Throughout 2024, Defense Advancement has delved into the cutting-edge developments revolutionizing military radios and tactical communications technology for modern defense operations.
As the demands of contemporary warfare evolve, secure and resilient communication systems have become critical for coordinating operations across diverse and dynamic environments.
Innovations in spectrum efficiency, BLOS capabilities, and seamless integration with tactical uncrewed systems highlight the growing importance of tactical communications in maintaining operational superiority.
From next-generation manpack radios to SOSA-aligned avionics and advanced electronic warfare systems, the year has showcased breakthroughs that empower defense forces to communicate effectively, adapt to hostile RF environments, and achieve mission success.
Below are five key articles from 2024 that showcase the advancements shaping the future of tactical radio and communications systems.
1. Tactical Radio Communications System Launched at SOF24
Spectra Group showcased next-generation tactical radio communications GENSS (pronounced genesis /jĕn′ĭ-sĭs) at SOF Week 2024 in Florida, 6th-10th May.
Spectra Group introduced the GENSS system into the U.S. market alongside the award-winning SlingShot System.
Capable of operating across HF, VHF, UHF, and satellite bands, GENSS is engineered to overcome Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) barriers and support Communications on the Move (COTM), delivering a robust and agile solution for voice and high-bandwidth data transmission across all domains — land, sea, and air.
2. Enhancing Modern EW with Advanced RF Amplification
Triad RF Systems outlined the challenges of modern Electronic Warfare (EW) communications, explaining how extending operational reach, optimizing signal performance, and ensuring a robust RF link are key factors for mission success.
Triad RF offers scalable ES and EA capabilities that enhance the functionality of EW systems, helping military forces navigate the complexities of the electromagnetic battlespace. Triad RF’s radio-agnostic product designs allow seamless integration with any existing radio systems.
3. Solution to Enable Uncrewed Vehicles to Operate in Hostile RF Environments
Domo Tactical Communications (DTC) and Inertial Labs, Inc. partnered to develop a breakthrough integrated uncrewed systems solution to benefit UxV manufacturers and end users worldwide.
The solution combines technologies from both companies to create a single navigation, command and control (C2), and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) system.
DTC’s MANET Mesh with MeshUltraTM family waveforms deliver robust, high-bandwidth C2 and ISR links, enabling uncrewed vehicles to operate successfully in the most hostile RF environments.
4. Collaboration to Develop SOSA-Aligned Flight Avionics Systems
Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions Division and Korean Airlines Ltd, Co.’s R&D Group signed an MoU to develop Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) aligned flight avionics systems.
Under the agreement, Korean Air R&D Group is using Curtiss-Wright’s industry-leading Fabric100™ 3U and 6U VPX modules to prototype and develop a demonstrator system, showcasing the advanced C5ISR capabilities the SOSA Technical Standard brings to advanced platforms such as unmanned aircraft.
5. Manpack Radios Successfully Tested for NATO Use
Thales radios for use in NATO enhanced Forward Presence were tested in an intensive four-week operational trial under the direction of the Army Development Office.
The particular focus of the procurement was to provide modern, encrypted, electronic counter countermeasure (ECCM)-capable command and control radios for the multinational deployment of the enhanced Forward Presence, which can transmit voice in parallel with data and their own position.
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