The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has equipped Royal Air Force (RAF) Force Protection personnel with Globalstar’s SPOT Gen4 satellite GPS messengers to enhance safety during training exercises.
Force Protection is the RAF’s ground combat element focused on securing the ground domain to enable air operations. Known for operating both domestically and overseas, Force Protection teams work in demanding conditions to protect aircraft and personnel.
Because Force Protection teams train in remote and rugged environments, reliable location tracking and emergency communications are essential. To address this need, the MoD selected the Globalstar SPOT Gen4 device for use during training activities.
Air Commodore Jamie Thompson, Force Protection Force Commander and Air Officer Force Protection, explained the rationale behind the decision:
“The RAF regiment is at the heart of next-generation force protection for air and space power.
Their arduous training, which enables them to operate in the highest risk environments, demands that we provide the most advanced capabilities to reliably track our servicepeople in training, and to know that they’re ok at all times.”
Since April 2022, every Force Protection service member has been issued a SPOT Gen4 device for use during training. The units communicate via Globalstar’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, enabling dependable tracking and the ability to send SOS alerts when required.
Thompson highlighted the operational benefits: “Thanks to the reach and reliability of Globalstar’s satellite network and SPOT Gen4, we now have the assurance that we can continuously monitor our personnel as they carry out their training exercises, and that they can rapidly get emergency help if needed.”
A single press of the device’s SOS button transmits an alert with GPS coordinates, supporting a rapid response and facilitating rescue operations in hard-to-reach areas.
Previously, Force Protection relied on a GSM-based tracking solution. That system suffered from poor field performance in remote training areas and proved uneconomical, prompting the move to satellite-based devices.
Mark O’Connell, General Manager for EMEA and APAC at Globalstar, commented on the selection: “We’re extremely proud that the UK MoD selected SPOT Gen4 to support RAF Force Protection, enabling tracking and SOS emergency help for personnel as they participate in essential training.”
Globalstar reports that devices in the SPOT product family have contributed to more than 8,500 rescues globally, underscoring their value in emergency situations and remote operations.
By deploying SPOT Gen4 across Force Protection units, the RAF has strengthened its ability to protect service members during training, improve situational awareness for commanders, and ensure a quicker rescue capability when incidents occur in isolated or austere environments.
This transition to satellite-based tracking supports the RAF’s broader aim of modernizing force protection tools to match the demands of contemporary training and operational contexts, prioritizing personnel safety while maintaining operational readiness.