On 12 May 2014, the NCI Agency has officially awarded to the Czech Company "ERA a.s."
a contract amounting to 434 million Czech Koruna (around 16M€) for the provision of two Deployable Passive ESM (Electronic System Measure) Trackers (or DPET) for NATO Air Command and Control Surveillance and Identification.
The contract was signed by NCI Agency General Manager Mr Gijsbers and ERA Managing Director
Mr Sotona in the presence of the Czech deputy Ambassador / Minister Counselor Mr Chalupecky.
These 2 systems, to be delivered within 3 years, will provide NATO with a capability to deploy Deployable Passive ESM (Electronic Support Measure) sensors to operational theatres as part of a Deployable ACCS capability that will support NATO's deployed operations. This DPET system is a mobile shelterized tactical component that detects and tracks aircraft at long range through the detection and processing of pulsed emissions from the aircraft. The DPET system will consist of a Central Site and multiple Remote Sites comprising sensors, communications and processing modules. The system includes trucks, trailers and generators, and can easily be transported to the theatre of operations and then quickly become operational. The system will be designed to support challenging environmental conditions utilising multiple modes of transportation.
The basis of the ERA solution for the DPET system is the existing VERA-NG product already in service with the Czech army with further enhancements based on the NATO DPET requirements.
The contract also covers optional Contractor Logistic Support for an extended period of operational use. This will be considered later in close coordination with the NATO Support Agency.