Modern military air operations demand air traffic control solutions that are secure, resilient and adaptable to rapidly changing operational environments. Digital tower technology enables defence organisations to deliver safe and efficient Air Traffic Control (ATC) services while reducing infrastructure dependency, increasing operational flexibility, and protecting personnel. Frequentis Digital Tower solutions enable the remote provision of ATC services from different geographic locations. By integrating a wide range of visual, thermal and surveillance sensors into a single, harmonised operational picture, the solutions give controllers the situational awareness required to safely manage military air operations under all conditions. 

Building on this digital foundation, Frequentis offers complementary tower concepts tailored to defence needs. Remote Digital Towers enable fixed or centralised ATC operations for permanent airbases, improving efficiency, resilience and cost-effectiveness. Deployable Digital Towers extend the same digital capabilities to forward and contested environments, supporting expeditionary operations without compromising safety, security or crew comfort. Together, complemented by modular add-ons and future capability extensions, these solutions provide a scalable and future-proof approach to military ATC — from established airbases to rapidly deployed solutions in operational theatres.

Remote Digital Tower

Capability enhancement and cost efficiency 

Remote Digital Towers modernise military air traffic control by enabling secure, sensor-based ATC operations from remote or centralised locations. Replacing the traditional out-of-the-window view with a digital visualisation system enables airbases to operate more efficiently, resiliently and safely. 

Enhanced situational awareness and safety 

High-resolution visual and thermal sensors, combined with intelligent data processing, improve visibility in adverse weather and at night. Automated detection, recording and replay functions enhance flight safety, training and after-action review. 

Operational and strategic advantages

Remote operations increase staffing flexibility and mission resilience by enabling controllers to work from protected environments, improving efficiency while reducing exposure to threats. 

Key benefits

• Improved situational awareness through fused visual and thermal sensor data
• Increased operational resilience and continuity of ATC services
• Reduced infrastructure footprint and lifecycle cost
• Flexible staffing and centralised operations across multiple airfields
• Secure, scalable architecture aligned with defence security standards 

Starting the transformation Frequentis supports defence organisations with expert consultancy and an open, interoperable approach – enabling a phased transition to digital tower operations without disrupting existing systems.

Deployable Digital Tower 

Mission success and crew safety 

In forward and contested environments, military ATC must remain safe, resilient and operational under extreme conditions. Conventional mobile towers often compromise on space, height, comfort and protection—making them vulnerable and limiting operational effectiveness. Deployable Digital Towers transform this paradigm. By applying digital tower technology to mobile operations, Frequentis enables deployable ATC without compromising safety, security, quality or crew comfort.

Building on proven solutions 

Frequentis is the global leader in deployable digital tower solutions for military ATC. With more than 70 years of ATC expertise, we deliver mature, field-proven systems that support mission success and create decisive command advantages. 

Deployable Digital Towers can:

• Operate independently at forward operating bases
• Provide a contingency option when the main tower is unavailable
• Support crisis response and hostile-environment operations 

Benefits of digitalisation

• Compared to legacy mobile towers, deployable digital towers deliver clear advantages:
• Enhanced crew safety through separation of sensors and working positions
• Improved comfort with ground-based, weather-protected control rooms
• Increased visibility via elevated sensor masts (up to ~24 m)
• Superior situational awareness using thermal imaging and object detection
• Strategic command advantages through data and video sharing
• Unified system for live operations, training and simulation
• Compact airlift footprint, suitable for platforms such as the C-130

Defense USA

To learn more about the Frequentis Defense, Inc. digital tower contract with the US DoD please visit the Frequentis Defense, Inc Digital Tower website.