NATO Expected To Sign Long-Delayed AGS Contract Soon
After many years of discussion and negotiation, NATO seems close to contracting for the Allied Ground Surveillance (AGS) system that uses the Global Hawk UAV as a high-flying radar platform. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
After many years of discussion and negotiation, NATO seems close to contracting for the Allied Ground Surveillance (AGS) system that uses the Global Hawk UAV as a high-flying radar platform. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)

NATO officials expect to sign the long-awaited contract to provide an Allied Ground Surveillance (AGS) capability within the next three months. Northrop Grumman will provide five Global Hawk Block 40 UAVs, while a consortium of European companies that includes EADS Cassidian and Selex Galileo will provide transportable and mobile ground stations. Initial operating capability (IOC) is slated for 2017-18.