UK MoD Awards Contract for High Frequency Radio Communications

Babcock International Group will provide the new Defense Strategic Radio Service (DSRS) for more efficient communications in challenging terrain, such as built-up cities, mountains and jungles By DA Staff / 30 Sep 2021

Radios

Discover cutting-edge solutions from 4 leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Babcock DSRS
Follow DA

Babcock International Group has been awarded a £110 million contract to deliver the new Defense Strategic Radio Service (DSRS) to critical U.K. military operations.

DSRS uses the Earth’s ionosphere, part of the upper atmosphere, to enable radio signals to be sent and received over thousands of kilometers, allowing communications to be rapidly delivered across a variety of domains to service personnel, regardless of whether they are on land, in the air or at sea.

The new communications service removes the traditional requirement for direct-line-of-sight between the transmitter and user. Members of the Armed Forces will be able to communicate quickly and more effectively and in challenging terrain such as built-up cities, mountains and jungles.

The nine-year contract will support around 150 jobs across England, Scotland and three of the U.K.’s Overseas Bases.

 “This multi-million-pound investment in frontline radio communications will provide our Armed Forces with cutting-edge technology that allows them to connect effectively across a range of challenging environments,” said Defense Secretary, Ben Wallace.

 “Underpinned by commitments outlined in the Defense Command Paper, industry expertise will be at the core of developing this innovative capability whilst supporting more than 150 jobs in the process.”

Outlined in the recent Defense Command Paper, the Ministry of Defense is committed to ensuring that innovation and investment are at the forefront of the Armed Forces, giving them a cutting-edge advantage whenever and wherever they are deployed. This is further enhanced by the £24 billion increase in Defense spending over the next four years, as announced by the Prime Minister in 2020.

“It is vital we have a range of robust communications options available to us, including satellite, internet and high frequency, to offer Commanders and decision-makers in the field the information they need at the speed of relevance,” said Commander of Strategic Command General Sir Patrick Sanders.

“As we see a continued rise in threats to our security in the cyber and electromagnetic domain, our network resilience is what will give us the competitive edge against our adversaries.”

The new system will be critical for flight safety communications to all military aircraft while also supporting the ‘mayday’ fallback facility for the wider U.K. aviation community.

DSRS works across all single Service capabilities and can be integrated with communication systems of global allies, improving the U.K.’s ability to command and control its forces worldwide.

Posted by DA Staff Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Advanced C2 Software for Autonomous Swarm Operations Released

L3Harris introduces AMORPHOUS™, a new software that enables seamless control of thousands of autonomous assets across domains, enhancing military operations with advanced, collaborative autonomy.

Feb 17, 2025
Trillium to Provide Gimbal Systems for Raytheon Loitering Munition

Trillium Engineering has been awarded a Phase One Production contract to supply HD25-LV gimbal systems, set to integrate with a Raytheon Loitering Munition

Feb 17, 2025
ISTEC to Enhance Jackal 3 Extenda with Advanced Weapon Systems

ISTEC Services is set to supply advanced weapon integration systems for 53 Jackal 3 Extenda vehicles, enhancing firepower and versatility in partnership with Supacat and Babcock

Feb 17, 2025
Commercial vs. 3D Printed Propellers

Tyto Robotics delves into whether UAV rotors produced through additive manufacturing can match the aerodynamic and acoustic performance of commercially available plastic propellers

Feb 14, 2025
Specialized Drones Trialled for Medical Supply Delivery in Military Training

Oregon National Guard combat medics are training with drones to deliver medical supplies, enhancing battlefield readiness for large-scale operations with innovative solutions

Feb 14, 2025
EFI Drone Propulsion Solutions for Military Applications

Defense Advancement showcases INF Inject's advanced EFI (electronic fuel injection) drone propulsion solutions for military and defense applications

Feb 14, 2025

Featured Content

Rugged Computing Solutions for Defense Applications

Defense Advancement showcases Systel's rugged mission-critical computing solutions for defense and government applications

Feb 13, 2025
IDEX 2025: Allen-Vanguard to Introduce New RF CEMA Technology

Allen-Vanguard is unveiling its latest core at IDEX 2025, delivering a new level of capability for multi-function CEMA platforms with improved electronic warfare performance

Feb 13, 2025
Teledyne FLIR Unveils Software Solution to Enhance UAS Automation & AI Capabilities

Teledyne FLIR introduces Prism Supervisor, enhancing UAS capabilities by integrating autopilot systems with AI-driven analytics, enabling real-time mission adaptation, automation, and synchronized multi-UAV operations for improved efficiency and success

Feb 10, 2025