A primer of the United States Air Force aircraft/missile Technical Coordination Program

DISAM Journal,  Winter, 2003  by Forrest Smith

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Low Altitude Navigation Targeting Infrared at Night Technical Coordination Group

The Low Altitude Navigation Targeting Infrared at Night (LANTIRN) research and development program began in September 1980. Initial operational test and evaluation of the LANTIRN navigation pod was successfully completed in December 1984. The first production pod was delivered to the Air Force March 1987. Introduction of the LANTIRN revolutionized night warfare by denying enemy forces the sanctuary of darkness.

The LANTIRN TCG was established in January 1997. The primary charter of the LANTIRN TCG is the exchange of releasable technical information with mutual benefits being derived by LANTIRN TCG FMS member countries and USAE Gary Livesay has been the LANTIRN TCG Chief since establishment of the TCG. He manages a staff of nine specialists and oversees all the contacts in support of the program. The LANTIRN TCG provides a full range of AFMC technical support services to purchasers in the maintenance, modification, and operation of their LANTIRN equipped aircraft including the F-15 and F-16.

The original member countries were Bahrain, Egypt, Greece, Israel and Turkey. Two additional countries South Korea and Singapore soon joined for a total of seven countries. Currently there are five member countries: Bahrain, Egypt, Greece, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia. Potential country members of the LANTIRN TCG are Israel, Singapore, Denmark, the Netherlands and Belgium.

Sustainment membership in the LANTIRN TCG is normally fulfilled using follow-on "G" cases with three lines that cover the following:

* AFMC internal services

* Contracted services, and;

* Studies and surveys, and travel.

LANTIRN Technical Coordination Group in Action

In 1999 the LANTIRN TCG realized the much awaited LANTIRN TCG website. The website is a secure, password-protected site and is available only to existing LANTIRN TCG members. The website is a much improved form of instant communication between the TCG and country members. Action items, Briefings, contact information and other items of interest to the country members are kept posted and up-to-date information is readily available.

Electronic Combat International Security Assistance Program

It is my firm belief that our military must have a robust electronic warfare capability to ensure that it has access to and control of any battle space in which it must operate. History has taught us that dominance in electronic warfare leads to success in military operations.

Statement of Congressman Joseph R. Pitts at the Lexington Institute Forum on Electronic Warfare, October 5, 2001

Although the Electronic Combat International Security Assistance Program (ECISAP) has many similarities with the TCP, it is not officially categorized as a TCG. AFMAN 16-101 notes that the ECISAP is a management concept designed to provide FMS and security assistance customers a single focal point for installation and sustainment of electronic combat (EC) equipment. The ECISAP is managed by SAF/IARW with the executive agent at WR-ALC, Electronic Warfare Directorate, International.