Armada International - October/November 2022

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SpECIAL ForCES

DIGITAL AWARENESS - LANGUAGE AND LOCATION

Sentimental analysis is one digital tool that can help special force operators better understand their envioronment, explains Andrew White.

www.armadainternational.com

LAND wArFArE

THE ART OF COUNTERING ARTILLERY FIRES IN UKRAINE

Thomas Withington examines how access to battlefield radars can give Ukraine's forces an advantage when trying to destroy Russia's beloved massed artillery.

SEA powEr HIGH POWER DEFENCE

Directed energy / laser weapons are coming out of the shadows and are being trialed as weapons and defensive systems in their own right, explains Andrew White.

TACTICAL RADIOS

2.4GHz,spreadspectrum,240operatingchannels,eightselectablenets Timehopping,frequencyhoppingandOFDMresistsinterception,jamming.

TACTICAL RADIO SUPPLEMENT

Armada's annual examination of a selection of the newest radios available to land forces. Introduction by Dr Thomas Withington

ArmADA CommENtAry

THE DISRUPTORS ARE COMING

Following a visit to the United Arab Emirates, editor-in-chief Andrew Drwiega finds that disruptive challengers are now taking on traditional defence equipment exporters .

Volume 46, Issue No.5, OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2022

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PUTIN’S DERAILED CAMPAIGN GRABS AT ANOTHER STRAW OVER

Ukraine’s armed forces have been pushing to try and retake the Luhansk province from the invading Russian forces, and have notably already achieved success witnessed by abandoned Russian tanks and vehicles along the way.

This turn of events was initially met with silence in Moscow, but has now spurred President Putin to announce a partial mobilisation of Russian forces in a speech broadcast to the nation on 21 September 2020. Sham referendums (internationally recognised for their complete lack of legitimacy) in occupied Ukrainian territory will invariably lead to a bogus decision by the people (facing the barrel of a gun in many cases) to opt to be a part of Russia. This leads Putin into his threat to use all the weapons at his disposal (hinting at nuclear weapons) to protect Russian territory.

The call for partial mobilisation has sparked internal protests, again with many arrests, and a further exodus of Russian nationals from the county. This is not a general mobilisation which would involve ordinary citizens with no military experience, as it would take far too long (many months) for them to be proficient enough to be able to join the battle and make a difference in the short term. As explained by Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) research fellow Emily Ferris, “it is apparently targeted at military personnel who are already doing military service as contract soldiers, as conscripts or citizens who are currently undergoing military training.” She adds that it will also extend the contracts of currently serving soldiers. Reports of the Wagner Group trying to recruit criminals and other prisoners from penal colonies only adds to the increasing desperation facing the Russian army that is suffering huge casualties in terms of dead and wounded, together with plummeting morale.

While many world leaders who support the Ukrainian cause and long time defence experts find it difficult to predict the course of action that Putin is likely to take, the use of nuclear weapons (even that of a tactical/battlefield nature) would be self-defeating, as any attack on Ukraine’s armed forces on the front lines would lead to the contamination of areas that are objectives of Russia’s invasion in the first place. The use of tactical warheads inside Ukraine and away from the battlefield would lead to a much more severe escalation which would increase the prospect of widening the conflict, and potentially involving NATO.

With Russia’s allies, particularly China and India, having already questioned the aims and directions of the war, and ever more sophisticated weaponry being supplied to Ukraine by its international supporters, Putin’s decisions over the next days and weeks will be anxiously anticipated with the hope that the dangerous brinkmanship plays do not continue.

[Editor's headline note: to grab at straw - to assert or come up with something that lacks any credibility, especially as a desperate bid to achieve something.]

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INDEX TO ADVERTISERS

US Army soldiers in Afghanistan used software-defined radios introduced by Capability Set 13 to transmit position location information, text messages, photos and other data. (US Army)

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DIGITAL AWARENESS - LANGUAGE AND LOCATION

Digital technology advances are offering huge potential for special forces personnel

By Andrew White

The war in Ukraine has witnessed special operations forces (SOF) being deployed to great effect as force multipliers across the contemporary operating environment, with some explosions behind Russian lines being attributed but not confirmed to Ukrainian special forces.

Members of the international SOF community gathered in Tampa, Florida in May for the annual SOF Industry Conference (SOFIC) as the conflict in Ukraine continued to rage. Much of the conversation focused on special operations against peer adversaries under the banner “Campaigning with partners for integrated deterrence.”

In his keynote address on 17 May, General Richard Clarke, Commander of the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) proclaimed “humans are more important than hardware”, suggesting SOF operators could not be “mass produced” as demand for their skill sets continues to soar.

At the event, Clarke challenged the defence industry to “come experiment with us and our operators in the field in the

toughest conditions” to identify how to use technology in a variety of new ways.

“Let them experiment with your most promising tech. They are our creative problem solvers. They will use technology in new ways that none of you foresaw. They will make the technologies you are making better,” he added.

SOF might not be able to be mass produced but they can certainly be improved, Clarke suggested, enabled by a variety of emerging and disruptive technologies, particularly in the digital domain. He pointed out that this particularly applies to the information space where software and sensors can enhance personal performance, mission success and survivability across the battlespace.

Specifically, Clarke highlighted how ‘sentiment analysis’ tools such as natural language processing, biometrics, linguistics and text analysis, could be employed to exploit information around the World. “How are we doing that using artificial intelligence [AI] and machine learning [ML] so that we can sense that and react to that? How can we apply ‘Big Data’ along with AI and ML to give our people working in the [information space] an

advantage,” he continued to question.

Clarke’s thoughts were echoed by USSOCOM’s acquisition executive, Jim Smith, who also described requirement for SOF to “dominate” the information space through sentiment analysis. “We need to message and counter-message at speed and scale. What technology can be applied to that to allow operators to do this is an effective manner,” he asked before describing how SOF operators at the tactical edge must also be protected against adversaries attempting to collect information about their own digital signatures.

The international SOF community’s inability to fully exploit the information space emerged as one of the greatest capability gaps facing SOF during the mass and multi-lateral Non Combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) of personnel from Kabul, Afghanistan in August 2021.

As SOF sources suggested to Armada International, “making sense of all that data was a great challenge and could have helped us find the 4,400 US citizens in the 23 million strong population of Kabul, particularly in the chaos of that situation”.

Another SOF source also associated with the USSOCOM added: “We have decades of information but don’t have the personnel to check it. We should be exploiting data analytics and data structuring et cetera because tomorrow’s conflict is going to be about the ‘decide’ phase of the OODA [Observe, Orient, Decide, Act] loop. “Who is going to have decision advantage,” he asked before highlighting common operating picture tools to monitor large, unguarded sovereign spaces?

SOLUTIONS

In response, the USSOCOM is exploring multiple avenues to enable operators to maintain tactical overmatch against peer adversaries in the digital domain. Examples include USSOCOM’s Joint Acquisition Task Force or JATF (initially set up in 2013 to explore the Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit or TALOS) which worked with industry and academic partners to identify and develop prototypes to support a next-generation capability in urban warfare.

In 2018, the JATF changed direction by cosseting the TALOS concept and transferring lessons learned and technology into the Hyper Enabled Operator (HEO) concept which remains ongoing as of 1 August 2022.

According to USSOCOM, the HEO concept aims to help SOF operators “prevail in

SOF operators can use the Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) to benefit from real-time battlefield situation awareness.

all scenarios against all threats”, particularly through the optimisation of processing, exploitation and dissemination (PED) of actionable intelligence across the battlefield to maximise situation awareness and decision-making.

The JATF is partnered with the US Army’s 7th Special Forces Group (SFG) Innovation Cell as part of ‘Project Divergence’- a campaign of learning to continually test, evaluate and validate USSOCOM’s functional needs analysis for integrated deterrence in dense urban environments.

Using New York City’s Lower Manhattan district as a ‘combat laboratory’, Project Divergence is considering how integrated tactical edge sensor networks can provide situation awareness and cognitive overmatch to SOF operators.

Specifically, this includes the consideration of open source, automated analytical tools to provide “real-time analytics to increase decision-making at the speed of information” in addition to mixed reality which could enable SOF operators to visualise and develop a shared understanding of the operating environment in augmented and virtual realities.

Examples include language translation tools which allow forward-deployed SOF operators to understand foreign language traffic signs and documents at the tactical edge before feeding information back into a Cloud and then having it rapidly translated through ML and AI algorithms.

The JATF is working with the Innovation Cell to prototype, test and innovate the language translation device which can be viewed on board Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK) end user devices, typically worn on the chest rig or body armour of SOF operators.

Initially, the JATF is looking at Russian-to-English voice-to-voice and optical character recognition services although Chinese and Korean are also on the roadmap, service officials confirmed to Armada.

Solutions are also being tested in the Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) area of responsibility in Latin America to measure how such technology could be used to “relieve cognitive burden of the operator”, a JATF source added.

Additional digital solutions being explored by the JATF include solutions capable of autonomously conducting “electromagnetic spectrum mapping and civil reconnaissance; [and] digital forward observation”.

Potential technologies include an EMS [electromagnetic spectrum] ‘seeker’ device which could be placed in a ‘Starbucks’ cup and used to capture digital signatures in an area of interest, sources continued. The JATF is also considering how next-generation end user devices can be used to support operations in smart cities.

Other technology areas of interest being pursued by the JATF and 7th SFG as part of Project Divergence include augmented reality and real-time 3D mapping for ATAK end user devices.

As of 1st August 2022, a total of 19,000 SOF operators in the US as well as international partners operate the Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) to benefit from real-time battlefield situation awareness. However, as the operating environment continues to evolve at pace, the DoD is “actively and rapidly tailoring tactical capability [of TAK] for conflicts”.

Specific areas of interest include the introduction of commercial software for air flight planning; rapid peer-to-peer authentication on the battlefield; mission planning rules-based automation; human-to-machine interaction in tactical scenarios; tailored mission software fielding packages and data; and active tactical cyber defence in semi-permissive environments.

On 16 May 2022, reports emerged regarding the fast-tracking of TAK software to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Speaking at SOFIC, Col Paul Weizer, Program Executive Officer for SOF Digital Applications at USSOCOM described how international partners must typically navigate the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) process to acquire the technology.

However, an open-source version of TAK has been offered to Ukraine to support ongoing operations against the Russian Federation following their invasion of the country on 24th February 2022.

“Ukrainians have been able to utilise [TAK] to build up a quick network without going through the FMS [Foreign Military Sales] process. Ukrainians are not incapable of software development. They’re actually pretty advanced so any software development that they have, they will just build applications onto it,” Weizer explained.

TAK is being run on a variety of end user devices operated by Ukrainian SOF in particular, networked by a range of software defined radios provided by L3Harris Technologies.

L3Harris Technologies president for

communications systems, Dana Mehnert explained how the company had supplied an undisclosed number of SDRs to Ukraine since 2012, including RF-7800 series models.

ENABLING THE WARRIOR

USSOCOM and the wider international SOF community continue to be supported by the industrial base which offers up a range of emerging and potentially disruptive technologies. Examples include L3Harris Technologies which is promoting its Hyper Enabled Warrior (HEW) concept to SOF as well as conventional units operating at the tactical edge.

The company has networked together multiple solutions in the C4ISTAR space to provide SOF operators with a toolkit of capability which can be tailored to specific mission sets, according to company officials.

As Lynn Bollengier, L3Harris Technologies’ president for integrated vision solutions explained, the HEW is designed to provide SOF operators with “actionable

information at their fingertips, supported through a cycle of interpretation, machine learning, augmented reality and artificial intelligence, all of which come together to provide actual information to the warfighter”.

Solutions in the toolkit currently include L3Harris’s Enhanced Night Vision Goggles-Binocular (ENVG-B) and Ground Panoramic Night Vision Goggle (GPNVG) helmet-mounted systems; STORM 2 laser rangefinder; ROVER 6 transceiver; as well as the Next Generation Squad Weapon Fire Control System.

In May 2022, L3Harris announced its latest variant of the GPNVG- the Fused Panoramic Night Vision Goggle or “F-PANO”- had started low rate initial production for an undisclosed customer within the US Joint Special Operations Command. The news followed a $7.9m contract awarded earlier in the year. Initial deliveries are expected to begin by the end of 2022.

Featuring a series of four, aligned night

vision ‘tubes’ (which provide the end user with a 97-degree field of view), the F-PANO allows operators to adjust between varying degrees of image intensification and thermal imaging depending upon battlefield conditions.

Unlike many other night vision devices, F-PANO can be networked to ATAK devices to support the situation awareness and decision-making of SOF personnel operating at the tactical edge.

“Coupled with hardware, the HEW benefits from increased field of view and surveillance, better image intensification and thermal imagery at night and laser performance to allow them to complete their job and return home safely,” Bollengier informed Armada.

Leith Ames, L3Harris Technologies’ business development director for army programmes, described how the HEW concept “empowers and unburdens” the operator benefits from using head-, bodyand weapon-mounted systems which are fused together into a secure and wireless network which allows them to “aggregate, exploit and share data” with team mates on the battlefield.

“The HEW takes all available data and provides actionable information at the right time to enable the warfighter to shoot, move and communicate more effectively,” Ames explained before considering how digital solutions could significantly enhance the operational effectiveness of SOF units in the future.

FUTUREPROOFING

As is being explored by the company’s HEW concept, SOF are set to benefit from the

likes of “edge computing, on-body processing, tactical Cloud support, artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms”, according to Ames.

In the medium term, SOF could also be able to view and exploit data on-the-person, generated by autonomous and semi-autonomous platforms including unmanned aerial vehicles and autonomous underwater vehicles.

“We are interested in anything that allows the warfighter to receive the right information very quickly and are working with other elements within the company to enable this moving forward,” Ames added.

Beyond TAK, USSOCOM is also working with Tectus Corporation which has designed the “world's first eye-mounted display (EMD)”.

According to USSOCOM, the EMD represents a "breakthrough eyes-up augmented reality contact lens solution that gives people instant access to information about the world around them; providing them unprecedented levels of productivity, connectivity, and mobility; while being an invisible extension of the wearer”.

The AR contact lens is designed to provide the operator with relevant imagery and text overlays “without obstructing their view of the world and without the need for bulky goggles or headsets that are awkward, interfere with normal vision and get in the way of productivity,” according to a USSOCOM spokesperson.

“These comfortable lenses are safe to wear all day, inconspicuous, and display as much or as little information as needed. The EMD performs basic [heads up display] -like functions such as displaying text messages, maps, diagrams and status information, as well as producing geo-located AR imagery such as markers, labels, and 3D virtual objects that appear aligned with objects and locations in the real world.

“The outward looking imager on each contact lens can provide an eye-based video feed, enable close-range face and object recognition, read a QR code or even enable night vision,” it was added.

Potential for SOF in the digital domain is huge, capable of facilitating significant advantage for operators across the future operating environment. However, particularly attention must taken in terms of reducing the cognitive burden of individual operators who must not only benefit from additional information on the battlefield but also remain ‘tuned’ into the combat environment.

Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK) was designed to be used by SOF personnel on Android and Windows operating systems.

Air Force Research Laboratory

Defense Threat Reduction Agency

L3Harris recently introduced the new FusedGround Panoramic Night Vision Goggle, called F-Pano which provides SOF operators with a 97-degree field-of-view.

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THE ART OF COUNTERING ARTILLERY FIRES IN UKRAINE

The disadvantage with this is that the longer artillery units remain in one place, the easier they are for red forces to locate and target with counter-battery fire. Russian logic is that if enough fires are directed against hostile artillery from the start, the less effective counter-battery fire will be.

A Russian Army tank or motorised rifle brigade or division typically has four organic artillery battalions. These comprise two howitzer battalions, a Multiple Rocket Launch System (MLRS) battalion and an anti-tank artillery battalion. Up to 18 Self-Propelled Howitzers (SPHs) will furnish each howitzer battalion. The MLRS battalion will have 18 platforms. Finally, the anti-tank artillery battalion will have six anti-tank cannons and tank destroyers. Each motorised rifle battalion in a formation will have up to eight towed mortars.

By Dr. Thomas Withington

The Russian Army likes artillery. The Soviet Union’s infamous premier Josef Stalin labelled it “the god of war”. Today, the army’s artillery branch has a wide remit. As Lester Grau and Charles Bartles note in their seminal 2016 study The Russian Way of War, it is responsible for nuclear as well as conventional effects. The branch has a wide target set. Its weapons are to be employed against hostile troops and materiel. Red force command and control, reconnaissance and electronic warfare capabilities are also targeted. Fixed and mobile enemy installations like headquarters will be attacked. Operational and tactical logistics are targets, along with second echelon and reserve units.

Artillery covers open flanks and targets enemy units achieving a breakthrough. Other targets include enemy airpower, primarily airbases, aircraft on the ground, air defence units and supporting infra-

structure. The artillery branch is tasked with laying mines, illuminating night-time manoeuvre, providing smoke screen and even using shells to deliver propaganda.

Properly known as the army’s Missile and Artillery Troops, the formation deploys missiles, rockets, self-propelled and towed artillery and mortars. These assets are formed into regiments and battalions, including organic reconnaissance battalions. Russian Army doctrine places a heavy emphasis on artillery. Fires are used to suppress hostile manoeuvre force concentrations to ease the path of the army’s own manoeuvre elements. Artillery units typically remain in their firing position shifting rapidly from one target to another. This is known in Russian doctrine as ‘manoeuvre by fire’. This makes artillery responsive against targets as and when they appear. Fires can also be concentrated against one or more specific targets, or fragmented across multiple aimpoints.

The Russian Army makes significant use of so-called Battalion Tactical Groups (BTGs). An academic article written by Captain Nicolas J. Fiore of the US Army notes that BTGs were first observed in the Ukrainian theatre during Russia’s invasion of Crimea in 2014. BTGs typically have all the supporting elements of a tank or motorised rifle division or brigade. As Grau and Bartles noted in an April 2022 article entitled Getting to Know the Russian Battalion Tactical Group, most BTGs are built around a motorised rifle battalion, a tank company, air defence platoon, engineer squad and accompanying logistics. Artillery support typically takes the form of one SPH battalion. Each army manoeuvre regiment, brigade and division has between two and three BTGs. Capt. Fiore says the BTGs are a way for the army to address shortcomings in the number of professional (non-conscript) troops available to equip the manoeuvre force.

ARTILLERY FIRE CONTROL

Grau and Bartles articulate in their book that targets for the artillery are obtained using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), communications intelligence intercepts, visual observation, sound ranging, ground reconnaissance patrols and radar. Of interest to this article are the counter-battery radars upon which the Russian Army depends to detect incoming fires and determine their point of origin. This process not only warns troops to take cover it also determines aimpoints for counter-battery fire.

Several radars are deployed by the Russian Army to assist the artillery. Primarily designed as a battlefield

As Russia’s invasion and occupation of southern and eastern Ukraine moves into a new phase, counter-battery radar is proving its worth as the artillery battle hots up.

Russian Army 2S19 Msta-S self-propelled howitzers conducting a fire mission. Russian MoD

surveillance radar, the 1RL232-2M SNAR10M1 (frequency unknown) detects shell detonations at up to 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) range on land and 20km (12.4 miles) range on the sea surface. The 1L120 Kredo-M1 X-band (8.5 gigahertz/GHz to 10.68GHz) is a ground-surveillance radar used by anti-tank artillery units to detect targets. Russian documentation claims the radar can detect a tank in open, flat terrain at a range of up to 30km (18 miles). This is almost certainly an exaggeration. A radar with an antenna two metres (six feet) above the ground will have a detection range of circa six kilometres (3.7 miles) in flat, open terrain. Beyond this the horizon risks hiding the enemy tank from the radar’s transmissions.

Two dedicated counter-battery radars deploy with Russian Army artillery units. The 1L219M Zoopark-1M C-band (5.25GHz to 5.925GHz) system has a reported output power of 30 kilowatts/kW. It can determine potential launch positions for hostile artillery at ranges of 15km (9.2 miles) for field artillery. Russian literature claims detection ranges of up to 40km (24.9 miles) for tactical ballistic missiles. The Zoo-

park-1M can determine likely fall of shot for blue force artillery at ranges of 20km (12.4 miles) for field artillery. Fall of shot for tactical ballistic missiles can be determined at a 40km range. Grau and Bartles say that a single Zoopark-1M can ascertain the

coordinates of up to 60 batteries per minute. The 1L271 Aistenok Ku-band (13.4GHz to 14GHz/15.7GHz to 17.7GHz) counter-battery radar can determine red force mortar firing positions at ranges of up to 750m (2,460ft) rage. Ground moving targets can be

Cobra Several Cobra counter-battery radars have been supplied to Ukrainian forces. These radars can detect incoming rounds at ranges of up to 100km.

Hensoldt

detected at ranges of 200m (656ft).

Russian sources suggest the development of the Zoopark-1M commenced in the 1980s during the latter days of the Soviet Union. The radar was developed to replace the erstwhile 1RL239 Lynx counter-battery radar. It seems the collapse of the USSR intervened causing further development of the Zoopark-1M to atrophy. The radar eventually entered service with the Russian Army in 2008. As a result the basic design of the Zoopark-1M may be relatively antiquated compared to the Western-supplied counter-battery radars in Ukraine. Interestingly, Zoopark-1M radars were also supplied to Ukraine. There is little doubt that Ukrainian engineers are already more

than aware of any vulnerabilities which could be exploited vis-à-vis the Russian systems. Moreover, these weaknesses have most probably been shared with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). The fact that an upgraded version of Zoopark-1M, dubbed the 1L260, was exhibited in Moscow in 2013 indicates that plans were already afoot to improve the design despite its 2008 service entry. Russian sources have revealed that the Aistenok may have entered service with the army in 2017. It may be a more modern system compared to the Zoopark-1M but lacks the range performance of its larger sibling.

supplied the UAF with this state-of-theart version of the missile. Nonetheless, this does indicate that the basic AGM-88 architecture could be configured for ground launch. This might come at the expense of range, but could still represent a serious threat to Russian radars. Earlier versions of HARM such as the AGM-88B/C can detect radars transmitting on wavebands of two gigahertz up to 18GHz. This encompasses the C-band signals transmitted by the Zoopark-1M.

WESTERN SUPPLIES

According to oeyxspioenkop.com, Ukraine has yet to lose any of its counter-battery radars. The country’s army has been supplied with advanced systems following Russia’s invasion. In May, Germany announced the supply of Hensoldt Cobra C-band counter battery radars. According to the specifications of OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d'Armement/ Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation) which manages and coordinates pan-European defence projects, the Cobra radar is a qualitative improvement on the Zoopark-1M. Whereas the latter can detect field artillery launch positions at a range of 40km (24 miles), Cobra can determine mortar, rocket and artillery launch points at up to 100km (62 miles) range. That said, Zoopark-1M can locate and classify up to 60 batteries per minute. OCCAR states that Cobra can do this for 20 batteries per minute.

Russian news sources claimed to have

a US-supplied AN/TPQ-50

The oryxspioenkop.com website documents that Russian forces supporting the invasion have so far lost three Zoopark-1M systems, two of which have been captured with one destroyed. In early August, the United States Department of Defence (DoD) acknowledged that Raytheon AGM-88 HARM (High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile) series weapons had been supplied to Ukrainian forces. These may have been supplied for ground-launch against Russian radar targets. It remains unclear whether the Ukrainian Air Force’s (UAF) fleet of Russian- and Soviet-designed combat aircraft have the ability to deploy these weapons. Recent appearances by Northrop Grumman at several defence exhibitions have featured a model of a container-launched AGM-88. Specifically, this has been a ground-launched version of the company’s AGM-88E/G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) and AARGM-ER (Extended Range) HARM variant. It is unlikely that the Pentagon has

Nonetheless, the ability to detect Russian artillery at such long ranges gives the Ukrainian Army an important advantage. Twelve Krauss-Maffei Wegmann PZH-2000 155mm howitzers have been supplied to Ukraine by Germany and the Netherlands. They have a range of between 30km (18.6 miles) to 67km (41.6 miles) depending on the ammunition. The range of the PZH-2000 compares favourably with the Russian Army’s standard 2S19 Msta SPH. The weapon has an ammunition-dependent range of between 24.7km (15.3 miles) to 36km (22 miles). Despite the PZH-2000’s superior performance, reports in late July said that intensive use was causing wear and tear. Expenditures of 100 rounds-per-day is considered a heavy rate of fire for these weapons with Ukrainian gunners reportedly firing many more rounds than this.

Germany is supplying five Cobras to the Ukrainian Army. Supplies of counter-battery radars have also been forthcoming from the Netherlands. Reports state the

The Ukrainian version of the Russian Army’s 1L219M Zoopark-1M counter-battery radar. This design is likely to have been upgraded with state-of-the-art electronics, potentially giving it a superior performance compared to its Russian counterpart.

VoidWanderer

destroyed

weapons locating radar. This may be false. Although the radar was deployed to Ukraine for testing in 2015, it is not thought the US government has supplied any of these radars to Ukrainian forces.

The

forces. Deliveries of this radar have also been made by the Dutch government. A total of 15 systems may have been supplied to date.

country has supplied variants of arguably the most famous counter-battery radar, the Northrop Grumman/Raytheon AN/TPQ-36 Firefinder. The X-band AN/TPQ-36(V) has a detection range of 24km (14.9 miles). The Dutch deliveries join a total of 15 systems delivered by the United States to Ukraine between 2015 and May 2022.

In early June 2022, Russian media reports said Russian airpower had destroyed a single SRC AN/TPQ-50 radar. This L-band (1.215GHz to 1.4GHz) counter-battery radar has a range of 15km (9.3 miles). Armada has found no evidence of the AN/TPQ-50 being supplied to Ukraine. Secondly, reports of this radar’s destruction came directly from the Russian Air Force. As such, these claims should be treated with a scepticism, given the Russian government’s frequent distortion of the truth. There is evidence that the United States deployed a single AN/TPQ-50

for testing to Ukraine in 2015, with pictorial evidence to this effect. There is no evidence that supplies of this system then followed. It seems more likely that the US took advantage of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine from 2014 to evaluate the performance of the AN/TPQ-50 in detecting Russian artillery. These imports are supplemented by domestic systems like Ukraine’s NVK Iskra 1L220UK Zoopark-3. Ukrainian reports say this counter-battery radar was accepted for service in April 2021, with at least ten systems delivered.

The war in Ukraine has changed following the end of the first phase of Russia’s invasion in early April. Attention is now firmly in the south and east of the country. The Russian Army’s historical embrace of artillery has once again come to the fore. Ukraine is now suffering withering artillery barrages. On 25 July the United Nations (UN) released civilian casualty figures for war to date. It calculated that Ukraine had sustained 5,668 casualties. This comprised 2,848 killed and 2,820 injured. The UN concluded that “(m)ost of the civilian casualties recorded (including casualties in Russian occupied areas) were caused by the use of explosive weapons with wide area effects, including shelling from heavy artillery”.

The most effective way for the Ukrainian Army to reduce civilian casualties from Russian artillery is to attrit the latter. Destroying as much of the Russian Army’s artillery as possible is dependent in part on accurate Ukrainian artillery

The Russian Army has introduced the 1L219M Zoopark-1M comparatively recently. However, proposals to upgrade the radar comparatively soon after its service entry suggest that the radar’s design may not be that modern.

fire. This is in turn dependent on accurate counter-battery information obtained by counter-battery radar. Fortunately Ukraine, as illustrated by systems like Cobra and the AN/TPS-36(V), is receiving the advanced systems that are desperately needed. When working with effective artillery systems like the PZH-2000, this combination provides a capability which electronically and kinetically outranges its Russian counterparts. This could yet prove a deadly combination hopefully reducing the effectiveness and weight of Russian artillery. It is imperative that those nations sympathetic to Ukraine’s fight for freedom continue to supply effective counter-battery radars alongside the effective artillery the country so desperately needs.

New M series High Power

• Reverse gender configuration

• Wide temperature range –55°C to 200°C

• Sealed to IP68 mated; IP68 unmated as options

• Ratchet-coupling mechanism

• Scoop proof & IP2X finger protection

US government has supplied several AN/ TPQ-36 counter-battery radars to Ukrainian

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TACTICAL RADIOS 2022/23

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Key Specifications

Frequency Range Operating Bands:

NIGHTHAWK: 225 450 MHz

RAVEN: 1250 2600 MHz

Bypass: Outside Operating Band

Output Power 20 W minimum

Input Power 100 mW to 5 W (Configurable)

T/R Switching Speed Non Freq Hop 2 µs max Freq Hop 10 µs max

Size 5.0” W x 3.0” H x 6.0” L (not including connectors)

Fully Automatic Operation

• Fast Auto Detect T/R Switching

• Harmonic Suppression

Minimum Form Factor

• Suitable for Vehicle, Dismounted & Mobile applications

• IP67 Rated

Key Features:

• NVG Compatible Screen Interface

• Radio and Waveform Agnostic

• AM, FM. Narrowband, Wideband, MANET

• Fixed Gain, Linear

• Protections:

• Input Overdrive

• Antenna Mismatch

• Over Temperature

Future Features:

• Tethered Operation for Remote Monitor & Control

• Customizable default settings

• Configurable Gain

• Configurable Maximum Level Control (MLC)

• Configurable Automatic Level Control (ALC)

• Fan Kit

Making Waves

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February could have a profound impact on the tactical communications domain.

by Thomas Withington

hat the world is seeing in Ukraine is a semblance of a peer-on-peer conflict. Granted, Ukraine is not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). She remains reliant on Soviet-era and Russian materiel supplied before relations deteriorated in the wake of Russia’s first invasion of the Crimea in 2014. However, prior to the latest invasion, Ukraine began receiving advanced communications equipment. These supplies increased in size and scope following Russia’s

invasion on 24 February. Most media attention has focused on supplies of kinetic weaponry. Lockheed Martin’s M-142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, better known as HIMARS, has emerged as a star of the conflict. Likewise, the Raytheon/Lockheed Martin FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank guided missiles is engaging Russian armour.

Less discussed are supplies of Western communications equipment, and the effect these maybe having on the fortunes of the Ukrainian armed forces. Following the 2014 invasion, the United States began supplying L3Harris RF-7800V Single Channel Ground

and Airborne Radio System transceivers to Ukraine. Better known as SINCGARS, these radios are now considered somewhat legacy systems by NATO members. Debuting in the 1990s, SINCGARS radios are still widely used across NATO. In fact, alliance members like the US are ensuring their new transceivers are compatible with the SINGARS waveform. For Ukraine SINCGARS has emerged, albeit quietly, as another star of the war. Armada has been told by sources in the Ukrainian theatre of operations that the SINCGARS waveform has resisted jamming by Russian Army Electronic Warfare (EW) systems.

Ukrainian national guard soldiers get hands-on training on the Harris 7800v radio systems in May, 2015, provided by paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade.

SINCGARS’ impressive resilience has not been lost on the US armed forces. In 2017 the US Army’s Programme Executive Office for Command and Control embarked upon a SINCGARS upgrade. Among other adornments, this is rolling out AES-256 standard encryption into the force’s SINCGARS radios. AES-256, of which the United States’ National Security Agency is the custodian, is used for the carriage of US Top Secret traffic. Open sources say that AES-256 encryption is considered unbreakable by today’s available computing power.

shoRtcoMings

While the war in Ukraine has showcased the enviable vigour of SINCGARS, it has also highlighted glaring deficiencies. Nowhere has this been arguably more visible than in the current condition of Russian Army tactical communications. The early stages of the war illustrated what seemed to be a series of Russian communications failings. Army voice traffic was heard on clear high frequency (three to 30 megahertz) channels, eavesdropped upon by radio amateurs in and around the theatre of operations. Traffic often betrayed tales of woe suffered by Russian troops and their commanders as the war gathered pace.

The situation has seemed little better at the tactical edge. The conflict was still relatively young when pictures began cropping up on social media of Russian infantry relying on cheap Chinese civilian handheld ‘walkie-talkie’ style radios. These radios are very easy to intercept and are highly susceptible to jamming. Further revelations followed in August. A report by the London-based Royal United Services Institute thinktank entitled Silicon Lifelines exposed the quantities of Western and third-party electronics in Russian radios. Some of these components were legitimately acquired by Russia before sanctions started to bite following the 2014 invasion. Other components are not subject to export restrictions. some may have been acquired nefariously through false pretences by Russia’s intelligence services. Furthermore, intermediary countries may have supplied uncontrolled and controlled components to Russia’s electronics industry. Some suppliers in Hong Kong were highlighted in the report as acting in this fashion.

The report raises many questions. Why are Russian manufacturers not building these components themselves? Do they not have the wherewithal to do so economically at the volumes required by defence electronics manufacturers? Is it simply easier and more economical for Russia’s defence industry to acquire third party electronics even if done so illegally? Have Russian manufacturers stockpiled third party components for use in

their defence electronics. If so, how long might these stockpiles last?

conseqUences

The lessons of Ukraine’s bitter war will be digested in staff colleges, procurement brainstormings and policy focus groups for years to come. What are the potential effects on the tactical communications landscape beyond the Ukrainian? A caveat should be added that we are but part way through what is likely to be a long conflict. Nonetheless some initial observations can be made.

Perhaps almost too obvious to state, but the centrality of robust, encrypted communications is central. The extent to which SINCGARS has acquitted itself is nothing short of breathtaking. That a waveform fielded over three decades ago remains strong against the best that the Russian Army’s EW units can throw at it is impressive. If Ukraine’s tenacious enemy cannot break this ‘hipster’ waveform, how will it fair against state-of-the-art waveforms the US and her allies will field in current and forthcoming radios? Hopefully, the experience of SINCGARS in Ukraine augers well for initiatives like TrellisWare’s TSM networking waveform. For all intents and purposes, TSM

will superseded SINCGARS in the coming years. TSM can carry both US Sensitive but Unclassified and Secret and Below traffic, the latter using NSA Type-1 encryption. TSM will primarily be fielded at the company level and below. Provided there are no major advances in the acumen of Russian electronic warriors, tomorrow’s waveforms should be resilient if the experience of SINCGARS is a guide. Nonetheless, this is no excuse for complacency. Just because Russian Army EW has struggled against a legacy waveform, it does not mean US and allied militaries should be complacent about communications robustness. This should encourage tactical communications engineers to push the outside of the envelope yet further to ensure their hardware and software is simply beyond the nefarious reach of potential enemies.

Another lesson concerns internal and external interoperability. It seems that large numbers of Russian Army radios cannot work with each other. The army was in the middle of a major overhaul of its tactical communications when the war in Ukraine expanded in February. It was thus in an unhappy place. The majority of its manoeuvre units were using legacy, and probably obsolete, transceivers. Elite airborne

L3Harris supplied its RF-7800V radios to the Ukrainian armed forces in the wake of Russia’s 2014 invasion of the country. The SINCGARS waveform used by these radios have proven resilient against Russian jamming.

L3Harris

Twitter/LostWeapons

Interoperability extends beyond individual armies. If the unthinkable happens and NATO’s armies are forced to fight Russia, can they do so in a coordinated manner? Coordination is contingent on robust, flexible communications allowing NATO’s manoeuvre forces to talk and share data with one another. The ESSOR (European Software Defined Radio) waveform provides a common high-data rate, radio agnostic waveform. ESSOR is equipping the armies of Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland and Portugal. The waveform will enter service in the coming years allowing traffic to be moved between manoeuvre forces. NATO’s Coalition Wideband Networking Waveform (COALWNW) was to have performed a similar role. However, COALWNW now appears moribund, if not stillborn. Worryingly, the alliance does not appear to have anything to replace it. Going to war without a multilateral wideband waveform designed for coalition networking should be an unthinkable prospect. Should NATO look towards adopting ESSOR

or something similar? Brussels can no longer postpone this decision and must take action now before the strategic environment worsens.

The final lesson relates to budgets and programmes. The digestion of the lessons from Ukraine will crystalise into demands for new materiel and upgrades of existing systems. Funds for these acquisitions cannot be appropriated at the expense of military communications programmes. Tactical radios lack the glamour of main battle tanks, uninhabited aerial vehicles and self-propelled artillery, for example. Voters and politicians alike may balk at the significant costs of tools that simply allow soldiers to talk to each other and share information. The Russian Army’s experience shows that bad communications translate into bad situational awareness. This leads to bad coordination and ultimately bad decisions. It is incumbent on policymakers and personnel to stay the course and ensure their communications are not paired back to pay for heavy metal as both are essential.

and naval infantry units had received the newer kit. This should not in itself have been a problem provided both legacy and new radios share common, robust waveforms allowing them to communicate with one another. The reality on the ground seems quite the opposite and this has hampered Russian Army command and control.

Ironically, NATO and allied nations find themselves in a similar position to their Russian rival. France, Germany, the United States and the United Kingdom are all modernising their land forces tactical communications. By necessity, this will see legacy radios being phased out as new ones are introduced. This means that disparate systems will have to work alongside each other. Are these, and other nations, confident their armies can use new and old radios on the battlefield seamlessly and securely? If they are not, they should be remedying this situation with alacrity.

One of the early revelations of the Ukraine war was the extent to which Russian dismounted infantry rely on civilian standard communications like these Baofeng ‘walkietalkie’ style radios.

Recent research from the Royal United Services Institute has highlighted the dependence of Russian defence electronics manufacturers on Western and third-party supplied components, as shown in this diagram from RUSI’s Silicon Lifeline report.

Where legacymeets future.

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ATS-3100 RTS

PR9560

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight:

Notes:

AT Electronic and Communication International

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight:

Notes:

0.5/2/4W

30MHz to 87.975MHz. Combat Net Radio (CNR), Voice Relay Network (VRN) and Packet Radio Network (PRN) waveforms

AES 256/Customised COMSEC and ECCM

≤ 0.6kg (with 3800mAh battery)

PR9560 is intended for land forces such as infantry, forward observers, snipers, special forces and anti-terrorist units, and can be deployed at the platoon or company level. CNR’s primary role is voice or data transmission in battlefield via point to point/ point to multi-points communication. VRN extends voice communication distance by chaining. PRN mainly serves as data transmission for man to machine and machine to machine in battlefield.

AT Electronic and Communication International

100mW EIRP max

2.4GHz, spread spectrum, 240 operating channels, eight selectable nets

Time hopping, frequency hopping and OFDM resists interception, jamming. 1kg

PRR designed for operation within groups of up to 30 users allows for full duplex communication in ad-hoc digital networks, needs no additional infrastructure. Can link to another network through transceiver connected via USB.

Barrett Communications

Power: Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

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Notes:

PRC-2080+

PRC-2081+

30W/10W PEP (Selectable) output power

1.6MHz to 30MHz/ Modes: J3E (USB, LSB), H3E (AM), J2A (CW), J2B (AFSK) modes. Digital Voice: 600/700, 1200, 2400Bps (MELP/TWELP) Encryption standards: AES256 & DES56. Frequency Hopping: 5 or 25 hops per second

3.90kg (5.2kg with Barrett high performance Li-ion Battery with built in charge controller)

2G and 3G ALE options MIL110, 3G (STANAG) & CLOVER data options. PRC-2091 is a 12.85kg tactical mobile transceiver with a vehicle docking station and extra power (125W setting). PRC-2092 is a 14.3kg tactical base station with extra power (125W setting) and a mains power supply.

Barrett Communications

5W hand portable, 25W manpack, 50W mobile, base station & rebroadcast

30MHz to 88MHz, 25kHz channel resolution, 10 channels

Multiple levels of encryption and frequency hopping security available: Analogue VoiceFixed Frequency, Digital Unencrypted Data - Fixed Frequency, Digital Encrypted Voice - Fixed Frequency (DEFF), Digital Encrypted Voice - Frequency Hopping (DEFH), Digital Encrypted Voice

- Free Channel Search (DEFCS), Digital Encrypted Data - Fixed Frequency, Digital Encrypted Data

- Frequency Hopping

1.3kg with battery pack

Military grade portable communication transceiver specifically designed for tactical applications. It is designed to meet complete immersion, vibration, drop to MIL-STD 810G. Available in both handheld and man-pack forms.

25W

Barrett Communications

30MHz to 88MHz, 25kHz channel resolution,10 channels

Multiple levels of encryption and frequency hopping security available: Analogue Voice - Fixed Frequency, Digital Unencrypted Data - Fixed Frequency, Digital Encrypted Voice - Fixed Frequency (DEFF), Digital Encrypted Voice - Frequency Hopping (DEFH), Digital Encrypted Voice - Free Channel Search (DEFCS), Digital Encrypted Data - Fixed Frequency, Digital Encrypted Data - Frequency Hopping

7.7kg with backpack frame and 16.8V 10 Ah Li-Ion battery pack

PRC-2081+ 25 Watt Man-pack upgrades the PRC-2080+ transceiver with increased power and communication range. Standard package includes: man-pack dock, battery pack, AC/DC charger, collapsible section whip, tape whip antenna, handset, framed backpack.

Barrett

Tx 30W/10W PEP (Selectable), Rx current consumption 250mA

1.6MHz to 30MHz/ Modes: J3E (USB, LSB), H3E (AM), J2A (CW), CF (Custom Filter) ISB (Data) modes. Digital Voice: 600/700, 1200, 2400 Bps (MELP/TWELP)

Encryption Standards: AES256 & DES56. Frequency Hopping: 5 or 25 hops per second

2.95kg (4.55kg with BB2590 Battery / 5.00kg with Barrett high performance Li-ion Battery with built in charge controller)

2G and 3G ALE options, MIL110, 3G (STANAG) & CLOVER data options. Released September 2019. PRC-4091 is a 9.35kg vehicle mobile version with extra power (additional 125W & 150W settings) and a docking station with anti-vibration mounting. PRC-4092 is an 11.15kg base station with extra power (additional 125W & 150W settings) and a docking station and AC mains power supply.

PRC-2090 HF manpack transceiver

Tactical VHF radio

PRC-4090 HF Tactical Manpack Transceiver

Communications

– 25 W VHF Manpack

RADIOS LISTINGS

BLD100 Tactical Radio Benelec

Power: Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight:

Notes:

1W to 3W

VHF 30MHz to 88MHz, full civilian CTSS squelch, standard military 150Hz sub-audio tone

external encryption modules

0.295kg including battery & antenna

Designed for platoon communications, BLD100 is a fixed frequency handheld radio family in IP67 housing, complies with Mil Std 810C, D, E & F. Features built-in data modem.

BL350U UHF FM tactical radio Benelec

Power: Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight:

Notes:

2W to 4W selectable

380MHz to 420 MHz, up to 128 channels with 12.5Hz or 25Hz spacing

AES 256bit encryption optional

0.285kg including 1700mAH Li-ion battery

Up to 14 hour battery life, IP54 water & dust protection, priority channel & talkback scanning, 1,200/2,400 baud modem, programming via USB, voice operated transmission (VOX).

Tough SDR Handheld Bittium

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight: Notes:

5W (PEP)

30MHz to 2500MHz/ Bittium Narrowband Waveform, Bittium TAC WIN Waveform with data throughput up to 25Mbps, ESSOR High Data Rate Waveform, supports porting of legacy and national waveforms

Red/black separation, secured boot, tampering detection & response, emergency erase, COMSEC and TRANSEC allowing implementation of national algorithms, Application Sandbox for customer applications

950g with battery

SDR-based tactical handheld radio for individual soldiers, such as squad or platoon leader, providing a uniquely wide frequency range. With flexible configuration options and routing networks, supporting ‘thousands’ of radios in one network. Built-in GNSS, camera, transflective TFT LCD (320 x 426) display

Tough SDR Vehicular Bittium

Power: Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight: Notes:

12V DC to 32V DC according to MIL-STD-1275E

30MHz to 2.5GHz. Bittium Narrowband Waveform, Bittium TAC WIN Waveform, ESSOR High Data Rate Waveform. Supports porting of legacy and national proprietary waveforms.

Red/Black separation, secured boot, tampering detection and response, emergency erase, COMSEC and TRANSEC allowing implementation of national algorithms, application sandbox for customer applications.

15kg

The Tough SDR Vehicular forms part of Bittium’s Tough SDR product line which also includes the Tough SDR Handheld radio; both of which are being supplied to the Finnish armed forces.

PRQ-7 Combat Survivor Evader Locator (CSEL) Boeing

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

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Notes:

Sentry-H 6110-MP

Power: Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight:

Notes:

5W (PEP)

VHF, UHF, satcom

TNSA certified encryption and decryption of OTH and LOS messages

0.9kg

When activated by the Isolated Person (IP), 6-channel CSEL handheld automatically transmits the IP’s GPS location and identification and enables the IP and rescue centres to exchange messages.

Codan Communications

30 W PEP ± 1dB (two-tone or voice), user-programmable in 1W steps (low/medium/high)

Transmit: 1.6 to 30 MHz (optional: 1.5 to 30MHz) Receive: 250 kHz to 30 MHz with up to 1,000 channels AES-256 digital voice and data (256 keys, direct entry and programmable via Codan KMS/KFS & USB memory stick), CES-128 voice (97x16-digit keys, direct entry and programmable via Codan KMS/KFS & USB memory stick, 4-digit session PIN)

Radio without battery box: 2.45 kg, Radio with regular battery box (without battery): 3.23 kg, Radio with short battery box (without battery): 3.08 kg, Radio with regular battery box and 17.4Ah battery: 4.65 kg, Radio with short battery box and 8.7Ah battery: 3.95 kg

Codan’s Sentry-H 6110-MP delivers a rugged man-portable Software Defined Radio (SDR) solution for military organisations that demand uncompromised, secure voice and data communications, while on the move. The 6110-MP forms an integral part of the Sentry-H product family that meets the demands of the modern battlefield whilst offering full backwards compatibility with legacy products. The 6110-MP is one of the smallest, lightest form factor manpack HF radios available, delivering a powerful 30W RF power in a unit weighing less than 4 kg without compromise on any capabilities.

RADIOS LISTINGS

Sentry-H 6120-BM

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Codan Communications

150 W PEP ±1 dB (two-tone or voice), user-programmable in 1 W steps (low/medium/high)

Transmit: 1.6 to 30 MHz (optional: 1.5 to 30MHz) Receive: 250 kHz to 30 MHz with up to 1,000 channels

AES-256 digital voice and data (256 keys, direct entry and programmable via Codan KMS/KFS & USB memory stick), CES-128 voice (97x16-digit keys, direct entry and programmable via Codan KMS/KFS & USB memory stick, 4-digit session PIN)

RFU: 2.82 kg; Handset: 280 g (no cable)

Codan’s Sentry-H 6120-BM delivers a rugged Software Defined Radio (SDR) solution for military organisations that demand uncompromised, secure long range voice and data communications. With 150W RF power, it has been specifically designed to deliver the smallest and lightest form factor for no-fuss integration into base and mobile platforms. In close consultation with military customers, the 6120-BM has been optimised for ease-ofuse and features an ergonomic smart handset with a colour, high-resolution multi-language interface and a variety of other capabilities.

Codan Communications

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

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Weight:

Notes:

Handheld: 0.1W, 1W, 5W, Base/Mobile: 5W, 20W, 50W

Handheld: 20 to 520 MHz, Base/Mobile: 30 to 520 MHz

AES256 (COMSEC), Frequency Hopping (TRANSEC) and NETSEC.

Handheld: <1 kg (with Battery and Antenna), Vehicle dock: 2 kg, Power amplifier: 9.5 kg

Codan’s Sentry-M 6170-HH is an advanced, secure and easy to operate handheld multiband military Software-Defined Radio (SDR) designed for use in the harshest environments worldwide. With continuous spectrum coverage from 20 MHz through to 520 MHz, the 6170 provides simultaneous voice, data and situational awareness (APP-6 NATO standard for tactical BMS).

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Notes:

100W

TX: 1.5MHz to 30 MHz (10Hz steps), RX: 100kHz to 30MHz/ waveforms, modulation types, wide & narrow bands, and communications security can be updated via software

Integrated high-level encryption option with front panel quick-connect key fill port and zeroize button

IP-addressable, digital, ALE-capable HF manpack SDR combining DSP-IF circuitry and powerful microprocessors, also suitable for mobile, rack-mounting or desktop use. Can be used as a man-pack or vehicle-mounted set. Features an internal GPS receiver with external TNC antenna connector mounted on the front panel.

PRC1099A HF tactical manpack Datron

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight:

Notes:

5W to 20W, PEP or average, man-pack; 5/20/100/400W in mobile configuration. Capable of continuous duty service at 5W.

1.6MHz to 30MHz, 10Hz Steps, 100 programmable channels optional add-on

4.4kg plus 2.4kg battery pack

Rugged (MIL-STD-810), immersible man-pack with internal automatic antenna tuner, remotely controllable and with FED-STD-1045A ALE capability. Can be used as core of high-power vehicle system based on core man-pack, which retains emergency “jerk-and-run” capability.

PRC2100V Datron

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

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Notes:

500mW to 10W (Manpack) & 500mW to 75W (mobile or base station) 30MHz to 88MHz, 100 programmable channels

Embedded ECCM, COMSEC for voice and data. Full- or partial-band frequency hopping, digital encryption, and internal GPS receiver with external TNC antenna connector

4.2kg plus 1.8kg battery pack

Interoperable in all encryption and hopping modes with the HH2100V handheld radio, can be used in a network to provide base station, vehicle, man-pack, or retransmit capabilities.

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

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Notes:

500mW, 2W and 5W selectable 30MHz to 88MHz in 25kHz steps, 10 programmable channel presets encryption module, KRC1077, high-security voice scrambler optional Interoperable in FM clear-voice mode with Datron Squad Radio family and most other single-channel 30MHz to 88MHz VHF/FM radios using a 150Hz tone-squelch or CTCSS squelch system

SENTRY-M 6170

PRC7700H manpack

PRC1077 VHF tactical manpack

HH2100V Spectre-V tactical VHF handheld Datron

Power: Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight: Notes:

Up to 5W output power in three programmable steps 30MHz to 87.975MHz, 100 programmable channels

Full- or partial-band frequency hopping and digital encryption, 2 COMSEC modes (40bit and 64bit)

1.2kg with battery

Meets MIL-STD-810 for reliable operation in harsh environments, accurate position and time-of-day capability is afforded by the embedded GPS receiver, offers short messaging

HH7700

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Notes:

500mW, 2W and 5W, user selectable 30MHz to 88MHz, 2,320 channels at 25kHz spacing with 15 programmable presets optional embedded voice scrambler compact and lightweight VHF/FM handheld transceiver, offers VOX for hands free operation and whisper mode, interoperable in FM clear-voice mode with Datron Squad Radio family

NextGeneration Radios

Power:

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SDR-M

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight:

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up to 7W in three programmable settings 30MHz to 512MHz (depending on model), 100 programmable channels Embedded ECCM & COMSEC with Spectre 40, 64, and new AES-256, frequency hopping and digital encryption. Fully compatible with PRC2100V and HH2100V SpectreV ECCM

1.2kg inc battery

Spectre M family offer secure communications in ruggedised form-factors, provide a sophisticated feature-set, and utilise a simplified user interface, includes three versions: HH3100V, HH3100A, and HH3100M. GroundtoAir AM operation in some models.

Domo Tactical Communications (DTC)

400mW (2x2 MiMo)

1.2GHz to 2.5GHz banded

AES256/AES128 bit encryption, Interference Avoidance System

As low as 26g

DTC’s SDR-M is one of the smallest and lightest full MANET transceivers in existence. Fully compatible with and offering the same waveforms, bandwidths and data rates as its larger companion products, the SDR-M is a minitaurised single board design designed to offer outstanding SWaP. The SDR-M serves as the communications core for multi-role unmanned systems in an array of tactical, military and paramilitary use cases from border surveillance, ISR and unattended sensors to remote weapons platforms and swarming drones. Popular due to its very low power consumption, performance at range and ultra-lightweight physical form factor, the SDR-M can be rapidly delivered in quantities of thousands.

Domo Tactical Communications (DTC)

Bittium Tough SDR Handheld™

Bittium Tough SDR Vehicular™

› Widest frequency range & bandwidth on the market

› Superior IP MANET scalable from platoon to brigade

› Self-forming and self-healing network

› Uncompromised security supporting national crypto

Find out more!

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight:

Notes:

2W (2x2Mimo)

320MHz to 5GHz banded

AES256/AES128 bit encryption, Interference Avoidance System

634g

The SDR-H2 is DTC’s enhanced next-generation Special Role Radio designed to meet a diverse range of tactical applications. The SDR-H2 is in service with a diverse range of military, police and public safety agencies worldwide, used for terrestrial, ground to air, air to air and maritime operations. Tested to MIL-STD810H the SDR-H2 was designed for operation in the most demanding of tactical environments.. DTC’s new ATAK plug-in allows full network management and control of the radio from within the TAK environment.

Datron

HH3100 Spectre M multiband tactical transceiver

SDR-H2 handheld mesh radio

Datron

TACTICAL RADIOS LISTINGS

NETNode RM/RH mobile/infrastructure mesh radio

Power: Frequencies/waveforms: Security: Weight: Notes:

Domo Tactical Communications (DTC)

TWH-101

30W (2x4 MiMo)

320MHz up to 5GHz non-contiguous AES256/AES128 bit encryption, Interference Avoidance System

<2.0kg

The NETNode RM/RH is DTC’s mobile and battlefield infrastructure mesh radio. A heavily-optimized form factor makes the NETNode ideal for employment in a range of scenarios including size-restricted vehicle and UGVs. Successfully employed not only in terrestrial battlefield operations but also a wide range of unmanned systems, the NETNode’s ability to provide high data rates at long and extremely long ranges even at narrow bandwidths make it the MIMO radio of choice for diverse end users around the world.

Personal Radios EID Tactical Radio Systems

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight:

Notes:

TWH-104G1

100mW for TWH-101R

Operates in the 2.4GHz ISM band with low-probability-of-detection TDMA waveform.

AES encryption, user downloadable keys

300g to 680g including batteries.

Provides full-duplex audio conference, simultaneous data, dual PTT, stereo operation, VOX, whisper mode, voice prompt menus, automatic network management, embedded GNSS

Portable Gateways EID Tactical Radio Systems

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Range:

Maximum data rate:

Weight:

Notes:

Micom

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight:

Notes:

400mW

AES encryption

2km line of sight

115.2kbps

0.225kg inc batteries: 9VDC to 33VDC in TWH-104G1, 3VDC from 2x LR6 cells or 2x NiMH LR6 rechargeable batteries.

Creates a gateway between a TWH network and external equipment such as CNR, legacy radios etc.

Elbit Systems of America

25W

1.6MHz to 30MHz HF-SSB, 200 preset channels

Digital AES vocoder encryption, internal modem with optional AES encryption

3.6kg without battery

Provides long-range communications in demanding dismounted operations. Automatic Link Establishment per MIL-STD-188-141B standard.

PNR-500 Personal Network Radio Elbit Systems

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight:

Notes:

up to 800mW

380MHz to 430MHz or 400MHz to 450MHz UHF, 100kHz channel spacing, 15

presets

AES encryption

Less than 450g including battery

Offers SOF, snipers & CT units simultaneous voice and data communication at ranges to 1,500m, long-range links via VIC-500 vehicle intercom or tactical VHF/HF radio.

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight:

Notes:

0.5W, 1W, 2W adjustable 225MHz to 512MHz, AES 256 encryption based on FIPS 197 standards

< 0.36kg

E-Lynx family SDR for dismounts providing full-duplex voice, data and video, ad hoc networking for 64 members. Self-synchronises without master station or GPS, features embedded GPS position reporting.

and TWH-104

3 Pathfinder manpack

and TWH-104G3

PNR-1000A Personal Network Radio Elbit Systems

Power: Frequencies/waveforms:

Security: Notes:

Power: Frequencies/waveforms: Security:

Notes:

5W, 20W with amplifier

Elbit Systems

30MHz to 88MHz VHF/FM, 25kHz channel spacing, 20 presets, software controls programming, network management, data comms etc

Voice and data encryption, advanced frequency-hopping synchronisation. Digital encryption with very long non-linear “white” sequences, clear override and COMSEC alarm

Handheld member of CNR family. Features synchronous/asynchronous data transmission, error correction coding, automatic data rate adaptation. More powerful manpack, airborne & vehicle configurations available.

Elbit Systems

5W handheld & man-pack, 20W high-power man-pack, vehicular & airborne

30MHz to 512MHz, 25kHz channel spacing, 20 preset channels

Digital COMSEC, orthogonal frequency hopping ECCM

Multi-band radio providing ground, sea, and air units with wide frequency coverage and waveforms. Dynamic network synchronisation eliminates the need for a central control station. Uses Tadiran’s synchronous-orthogonal frequency hopping technology, and is fully compatible with legacy Tadiran frequency hopping systems like the CNR-710, CNR-900, CNR-9000 and CNR-9000HDR.

man-pack Elbit Systems

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight: Notes:

10W

30MHz to 512MHz narrowband waveform, 225MHz to 512MHz wideband waveform, multiple waveforms covering the aforementioned NATO mobile frequency bands, 100 channels per waveform.

AES256 encryption and Elbit/Tadiran algorithm, synchronous orthogonal frequency hopping, autonomous, GPS-independent synchronisation with master station, no single point of failure.

<3kg manpack

Extended networking coverage using robust and unique multi-hop concurrent flooding techniques. Provides simultaneous multiple voice sessions along with data and video services. Embedded IP router supports standard IP routing protocols. Embedded GPS supporting continuous high resolution Blue Force Tracking.

radio Elbit Systems

Power: Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight:

1W UHF & 121.5MHz

225MHz to 299.975MHz + 121.5MHz, 3,000 channels in 25kHz steps

Encrypted individual identification code assigned to each user; LPI/LPD less than 0.85kg

ASARS- and NATO-compatible radio featuring automatic activation, transmission of GPS location data and digital emergency messages, can be activated by another PRC-434. Endurance of 30 hours at 1:10 Tx/Rx ratio. www.armadainternational.com

Notes:

CNR-710MB multiband radio

CNR-710 Handheld

MTCR-7200 V/UHF

PRC-434G/CS survival

Hook 3 combat survival radio

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight:

Notes:

General Dynamics Mission Systems

1W – UHF; capable of 5W (FM), 200mW – VHF; capable of 2W (FM), 406 SARSAT 5.0W min, UHF SATCOM 5.0W ± 2dB

121.5MHz, 123.1MHz; 225MHz to 320MHz; capable of 100MHz to 512MHz; 406 SARSAT, Hook 2 & satcom

Hook 2 waveform is secure, 256bit AES encryption for satcom

0.680kg

New Hook family CSAR radio that is smaller, lighter and more powerefficient than its predecessors. Fully compatible with existing Hook 2 radios, Quickdraw2 interrogator, satcom base station.

General Dynamics Mission Systems

Power: Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight:

Notes:

Power: Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight: Notes:

Selectable up to 5W

225MHz to 450MHz, 1250MHz to 1390MHz, 1755MHz to 1850MHz, SRW and future waveforms

Programmable COMSEC and TRANSEC, Type 1, Type 2, not a Controlled Cryptogrphic Item (non-CCI)

0.767kg with battery, 0.43kg without

Small handheld networking radio providing secret or sensitive-but-unclassified communication for leaders or squad members in a single non-CCI device, designed to operate with AN/PRC-155. Compatible with Sidewinder vehicle mount.

General Dynamics Mission Systems

Power: Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight: Notes:

SR600 UHF Soldier Radio

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight:

Notes:

Selectable up to 5W

225MHz to 450MHz, 1250MHz to 1390MHz, 1755MHz to 1850MHz, SRW and future waveforms

Programmable COMSEC and TRANSEC, Type 1, Type 2, not a Controlled Cryptogrphic Item (non-CCI)

0.767kg with battery, 0.43kg without

Small handheld networking radio providing secret or sensitive-but-unclassified communication for leaders or squad members in a single non-CCI device, designed to operate with AN/PRC-155. Compatible with Sidewinder vehicle mount.

up to 5W

142MHz to 175MHz VHF, 445MHz to 480 MHz UHF channel spacing 6.25kHz, 12.5kHz, 25kHz (user selectable), 4GFSK modulation end-to-end PKI encryption (256-bit AES)

78g

Small, light digital mesh-networking tactical radio designed to work with an iOS and Android smartphone apps. Designed to enable 100 percent off-grid comms using Android Team Awareness Kit, also supports custom apps. Offers text messaging, GPS team tracking, collaborative mapping, point sharing of targets, friendlies, rally points, medevac locations etc, emergency beacon. Pro X radios transmit critical data up to four miles point-to-point, and securely hop messages across six devices. Both offered with multi-device deployment kits.

Kongsberg Defence Systems

10mW to 1W

225MHz to 400MHz, to 5MHz bandwidth

Embedded AES256 encryption

0.7kg

Software-defined, IP-based SR600 connects all soldiers within a squad while offering full integration into the platoon/company network. Allows the squad leader full intra- and inter squad radio communication with a single radio. Also features high data capacity to share video over realistic combat distances.

MH300 Handheld Multi-Role Radio (MRR) Kongsberg Defence Systems

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight: Notes:

15mW, 1W

30MHz to 87.975MHz, 2,320 channels

Built in encryption, up to level secret, comprehensive crypto and key management provided

1.055kg

Software configurable handheld MRR suited to CNR voice and advanced data networks. Features include tactical SMS with free-text or predefined messages (individual or group), “grab and run” from vehicle installation.

AN/PRC-112G Transceiver

Pro & Pro X goTenna goTenna

AN/PRC-154A Rifleman Radio

Power: Com ports: Immersion:

Weight: Notes:

Powered by the radio/comms device (3.6 to 36 V DC)

Three COM ports

20 meters for 2 hours (MIL-STD-810G)

152 grams

The INVISIO V60 II control unit is designed to be the ultimate communications hub. With 3 com ports and 4 PTT buttons, the control unit can connect into any type of communication device, such as multiple net radios, smart phones, a broad range of audio devices, headsets, and intercom systems for land, sea and air vehicles.

Power:

Hearing Protection: Immersion:

Weight:

Notes:

Powered by an INVISIO control unit

SNR 28 dB (EN351-2002), NNR 22 nB (ANSI S3.19)

10 meters for 1 hour (MIL-STD-810G)

347 grams

The INVISIO T7 is a submersible and lightweight hearing protection headset available in three interchangeable variants. The T7 is submersible to 10 meters and extremely rugged making it ideal for use in demanding environments. It is powered and controlled by an INVISIO control unit, making it easy to use and lightweight while featuring industry leading situational awareness.

Power:

Hearing Protection: Immersion:

Weight:

Notes:

Powered by an INVISIO control unit

SNR 32 dB (EN352-2:2002), NNR 29 dB (ANSI S3.19)

2 meters for 2 hours (MIL-STD-810G)

70 grams

The INVISIO X5 is a dual sided in-ear hearing protection headset with state-of-the-art external microphones for natural hear-thru and six sizes of exchangeable foam plugs for market leading hearing protection and comfort. It is powered and controlled by an INVISIO control.

MP300

Power: Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Notes:

AN/PRC-150(C) HF Manpack Radio

Power: Frequencies/ waveforms:

Security:

Weight:

Notes:

AN/PRC-152A Wideband Networking Radio

Power: Frequencies/ waveforms:

Kongsberg Defence Systems

10mW, 0.5W, 5W, 50W/ MRR special waveform

30MHz to 87.975MHz, 2,320 channels

Built-in COMSEC; electronic protective measures including Narrow Band Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (NBDS) in fixed-frequency operation, frequency hopping, multi-hop packet radio service with automatic routing, multipath integration.

Software upgradable man-pack for CNR and advanced data network services. Features: up to 19.2kbps data with forward error correction, voice, transparent and packet data, interference cancelling.

L3Harris Tactical Communications

1W, 5W, 20W PEP, -1/+2dB (1W, 5W, 10W FM)

1.6MHz to 60MHz/HF features: encrypted data, ALE, frequency hopping, vocoder, data link layer protocol, VHF features: vocoder, encrypted data US Type-1 and coalition encryption, enhanced frequency hopping

4.7kg without batteries

Falcon II family advanced HF-SSB/VHF-FM secure voice and data manpack radio. Provides up to 9,600bps (HF), and selectable ARQ modes reduce on-the-air transmission time and enhance secure data transmission. In addition to MILSTD-188-141B ALE, the AN/PRC-150(C) includes STANAG 4538 third generation HF Link Automation.

L3Harris Tactical Communications

user selectable 250mW to 5W, 10W satcom mode 30MHz to 520MHz and 762MHz to 870MHz. NB: AM/FM, VULOS, SINCGARS & HAVEQUICK I/II (standard), HPW, HPW IP, APCO P25 Phase 1 trunking, conventional and OTAR (optional). WB: ANW2C (standard), SRW (optional). UHF satcom: Mil-Std-188181B dedicated channel is standard, Mil-Std-188-182A, 183A DAMA, Mil-Std-188181C, 183B IW Phase 1, High Performance Waveform (HPW) & HPW IP, SATCOM TDMA capability waveform, all optional.

AN/PRC-117G Wideband Multi-band Multi-mission Radio

Security: Weight: Notes:

Power: Frequencies/ waveforms:

Security:

Weight: Notes:

Falcon III AN/PRC-158 Multi-Channel Manpack

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security: Weight: Notes:

RF-330-E-HH wideband networking handheld

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight: Notes:

Sierra II programmable crypto, secret or sensitive but unclassified

1.2kg max with GPS, battery and antenna Handheld networking SDR for simultaneous voice and data, including video.

L3Harris Tactical Communications

NB 10W, satcom 20W; WB 20W peak, 5W average 30 MHz to 2GHz. NB: AM/FM, VHF/UHF LOS, SINCGARS, Havequick I/II standard, SATURN, APCO P25 & P25 OTAR optional; WB: SRW, ANW2 C, ROVER III L-Band receive (optional)

Sierra II-based, Type 1 encryption for WB/NB NSA-certified top secret and below

3.7kg without battery, 5.44kg with Software defined tactical radio focused on wideband data, interoperability with fielded waveforms.

L3Harris Tactical Communications

Narrowband: 10W, SATCOM: 20W; Wideband: 20W peak, 10W average (max) 30MHz to 2.5GHz NB: VHF 30MHz to 225MHz, UHF 225MHz to 520MHz & 762MHz to 874 MHz. NB waveforms: AM/FM, VHF/UHF LOS, SINCGARS, Havequick, (SATURN, APCO P25 capable). SATCOM: Rx 243MHz to 270MHz, Tx 292MHz to 318MHz. MUOS: Rx 360MHz to 380MHz, Tx 300MHz to 320MHz. WB: 225MHz to 520MHz

UHF, 762MHz to 2.5GHz L-band. WB waveforms: SRW, ANW2C.

Sierra II-based, Type 1 (Suite A/B) NSA certified Top Secret and below.

5.76kg inc battery.

Multi-channel man-pack includes MUOS-ready hardware for SATCOM connectivity while on the move. NSA-certified for voice and data up to U.S. TOP SECRET with L3Harris Sierra II encryption, the man-pack is fully JTRS COMSEC and TRANSEC compliant.

L3Harris Tactical Communications

3.2W max, user selectable UHF: 225MHz to 450MHz, 99 channel presets (L-Band: 1250MHz to 1390MHz and 1755MHz to1850MHz, extension to 2.5GHz optional)/ ANW2C, others available.

Type 3 AES 256 for voice, video & data.

0.780kg with battery

Lightweight radio designed for operations in geographically challenging environments. Can serve as a ‘black’ relay for secure, encrypted video and data between multiple Type 1 tactical sets. Can be deployed a leave-behind device.

Personal Role Radio (PRR) Leonardo

Power: Frequencies/waveforms: Security: Notes:

50mW

2.4GHz direct sequence spread spectrum modulation

Encryption optional

Compact and lightweight PRR with a typical operating range of 500m in open terrain, and through three floors of a building, features wireless press to talk with up to 2m range, operates independently of any infrastructure, interfaces with combat net radios.

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Notes:

100mW

2.4GHz direct sequence spread spectrum modulation

Encrypted

Typical operating range is 800m in open terrain, and through three floors of a building; wireless Press To Talk (PTT) with 2m range; features interchangeable switch pack, tailorable audio ancillaries; independent of infrastructure. Enhancements include extended range, more capable antenna, gooseneck antenna, data capabilities, rebroadcast, C2 base station, special purpose ancillaries.

Power: Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight: Notes:

5W (50W in vehicles)

30MHz to 512MHz V-UHF/ NB VuLOS V/U AM/FM (STANAG 4204/4205), IP MIL-STD-188-220C (datalink), SelfNET EASY II (EPM/ECCM), SelfNET Networking Soldier Broad band Waveform (WB MANET), SelfNET Narrowband Adaptive Waveform (NB MANET)

Embedded programmable COMSEC up to national restricted and TRANSEC, embedded AES 256 crypto engine, support for custom crypto algorithms. 0.63kg with standard battery

Handheld or body-worn radio for soldier and commander use at platoon or section level, offering simultaneous voice and data communications at the tactical edge, configurable for vehicle use.

Power: Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight:

Notes:

Up to 20W, or 50W with vehicle amplifier

VuLOS V/UHF AM/FM (NB), MIL-STD-188-220C (data link IP), SINCGARS, HQ I/II , SelfNET EASY II (EPM), DAMA (MIL-STD-181A, MIL-STD-182A, MILSTD-183, MIL-STD-184 (TACSAT), SelfNET Networking Soldier Broadband Waveform (WB MANET), SelfNET Narrow Band Adaptive WF (NB MANET)

Embedded customisable COMSEC, TRANSEC under 8kg inc battery

Family of reconfigurable man-pack radios for dismounted and vehicular use, supporting wide-band IP voice and data, secure CNR voice and video.

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight: Notes:

Frequencies/waveforms: Security:

Weight:

Notes:

Selectable 0.25W, 1W, 2W, 5W and up to 10W

Narrowband: 30MHz to 512 MHz, Wideband: 225MHz to 512 MHz, AM: 108MHz to 512MHz/ NB: TDMA Networking Waveform (TNW) 25K and 75K; WB: M-TNW, ANW2 C (optional) Quicklook 1A, 2, 3 and Quicklook-Wide ECCM, 1128bit & 256bit Harris proprietary Citadel AES 128 & 256, Customer Algorithm Modification encryption less than 1kg with battery

Intended for traditional CNR missions, ground-to-air and company and below voice and data comms. Optional 50W amplifier enables use in mid-tier tactical networks. Provides manpack performance in a handheld, interoperable with Falcon II and III sets.

Defence Information Systems Agency Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services. NIST certified AES 256 voice and data encryption (can be used by coalition troops).

0.510kg without antenna.

Using Distributed Tactical Communications System satcom service, operator can reach thousands of other RO tactical radios within a 100-250 mile range anywhere with sight of sky. Described as a global push-to-talk satcom tactical handheld radio.

RO Tactical Radio

L3Harris Tactical Communications

RF-7850M-HH Multiband Networking Handheld

L3Harris Tactical Communications

Enhanced Personal Role Radio (EZPRR)

SWave Enhanced Handheld (HH-E)

SINCGARS RT-1523 VHF Radio

Power: Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight: Notes:

SINCGARS RT-1702 VHF Combat Net Radio

Power: Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight: Notes:

Tactical Network Rover (TNR)

Notes:

L3Harris Tactical Communications

1mW, 100mW, 5W, 50W (with power amplifier)

30MHz to 87.975MHz/ SINCGARS

internal Encryption Module, CT/PT, frequency hopping

3.5kg with battery

Offered in vehicle and man-pack configurations. In the mobile role, the radio works with an embedded tactical data router, and as a man-pack it features a standard point-to-point-protocol interface. Both allow a C2 application to access the tactical internet.

L3Harris Tactical Communications

1mW (LO), 100mW (MED), 5W (HI), 50W (PA with RFPA power amplifier)

NB: STANAG 4204 compliant (SC); WB: SINCGARS (FH)

Country unique Pavilion SINCGARS

3.5kg including BB-2590 battery

Man-pack or vehicle-mount radio that provides situational awareness through real-time maps, location and IP data with an optional, embedded 12-channel GPS.

L3 Harris Communications Systems West

Handheld transceiver that provides a multi-megabit, bidirectional data link capability to dismounted combat troops. Combines video downlink receiver functionality with broadband IP networking capability. TNR uses the existing ROVER communications infrastructure for air-to-ground interoperability and ground-to-air networking within a Net-T network, supporting digitally aided close air support, ground force position sharing, chat and large file transfers.

Tactical Network Rover e (TNRe) video receiver

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Notes:

L3 Harris Communications Systems West

Supports UHF, L-, S-, C- and Ku-Band operations/ capabilities include DDL, DVB-T, Tactical, BE-CDL, CDL, Legacy digital, 466ER, VNW and FM analog

NSA-approved Type 1 and AES encryption

Small-form-factor hand-held radio provides full bidirectional connectivity to vehicles or the dismounted user. Receives full-motion video and sensor data, enables secure digital video, chat, VoIP and other network-enabled applications. Fully interoperable with ROVER. Antenna can be connected directly to radio or remotely through cables.

CRE2-189, GCS RADIO TRANCEIVER AND ANTENNA Radionor

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight:

Notes:

CRE2-179-UAV,

Power: Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight:

Notes:

19-55 VDC/250W

4.900 -5.900 GHz

COMSEC and TRANSEC provided by digital beam-forming and AES-256 encryption embedded in hardware

12,5 kg

Phased array wireless data-link. Maximum data capacity 15 Mbps. IP based. Long range, exceeding 200 km. Vertically mounted panel with radio transceiver and antennas ideal for vessels and semi-mobile installations. The unit is fully compliant with the very most demanding class of electromagnetic compatibility and immunity according to MIL-STD-461F. Water ingress protection is IP67 (Submergible).

Radionor

19-55 VDC/250W

4.900 -5.900 GHz

COMSEC and TRANSEC provided by digital beam-forming and AES-256 encryption embedded in hardware

2 kg

Phased array wireless data-link. Maximum data capacity 15 Mbps. IP based. Long range.Horizontally mounted panel with radio transceiver and antennas ideal for UAV applications.The antenna panel has the same properties as CRE2-179, but with significantly lower weight adapted for UAV applications. The unit is fully compliant with the very most demanding class of electromagnetic compatibility and immunity according to MIL-STD-461F. The product has also been tested to all relevant parts of environmental requirements according to DO-160G. Water ingress protection is IP67 (Submergible).

UAV ๆRADIO TRANSCEIVER AND ANTENNA

TACTICAL RADIOS

CRE2-144-M2, HELMET MOUNTED RADIO Radionor

Power: Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight: Notes:

9-36 VDC

4.900 -5.900 GHz

COMSEC and TRANSEC provided by digital beam-forming and AES-256 encryption embedded in hardware

295g

C-band phased array tactical wireless radio. IP centric/ad hoc network operations. Compact radio transceiver and antennas ideal for portable or man-carried applications. The radio/antennas have very low weight and are to be mounted on top of a helmet. The radio has two Ethernet connections and military grade rugged for harsh environments with a special easy-to-clean connector for mud and dust. The unit is waterproof including full submerging in water (IP68). The unit also has built-in GPS and options for insertion of short range wireless interfaces to connect to user terminal equipment such as PCs, pads, and mobile terminals.

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight: Notes:

Max 5W (FM, programmable), max 6W (PEP) 20MHz to 520MHz and 30MHz to 137MHz/ DV Reutech narrowband waveform providing secure voice transmission, 25kHz channels, digital voice transmission, 100 hops per second in frequency hopping mode, fixed frequency. Analog voice transmission at a fixed frequency in FM and AM, Radmor Serial Data (RSD) data transmission.

TRANSEC & COMSEC cryptographic protection, AES-256 voice protection

< 1kg

Handheld SDR radio, developed using a common hardware platform for all COMP@N family radios, on which there are a number of waveforms implemented. HO7 is designed for voice communication, including: tactical short-range VHF and UHF communication for land forces; tactical short-range communication VHF for air force; communication with civilian services.

Radmor

Power: Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight: Notes:

Programmable FM max 5W, programmable AM max 4 W-PEP, CPM (W2FH): 0.1W, 1W, 5W 20MHz to 520 MHz and 30MHz to 13MHz7W2FH (Waveform with Frequency Hopping) – narrowband EPM (Electronic Protective Measures) waveform that can operate in the frequency hopping mode or at fixed frequency, STANAG 4204 - fixed frequency VHF FM, STANAG 4205 - fixed frequency UHF FM/AM

TRANSEC & COMSEC cryptographic protection

< 1kg

Handheld SDR developed using a common hardware platform for all COMP@N family radios. W2FH waveform allows simultaneous transmission of voice and data, while the synchronization mechanism does not require GNSS.

Radmor

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight: Notes:

Programmable FM, max 5W, programmable AM, max 4 W-PEP, CPM (BMS IP WF): 0.1W, 1W, 5W 20MHz to 520 MHz / 30MHz to 137MHz/ BMS IP WF – narrowband MANET waveform that can operate in frequency hopping mode or at fixed frequency, STANAG 4204 – working at a fixed frequency VHF FM, STANAG 4205 – working at a fixed frequency UHF FM/AM.

TRANSEC & COMSEC cryptographic protection

< 1kg

Handheld SDR developed using a common hardware platform for all COMP@N family radios. Has implemented several waveforms, which allow a smooth transition from classical systems to modern BMS. BMS IP WF allows integration with IP networks, simultaneous voice and data transmission.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight:

Notes:

5W/20W (BNET-MPS), 50W per channel (BNET-V)

Narrowband waveform 30MHz-88MHz, 225-512MHz (108MHz-174MHz) optional. Wideband waveform 225MHz-512MHz (L-band/S-band optional). Can support additional waveforms.

Networking ECCM capabilities, frequency hopping spread spectrum techniques.

6kg (BNET-MPS), 13kg (BNET-V)

The BNET-MPS is the manpack member of the overall BNET family with the BNET-V being its vehicular counterpart.

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight: Notes:

0.1W to 4W

225MHz to 2GHz/ Eight-hop relay, CPSM with DSSS, TDMA, CDMA and FDMA supports commercial Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) for Secure But Unclassified (SBU) transmission

0.76kg

Provides simultaneous voice, data and video, automatic position location reporting, giving commanders the ability to see the location of all people and assets at all times, even in GPS-denied environments.

COMP@N

COMP@N H09

COMP@N H08

Microlight DH500 Raytheon

TACTICAL RADIOS LISTINGS

EPLRS-XF-I Raytheon

Power: Frequencies/waveforms:

Security: Weight: Notes:

EPLRS-XF-I

(lightweight)

Power: Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight:

Notes:

50W max

225MHz to 450MHz/ enhanced positioning, TCP/IP MANET

AES encryption

8kg

Man-pack vehicle and airborne EPLRS radio providing robust, on-the-move, high-speed, automated data exchange using a contention-free networking architecture.

Raytheon

10W to 20W 30MHz to 512MHz, 142 channel pre-sets/ SINCGARS, SATCOM, DAMA, HAVEQUICK I/II, AM, FM, FSK, B/SB/DESB/SOQ PSK embedded encryption engine, embedded COMSEC for voice and data

5.2kg

Provides lightweight, secure, network-capable, multi-band/multi-mission, anti-jam, voice/ imagery/ data communications capability in a single package.

TR3000 Reutech

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight:

Notes:

150W

1.5MHz to 32MHz Secure Digital Voice 3G STANAG 4538 Packet Data

WBHF MIL-STD-188-110D (up to 240 kbps) Frequency Hopping AES256, optional fit user definable tamper proof INFOSEC, TRANSEC module

< 10kg

Direct RF sampling digital architecture

MTR1025 Manpack Reutech

Power: Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Notes:

30W

1.6MHz to 30MHz, HF User definable tamper proof INFOSEC, TRANSEC module

Features integrated texting from front panel, CNIS Link-ZA compliant data link, Bluetooth for peripherals, auto GPS position reporting, ALE to MILSTD-188-141A, APP A, data to MIL-STD-188-110A and STANAG 4285 local/ networked RC, built-in antenna tuning, Li-ion battery with gauge.

SOVERON® D – Streitkräftegemeinsame verbundfähige Funkgeräteausstattung SVFuA Rohde & Schwarz

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

modular

Security:

Certified for SCA 2.2.2, the SOVERON® D radio platform is prepared for porting future and legacy waveforms. It is accompanied by a high-performance waveform family, such as SOVERON® WAVE. SOVERON® D will also use the ESSOR high data rate waveform that was developed within the framework of the trans-European interoperability initiative for armed forces at the tactical level, an initiative the Federal Republic of Germany has joined. In addition, the NTN (National Tactical Network waveform)-family is fielded with SVFuA in the German Armed Forces. The SOVERON® D ‘software-defined-crypto’ platform allows a flexible lifecycle of encryption methods. Robustness against jamming attacks with TRANSEC fast frequency hopping measures. Support for ‘multi-level security’ MLS. Transmission of voice and data with confidentiality up to Ievel SECRET. SOVERON® D, known from the SVFuA development project of the German MoD features scalable security layer up to national and NATO SECRET.

Notes:

SOVERON®D is a highly modular SDR developed for the sovereign needs for tactical communication of the German Armed Forces. SOVERON® D manages communication networks through all echelons, with a special focus on joint and combined missions with multi-level security needs, supporting operations conducted by coalition forces. The system connects the vehicle IT infrastructure with the tactical command and control system.

SOVERON® VR Rohde & Schwarz

Power: Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Notes:

All modes: 50 W; A3E carrier: 12.5 W.

The core of the SOVERON®VR vehicular radio is an SCA 2.2.2 radio platform that supports standardized, legacy and Rohde & Schwarz proprietary waveforms and makes it easy to port waveforms. In addition, it allows customized waveforms and cryptology to be implemented. Frequency range from 30 MHz to 512 MHz without gaps.

Strict red/black separation. Crypto ignition key support. Ad-hoc networking (MANET) capability. Frequency hopping (TRANSEC). AES encryption (COMSEC)

SOVERON® VR has been designed for use in vehicles and for integration into semi-stationary and stationary applications. Its ruggedized hardware meets applicable MIL-STD environmental and EMC requirements, enabling the radio’s use under extreme conditions such as in armored wheeled vehicles and tracked vehicles. Together with the SOVERON® HR handheld tactical radio, SOVERON® VR forms a seamless connection to peers and the higher echelons on the battlefield to provide a common operational picture.

SOVERON® HR Rohde & Schwarz

Power: Frequencies/waveforms: Security:

Weight Notes:

Badger HU Combat Net Multiband (HF/VHF/UHF)

Power:

Cheetah 3 VU Combat Net Multiband (VHF/UHF)

High: 5 W; Medium: 2 W; Low: 0.2 W

Frequency range from 30 MHz to 512 MHz without gaps

Ad-hoc networking (MANET) capability. Frequency hopping (TRANSEC). AES encryption (COMSEC)

≤ 1.2 kg (2.65 lb) [with Battery? Without?]

The SOVERON® HR is a multiband handheld radio system that supports up to two voice channels and IP data transmission in parallel. It has been designed for use by dismounted soldiers, leaders and specialists under harsh field conditions in an electromagnetically contested environment. Its ruggedized hardware surpasses MIL-STD environmental and EMC requirements. Together with the SOVERON® VR vehicular radio, the SOVERON® HR handheld tactical radio forms a seamless connection to peers and the higher echelons on the battlefield to provide a common operational picture.

Sat-Com Secure and Tactical Communications

1.6-512MHz FM, USB/LSB, AM, FSK, MSK

BPSK, QPSK, PSK, QAM, DSSS* C

OMSEC: Encrypted AES256 Digital Voice

OTP / AES128, 1-600 hops per second.

8-digit decimal Mission Key.

Ad hoc channel scan / ALE

TacTalk - Messaging, Chat, E-mail, File Transfer. TacTalk-plus - Messaging, Chat, E-mail, File Transfer plus Frontline Battlefield awareness

5.8kg (including Battery)

The Badger has been specifically designed to be rack or panel mounted, an extension kit facilitates mounting in standard 19” rack. Perfect for Naval or Mobile installations. COMSEC (SDV) and TRANSEC(FFH) Modes on Scanning or ALE . All HF/VHF/UHF Features are interoperable with the Satcom suite of radios.

Sat-Com Secure and Tactical Communications

10W

30-512MHz

USB/LSB, AM, FM, FSK, MSK, BPSK, QPSK, PSK, QAM, DSSS

Encrypted AES256 Digital Voice

OTP / AES128, 1-600 hops per seco

8-digit decimal Mission Key.

Ad hoc channel scan / ALE

TacTalk - Messaging, Chat, E-mail, File Transfer.

TacTalk-plus - Messaging, Chat, E-mail, File Transfer plus Frontline Battlefield awareness

2.98kg (including Battery)

COMSEC (SDV) and TRANSEC(FFH) Modes on Scanning or ALE . All VHF/UHF Features are interoperable with the Satcom suite of radios.

1-600 hops per second.

8-digit decimal Mission Key.

Ad hoc channel scan / ALE

TacTalk - Messaging, Chat, E-mail, File Transfer.

TacTalk-plus - Messaging, Chat, E-mail, File Transfer plus Frontline Battlefield awareness. Backpack, Mobile Racks, Base Racks, Custom Solutions

4.5kg (including Battery) COMSEC (SDV) and TRANSEC(FFH) Modes on Scanning or ALE . All HF/VHF/UHF Features are interoperable with the Satcom suite of radios.

Power: Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight: Notes:

0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0 and 5.0W user selectable (waveform dependent)

30MHz to 512MHz contiguous . Implemented and planned waveforms and modes include: AM/FM, Havequick I/II, MIL-STD-188-241-1/-2 (SINCGARS), MIL-STD-188-181B (56kbps), MIL-STD-188-181C, -182B, -183B (SATCOM IW), ANDVT, Project 25, Over The Air Cloning (OTAC), retransmission

Programmable encryption engine supports NSA crypto modernisation requirements, certified by NSA.

0.867kg with battery

An evolution of the combat- proven AN/PRC-148 MBITR, the JEM is a JTRSapproved production radio, is part of a complete communications system for mounted and dismounted operations.

Power: Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight: Notes:

5 W in all frequencies

30MHz to 512MHz , Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW) , MIL-STD-188-241-1/-2 (SINCGARS - Standard/ FH2 EOM), MIL-STD-188-181C, -182B, -183B (SATCOM IW) , HAVEQUICK I and II, ANDVT (LPC-10, MELP), AM/FM, Project 25. Programmable encryption engine supports NSA crypto modernisation requirements, certified by NSA.

1.225kg

Combines AN/PRC-148 and AN/PRC-154 wideband tactical handheld radio capabilities to integrate dismounts into the wideband tactical IP and voice network via the SRW, simultaneously connecting with older nets via narrowband.

Power: Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight: Notes:

0.1W to 5.0W

30MHz to 512 MHz contiguous , Havequick II frequency hopping ECCM waveform, country-specific ECCM waveforms

Type 3 DES (optional), 256-bit AES (optional)

0.867kg

Non-Type 1 version (without NSA approved cryptographic algorithms) of the AN/PRC-148 compatible with all MBITR family products and available to US, allied and coalition forces.

Thales

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight:

Notes:

User selectable up to 5W 225MHz to 450 MHz (UHF band), 1,250MHz to 1,390MHz and 1,750MHz to 1,850MHz (L-band); supports SRW

Programmable COMSEC and TRANSEC NSA certified for Type 1 secret and below, non-CCI.

0.771kg with battery

Low-cost, body-worn radio that transmits voice and data simultaneously using the SRW, bringing secure secret and below squad-level communications to the soldier at the tactical edge, enables situational awareness and blue force tracking.

Thales

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight:

Notes:

user selectable up to 5W UHF band 225MHz to 450MHz, L-Band 1250MHz to 1390 MHz, 1750MHz to 1850 MHz/ Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW) embedded encryption, COMSEC, TRANSEC

0.771kg with battery

Increased RF range, battery life, and added visual HMI display built on the successful and field proven AN/PRC-154A Program of Record Rifleman Radio

Thales

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight:

Notes:

selectable up to 5W or 20W boosted mode in vehicle configuration

30MHz to 108MHz

Secured voice and data 16kbps digital encryption, high EPM protection including frequency hopping, free channel search and mixed mode

5.9kg with battery

Interoperable with Jaguar radios. Battery life: 32 hours with rechargeable LiIon battery pack. Advanced CNR services including group selective call, alert, authentication, passive late entry, over-the-air rekeying

AN/PRC-154B Rifleman Radio

AN/PRC-154A Rifleman Radio

BCC 67 Panther VHF Manpack Radio

F@stnet Twin Thales

Frequencies/waveforms:

Notes:

VHF and UHF

F@stnet Twin keeps infantry leader in touch with soldiers through the embedded UHF soldier channel while being continuously in touch with the commanding level thanks to the embedded VHF channel. Designed for interoperability with legacy waveforms; handles simultaneous voice and data.

soldier radio Thales

Frequencies/waveforms:

Security:

Weight:

Notes:

865MHz to 880MHz, 100 talk groups over 50 channels with up to 50 users per channel/ programmable encryption with red/black architecture

250 including battery

“Unique” waveform ensures communication is maintained across urban, wooded and mountainous terrain. In open terrain SquadNet gives a 2.5km range point-to-point, extending to 6km with automatic network relaying, maintaining secure comms over IP networks with an Android app

BATS-D AN/PRC-161 Handheld Link 16 Radio ViaSat

Power:

Frequencies/waveforms:

Weight:

Notes:

8W or 8mW transmit power

Link 16 Voice/Data waveform enables 26.8kbps through 1102 kbps TADIL J coded, free text variable format for enhanced throughput 1kg including battery

Radio fuses air and ground Situational Awareness (SA) in a handheld package designed for use at the tactical edge. Designed to be used vestworn, handheld, or mounted by special operations and expeditionary forces, including Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs), Forward Air Controllers (FACs), Tactical Air Control Party (TACPs), as well as size, weight, and power constrained platforms.

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SquadNet

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HIGH POWER DEFENCE

By Andrew White

In January 2022, the US Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) chief technology officer, Heidi Shyu, released a list of 14 technology areas deemed ‘most critical for investment’ to support the armed forces in the near future and beyond.

The list included Directed Energy Weapons (DEW), a group of emerging and disruptive technologies which have been in development for some time but which now appear to be gathering pace as the technology continues to mature. Efforts date back to 2014 when a DEW was deployed on board the USS Ponce, an Austin-class amphibious transport dock (AFSB(I)-15). When the USS Ponce was decommissioned in 2017, the LaWS was moved to USS Portland (LPD-27). Operating power was estimated at between 15–50 Kilowatts (kW) for engaging drones

According to US Government doctrine, DEW comprises multiple solutions including High Energy Lasers (HELs) and High Powered Microwave (HPM) systems, all of which can be deployed in a variety of mission sets including short-range air defence (SHORAD); counter-unmanned aircraft

systems (C-UAS); and counter-rocket, artillery, and mortar (C-RAM) missions.

HIGH ENERGY LASERS

HEL weapon systems are evolving quickly with multiple companies in the US and Europe pursuing developments to support US DoD and UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) SHORAD and C-UAS missions.

On 18 August 2022, Lockheed Martin announced it had delivered a 60+kW-class HEL with integrated optical dazzler and surveillance (HELIOS) system to the US Navy. According to a company statement, HELIOS is the ‘first tactical laser weapon system to be integrated into existing ships and provide directed energy capability to the fleet’: “Integrated and scalable by design, the multi-mission HELIOS system will provide tactically relevant laser weapon system warfighting capability as a key element of a layered defence architecture.

According to Rick Cordaro, vice president, Lockheed Martin advanced product solutions, “HELIOS enhances the overall combat system effectiveness of the ship to deter

future threats and … we understand we must provide scalable solutions customised to the Navy’s priorities.”

Lockheed Martin was awarded a $150m contract under the Surface Navy Laser Weapons Systems Increment 1 programme in 2018 with an initial integration of HELIOS on board an Arleigh-Burke destroyer set within just two years. A second technology demonstrator was also evaluated at White Sands Missile Range at the same time in a groundbased configuration.

At the Farnborough International Air Show in July 2022, Raytheon executives also provided Armada International with an update on their global HEL efforts. Referencing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Raytheon’s president for electronic warfare systems, Annabel Flores and president for land warfare and air defence, Tom Laliberty emphasised the continued proliferation of UAS across the modern battle space and subsequently, demand for DEW technologies to neutralise them: “We’re seeing real innovation in terms of how [Russia and Ukraine] are using UAS to deliver effects against ground elements and against civilian targets.”

After a stuttering start, directed energy/laser weapons are beginning to gain traction as viable ‘soft kill’ options for military forces.

Dragonfire, the UK’s Laser Directed Energy Programme (LDEW) led by MBDA, has successfully begun a series of trials to prove the accuracy and power of a laser weapon. Trials are progressing to a second stage which will combine high power with ‘aimpoint accuracy’. The illustration represents a warship defending against various threats.

Currently, Raytheon offers a variety of HELs in 15, 30 and 50kW configurations, according to company officials. This includes the integration of an undisclosed HEL solution on board Kongsberg’s National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) which is expected to be deployed to the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv to protect against Russian missile attack.

Flores confirmed Raytheon was also considering offering a similar capability to other NASAMS customers around the world as part of a layered air defence approach. “That was a key step to demonstrate that we can integrate with multiple other sensors and other command and control systems,” she explained at the media roundtable at Farnborough.

Raytheon is also supporting a two year programme with the UK MoD to integrate a HEL on board the General Dynamics (ex-Force Protection) Wolfhound tactical ground vehicle. The company was awarded a contract at the DSEI exhibition in September 2021. The Novel Weapon Programme is focused on using HEL for counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) tasks as well as air defence with Raytheon supported by Frazier Nash and NP Aerospace.

A technology demonstrator of the capability is expected to be evaluated by the MoD in the 2023-25 timeframe with Laliberty confirming: “We continue to work towards exporting our first system to the UK and working with our Raytheon UK partners, and the UK MoD.”

Finally, Raytheon is also in the process of manufacturing and delivering a total of four HEL solutions for the US Army’s

DE-MSHORAD [Directed Energy - Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense] programme of record. The first system is due to be delivered by the end of 2022, Raytheon confirmed.

At Farnborough, MBDA UK also provided an update on the development of its own Laser DEW (LDEW) programme after several years of silence. The concept was first promoted back in 2017, featuring a consortium of the UK’s Defence Science Technology Laboratory (Dstl); MBDA; Leonardo and Qinetiq.

According to an announcement at the airshow, live fire evaluation of the LDEW, also known as ‘Dragonfire', has already been initiated as the programme aims to “prove the accuracy and power” of the system. “The first of these trials recently conducted by the Dragonfire consortium at low power proved the system can successfully track air and sea targets with exceptionally high accuracy,” stated an MBDA spokesperson.

The successful trials, according to MBDA, will be followed by a second phase which will see the consortium conducting a “static, high power laser trial while maintaining aimpoint accuracy”.

Looking beyond the second phase of the programme, the next steps would “combine the outcomes of these two trials, pairing the recently proven tracking accuracy and the high power laser, by engaging targets in operationally representative scenarios”.

Chris Allam, managing director of MBDA UK, said in a statement: “The success of these trials is a key step in the development of sovereign laser directed energy weapons. The essential challenge of an LDEW system is safely controlling and

focusing high laser power onto an extremely precise point, at long range. The tracking trial was an excellent test of the component parts of the Dragonfire tracking system working together to do this.”

Components featured in the trial included a low power laser from Qinetiq; beam director from Leonardo; and MBDA’s s Image Processing and Control technology which enabled ‘fine’ pointing and tracking accuracy required to generate the damage effect of a high-powered laser. Leonardo’s beam director is integrated into a turret configuration to aid target acquisition of threats at various ranges and in different weather conditions on the ground and at sea. Other sub systems including the C2, Effector Management System (EMS) and ‘course’ tracking (which turns the laser towards the target) were also proved in the trial.

According to Leonardo, the aim of LDEW is to provide “short-range air defence and close-in protection” for surface vessels as part of a wider system of systems providing various hard and soft kill effects. “These include identifying, tracking and deterring a potential threat by dazzling its targeting sensors, as well as damaging or even destroying the incoming threat,” it was added.

HIGH POWER MICROWAVE

HPM also continues to emerge as a capable DEW solution for armed forces, particularly relating to C-UAS missions. The purpose of HPM is to disrupt the electronics of different types of equipment

Speaking to Armada, chief executive officer of California-based Epirus, Leigh Madden described how HPM “after years of failed programmes has undergone a resurgence in recent years “.

“We are starting to see the tides of conversation shift and commend leaders throughout DoD and members of Congress who recognise the criticality of

Deliveries to the US Navy have started with the Lockheed Martin HELIOS system providing a high energy laser with integrated opticaldazzler and surveillance (HELIOS) system.

Lockheed Martin

USS Ponce (AB(I) 15) mounting a Laser Weapon System while deployed to the Arabian Gulf in 2019.

integrating HPM capabilities into a range of programmes and mission sets,” Madden confirmed before warning how legacy solutions continued to be “plagued” by size, overheating and power constraints.

“Traditional vacuum tube-based HPM systems occupy the size of a shipping container; there are overheating issues due to the high-power requirements to generate an HPM waveform; and balancing precision and power,” Madden added before suggesting some legacy HPM solutions struggle to "precisely control their waveforms which risks damage to blue force assets and personnel in close proximity”.

Epirus’s solid-state, software-defined family of Leonidas HPM products is already demonstrating “precision strike and counter-swarm capabilities and proven effectiveness against Group 1-3 UAS”, Madden claimed.

“I see this renewed interest in HPM continuing to grow in the next five years and beyond. I believe that software will come to define the future of military overmatch, if it hasn’t already. The HPM market will continue to expand, that’s for sure. But I have no doubt that solid-state, software-defined HPM systems will emerge as game-changers for countering hostile UAS and other electronic threats that continue to take centre stage in ongoing conflicts across the globe.”

Epirus currently offers customers Leonidas Next Generation (NG); Leonidas Pod (for UAVs); and Leonidas Mobile which in April 2022, successfully participated in the DoD’s HPM C-UAS Technology Demonstration at Yuma Proving Ground.

“A DoD readout of the exercise confirmed that Leonidas prosecuted targets at tactically relevant ranges, demonstrating 100 percent up-time throughout the duration of the exercise, even with ambient temperatures nearing 100 degrees centigrade. Frankly, the ball is now in DoD’s court – and we look forward to continuing to work with them to field our technology as soon as possible,” Madden asserted.

“We are continuing on our path of rapid system iteration to deliver smaller, smarter and safer Leonidas form factors to meet our customers’ evolving mission needs. Our latest ground-based Leonidas [NG] system showcased a three-times power increase from our original system, which we unveiled in 2021.”

Earlier in 2022, Epirus also unveiled the Leonidas Pod solution for which it is already under contract with the US Special Operations Command although no further details can be disclosed due to operational security reasons.

“Leonidas Mobile, the third member of our Leonidas family of systems, enables integration of our HPM array with ground combat vehicles to bring a fully mobile counter-electronics capability directly to the threat environment. With the inherent modularity of our technology, we can rapidly adapt our systems to develop new form factors that meet the mission needs of our customers. Needless to say, we’re moving fast and this corporate agility and rapid system iteration have been integral to our successes to date,” Madden added.

Applications include the integration of Leonidas Mobile on board General Dynamic Land Systems (GDLS) Stryker infantry fighting vehicles following a strategic agreement signed in October 2021 to explore the integration of our HPM array with their fleet of crewed and autonomous ground combat vehicles.

“In the past eight months, we’ve made incredible strides with our GDLS partners on Leonidas’ integration with Stryker to enable a fully mobile counter-electronics solution,” said Madden. Various elements of the integrated system and a scaled prototype of Stryker Leonidas known as ‘Drone Destroyer’ are due to be displayed at the AUSA exhibition in Washington, DC in October 2022, he confirmed.

Elsewhere, Epirus is also under contract with the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to support the

Warden Ranger programme which aims to develop software that enables more accurate prediction of electromagnetic waveform behaviours.

“Through use of our cutting-edge SmartPower technology platform, Epirus has ushered in a paradigm shift in HPM technology. We’ve turned the Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) factor for HPM on its head – Leonidas is small enough to fit in the back of a pickup truck and features a military grade trailer for maximum manoeuvrability. Leonidas’ software definition also enables a range of technology differentiators and allows operators to precisely control the system’s HPM waveforms to prosecute individual targets in tight crowded spaces or neutralise a swarm of drones across a wide terrain,” Madden added.

Elsewhere, companies including Raytheon and Lockheed Martin also continue to develop HPM payloads capable of being carried by UAVs to support a variety of mission sets including C-UAS. Examples include Lockheed Martin’s MORFIUS solution as well as Phaser by Raytheon which, according to company sources, has already conducted flight tests on both manned and unmanned platforms for ‘air-to-air C-UAS’.

According to Raytheon, HPM weapons can engage air-to-air; air-to-ground; and ground-to-air, providing low cost per engagement; speed of kill; ability to defeat swarms; and operable in all weather and visibility conditions.

CONCLUSION

Madden highlighted a variety of emerging use cases for HPM technology beyond C-UAS. “With our high-power microwave technology, we’ve demonstrated effectiveness against a range of electronic targets beyond UAS. Most notably, we’ve disabled an outboard ship motor, cementing the system’s broader counter-electronics capabilities and accelerated vessel-stop effects for enhanced maritime mission assurance. We are exploring a myriad of use cases for Epirus SmartPower to support our government and commercial customer bases,” he concluded.

In the immediate term, it appears hard kill solutions will continue to be the preferred countermeasure to take out UAS and other short range air defence threats. However, as threats evolve and DEW continues to mature, defence sources expect much more of a blend of soft and hard kill effects employed to disable threats, particularly at the tactical edge.

The Epirus airborne Leonidis Pod is under contract with US Special Forces

THE DISRUPTORS ARE COMING

By Andrew Drwiega

For those in industry still operating under the illusion that nations in the Middle East and Asia are markets into which they can pour their products at a premium price on the basis that they are made in Europe / North America, and are therefore revered - need a reality check.

Not only are Asian and Middle Eastern companies now selling their products into Western armed forces, but they are also developing their own ranges of products - at an increasing pace - with all the guarantees of quality, on time delivery and after sales service that their Western rivals have continually promised - but in many cases have not delivered to the customer’s expectation. The new disruptors are setting themselves up to be better vendors and long term partners.

Proof in terms of major systems was witnessed on 29 August, when South Korean company Hanwha Defense signed a $2.4 billion deal with the Polish Armaments Agency to supply 212 K9 Thunder Self-Propelled Howitzers (SPHs), 155mm ammunition, training and logistics to the Polish armed forces. This followed an earlier, even larger order worth $3.4 billion a few days prior for 180 Hyundai Rotem K2 tanks.

The significance of this is that it was not just a ‘lucky break’ for Hanwha, for in addition to supplying the K9 to South Korea’s own army, it has also sold the

howitzer to Turkey, India, Finland, Norway, Estonia, Australia and Egypt. This is a world recognised system with increasingly good future prospects. It is firmly in the mix to win the contract to supply the British Army’s next Mobile Fires Platform, replacing the AS-90 (also a 155mm howitzer) of which 179 were delivered. This order is likely to be worth up to $1 billion.

South Korea’s aerospace giant Korea Aerospace Industries is also developing its KAI KF-21 Boramae (previously KF-X) advance multi-role fighter, the second modern military aircraft it has developed following the T-50 Golden Eagle.

States in the Middle East, particularly in the financial power houses of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, are also pouring money and keen minds into the formation of their own military industry sectors. One such example is the Abu Dhabi based EDGE Group. Having just visited a selection of the companies under the umbrella of the EDGE organisation, it is clear that there is huge ambition tempered by the understanding that there is no necessity to try and compete on the international market at every level of technology.

EDGE was formed in 2019 to bring a variety of national defence companies under a single umbrella organisation. These are split into four technology ‘clusters’: platforms and systems; missiles and weapons; electronic warfare and cyber; and trading

and mission support. However, these all have a mandate to cross collaborate where possible and share knowledge. While UAE defence industries were initially mandated to support the UAE Armed Forces, their product development from companies both established - such as NIMR who began producing armoured vehicles 20 years ago - to others founded much more recently such as Sign4l in 2020. It delivers electronic warfare services and national security systems.

What I heard from a variety of managers and directors within EDGE and its components companies was a desire to innovate from within, bringing in expertise where necessary, and to compete at a fair price that had not been set to maximise profit, nor at a price point that devalued the quality of the product just to make the sale.

“At the early stages our product development was driven by customer [ UAE Armed Forces], requirement, but we still looked at the long term horizon,” said Miles Chambers, director of business development at EDGE. “Export sales are a key focus and we are look to rapidly grow our customer base where we believe we bring competing technologies at a competitive price. We want to aggressively move into markets previously dominated by United States.”

Having attended the World Defense Show (WDS) 2022 in Saudi Arabia in February this year, it is also obvious that the Saudi government has also tasked the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) to strengthen the national Saudi industrial defence sector, and encourage it building a wide defence product portfolio for the export market.

EDGE HQ in Abu Dhabi, UAE.