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 U.S. sent Air Force F-16s over central Syria in a show of force following the Dec. 13 killing of two U.S. Army Soldiers and one American civilian interpreter by a gunman linked to the Islamic State group.
