PEO C3T Lead Mark Kitz Shares Plans to Modernize Army Artillery System

Mark Kitz, head of the U.S. Army Program Executive Office Command, Control and Communications-Tactical, said his organization is looking to upgrade an automated artillery fires system application used to increase accuracy and cut sensor-to-shooter time.

Kitz, a past Potomac Officers Club event speaker, shared that he plans to involve the private sector in the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System’s modernization process, even if that leads to developing a new capability, DefenseNews reported.

PEO C3T recently issued a request for information on revamping AFATDS, including communications and networking upgrades. The system connects with over 80 different platforms, including some owned by the other service branches.

Leidos secured a potential five-year, $102 million contract in 2017 to upgrade the system software to improve functionality and simplify training modules. The deal also called for AFATDS to be integrated into the Army’s Common Operating Environment.

The company later received a $160 million task order that, in part, required sustainment support for AFATDS.