UK military commanders on the ground are set to benefit from a new system that will increase their ability to counter attacks from air threats and reduce 'friendly-fire' incidents.

The Land Environment Air Picture Provision (LEAPP) programme - a £100m contract between the Ministry of Defence and Lockheed Martin UK INSYS - will provide ground forces with a detailed local picture of activity in the air, allowing them to better coordinate airspace activity, leading to greater combat effectiveness and a reduced risk of 'friendly-fire' incidents.

Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Baroness Taylor, said:

"LEAPP (Land Environment Air Picture Provision) is a new, world-class system that will give our commanders on the ground a detailed picture of activity in the air showing the location of allies in relation to opposing forces.

"It will improve commanders' ability to plan and strike effectively and help prevent 'friendly-fire' incidents. Battles of the future will benefit significantly from this system."

The system consists of ground based sensors connected to vehicle or trailer mounted equipment which combines the incoming data to produce the air picture that is then distributed within headquarters. The equipment can be deployed in different configurations to meet the requirements of a variety of military tasks.

MOD's LEAPP project team leader, Steve Wyatt, said:

"We work closely with the Armed Forces and industry to deliver equipment that will give our troops the edge when they need it. This system will provide vital information for the land air defence missile systems our troops operate."

The contract which has been awarded to Lockheed Martin UK INSYS is expected to sustain up to 100 jobs at the contractor's facilities in Ampthill, Bedfordshire and at other sites in the UK. The LEAPP system is expected to enter service in 2012.