Image courtesy ESUK

The system enhances soldiers’ ability to find and identify targets and provides the crucial targeting information necessary to fire more quickly and accurately. It will be used by Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACS) and Fire Support Teams (FST), and the completion of the CDR is an important step to getting the system in the hands of service personnel.

 
The D-JFI system allows users to identify targets with high accuracy and feed information to close air support, maritime or artillery assets, enabling them to engage the target directly. This state of the art ‘sensor to shooter’ system is possible through ESUK’s highly-skilled team of engineers who lead the integration of the technology.  
 
For enhanced usability, D-JFI combines world class sensors with an intuitive application which incorporates imagery, situational awareness and intelligence data. The system uses both active and passive detection, allowing users to mask their signatures in combat. This means that using specialist software on a tablet, information gathered by the D-JFI is sent digitally to an artillery system or aircraft to instantly engage the target, while the soldier operating the system remains hidden.
 
Elbit Systems UK will now progress to System Acceptance Testing in the next few months, with deliveries due to the UK MoD in 2025. Following the delivery to front-line units, the JTAC solution is expected to be in operation in 2025 with the FST variant expected to enter service in 2026. This is a demonstration of the strong UK based supply chain and strengthens ESUK’s position in supporting the British Armed Forces digitisation efforts and modernisation.
 
D-JFI incorporates a number of Elbit Systems UK’s advanced technologies including the TORCH-X FIRES Targeting application, the AION-C multi-spectral electro-optic payload, the RATTLER XR and RATTLER H target designators, the Hattorix mounting system for fast and accurate target identification and location and the Smart-Hub power and data distribution hub and tactical router for C4I dismounted systems components. The D-JFI system, which is fully integrated with the British Armed Forces tactical communications system and Ground to Air Networks, supports hundreds of jobs across the UK alongside other ESUK programmes. This includes five UK based subcontractors on the programme addressing the requirements for UK sovereignty and freedom of action.  
 
Martin Fausset, CEO of ESUK said: “The D-JFI system is an innovative, state of the art solution that allows users to assess and designate targets for fire support using cutting-edge technology. In an increasingly complex landscape, the Elbit Systems UK D-JFI system will provide an operational advantage to the British Armed Forces and we will continue to work closely with them to field the system to front line units in the next year.”