The Air Force has deployed the newest iteration of the Battle Control System-Fixed that provides NORAD with real-time tactical-level battle management, command, and control for the air defense of North America, according to the officials at Hancom AFB, Mass. BCS-F Increment 3, produced by Thales Raytheon Systems, is now fielded at NORAD’s air defense sectors in Alaska, New York, Washington, D.C., and in Canada, according to Hanscom’s March 27 release. There is also a BCS-F in Hawaii supporting US Pacific Command. The newest increment features enhancements such as better processors, expanded data links, and improved interoperability with the National Capital Region. BCS-F came about after the 9/11 terrorist attacks to help provide a more comprehensive air surveillance picture of North America and monitor both for external and internal air threats. (Hanscom report by Patty Welsh)
The Air Force is shoring up its cyber defenses both on and off base for critical infrastructure such as water and electrical power, and industry experts are calling for more, even specialized, dedicated microgrids offsite to support USAF operations in case of a total blackout caused by cyberattacks.
