.
The air defence network is being modernised with 16 improved radars: four Lockheed Martin FPS-177s and two Hughes HR-3000s, acquired with NATO funding, and 10 Alenia RAT-31SLs. These radars are in the process of being procured, with some sites crewed, and others remotely operated.
Italy's air defence system is run from a combined air operations centre at Martina Franca, with the former northern command centre closed. A new full command centre is being built in Poggio Renatico. When this becomes operational, Martina Franca will become the alternate command centre.
To control and integrate information being obtained from the remotely controlled radars, integration units have been built in seven centres, each one with between 10 and 20 operation consoles with the requisite communications links.
The air defence network will be integrated with a navy search radar in Pantelleria, with the air force air control centre in Istrana and with two ATC civilian radars in Monte Orimini and Monte Stella.
The national air defence network is intended to be fully compatible with NATO's future Air Command and Control System.
Source: Flight International