Codan

Codan

Codan’s HF ML6110 manpack soldier handset.

operations stated recently that opposing forces may not simply attempt to jam or cut communications but rather hack into them to spread disinformation.

“Cyber Security is a current and emerging requirement. Along with the security of the software and the waveform, there is the need for low ‘signature’ capabilities,” she stated while paying reference to the ability of enemy forces to accurately detect SOF positions to coordinate precision fires and defeat a force.

“SOF are often characterised by the need to quickly project force over long ranges without the infrastructure and logistics backup of more traditional military operations. Codan’s HF radio systems can play a critical role here by providing infrastructure-free terrestrial reach back of hundreds or even thousands of miles with minimal setup all through a simple and intuitive user interface.

“With the integration of DTC’s Tactical MANET IP Mesh Technology into the Codan portfolio, we can seamlessly combine this long-range reach back capability with high bandwidth local MANET communications in order to deliver a shared situational awareness picture (PLI, voice, video etc.) together with the ability of any MANET mesh user to directly access the long-range HF reach back link via the Codan XTEND smartphone application,” Culver explained while describing how Codan solutions provide low latency, high data capacity, high node count and mobile solutions “for use across the spectrum of conflict in both manned and unmanned applications”.

DTC solutions include covert audio and video solutions, designed to support clandestine mission requirements of SOF units amongst other operational requirements. Products support “military special operations forces worldwide in their efforts to combat terrorism and crime”, which provide “high evidential standards” to support the identification and monitoring of terror threats, monitoring organised crime and high risk operation. DTC was unable to provide further details due to operational security concerns.

Less well-equipped SOF units around the world are also seeking to upgrade their tactical communications capabilities to support emerging demand signals from across the contemporary operating environment.

Examples include the Armed Forces of the Philippines Special Operations Command (AFPSOCOM) which has contracted wireless communications specialist Inrico to support modernisation efforts across the Philippines Army Special Operations Command.

In December 2020, Inrico was contracted to provide a Push-to-Talk Over Cellular (PoC) communications capability through the deployment of specialist terminals, consoles and management software.

Such an uplift in communications capabilities will support AFPSOCOM’s ongoing operational demands which include internal security operations against violent extremist organisations on land and in littoral and maritime environments.

Philippines SOF already operate Inrico PoC T320 and T199 tactical radios, although upgraded systems will support longer range communications between Luzon and Mindanao.

Upgrades will ensure secure access to tactical communications networks across the Philippines, including monitoring and prevention of cyber attacks. Additional features include AES2565 encryption to protect voice and data communications.

AI IN TACTICAL COMMS

Speaking about the Role of AI and Big Data in Military Operations at a Hudson Institute event on 7 December 2020, USSOCOM’s commander, General Richard Clarke promised the Tampa-based organisation would be “putting our money where our mouth is”.

“SOCOM is going to continue to be a pathfinder on unique, repeatable, actual real-world problems we are going to be fighting and make sure we can apply them into the future”, he said while highlighting the emerging importance of the “information environment”.

To date, USSOCOM has driven Project Maven which includes the employment of image detection algorithms to assist in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission sets.

However, Clarke said USSOCOM would be front and centre to evaluate and implement ML and AI across the wider DoD, specifically noting how cloud computing could also supply vast demand for data in the future operating environment.

Seeking to support emerging USSOCOM requirements as well as other SOF customers around the globe is L3Harris Technologies which is looking to future proof its own range of SDRs, particularly in relation to emerging machine learning and artificial intelligence (MI/AL) capabilities which can be used to support autonomous routing of communications as well as support in decision-making processes.

A company spokesperson described how forward-deployed SOF units must be aware of “channel conditions” across a contested battlefield, including “tracking link status and evaluating network performance”.

L3Harris continues to support US Army and coalition working groups regarding next-generation waveforms to support