BAE Systems gets go-ahead for second phase of mission communications programme
BAE Systems will continue the work from Phase 1 of the MINC programme. (Photo: BAE Systems)
DARPA’s Mission-Integrated Network Control (MINC) programme was set up to develop an autonomous tactical network and enable critical data flow in contested environments.
BAE Systems has been awarded a US$6 million Phase 2 contract from the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to continue developing autonomous software for mission-critical communications – part of the MINC programme.
Under Phase 2, BAE Systems’ FAST Labs research and development organisation will advance the software and algorithms that were developed in Phase 1. According to DARPA, this will include demonstrations from BAE Systems (alongside other research teams in the programme) in a live, virtual and constructive environment.
“The technology we are maturing will act as the brains of this highly complex and mission-critical networked communications system,” said Brian Decleene, chief scientist at BAE Systems’ FAST Labs. “This award allows us to continue our work to deliver the right information to the right user at the right time across multiple domains.”
BAE Systems joined DARPA’s MINC programme in May 2022, when it received a $24 million contract. The programme intends to build and demonstrate an advanced, integrated capability that creates a secure communications network and ensure warfighters can communicate in highly contested environments.
Work on the programme will be carried out across two locations in the US in Burlington, Massachusetts and Arlington, Virginia.
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces]()
Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces
Airbus was awarded the Composante Spatiale Optique (CSO) contract at the end of 2010. This included an option for a third satellite, which was activated after Germany joined the programme in 2015.
-
![Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)]()
Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)
In today’s contested operational environment, adaptability is key. The new Geospatial-Intelligence as a Service (GEO IaaS) solution from Fujitsu and MAIAR empowers militaries by enabling intelligence advantage, combining advanced technology with human expertise to deliver actionable insights.
-
![Israel sets up new department to boost development of AI and autonomy]()
Israel sets up new department to boost development of AI and autonomy
Israel will continue to develop autonomy for its weapons and platforms as it brings together defence personnel, academia and industry.
-
![Clavister contracted to supply cyber protection for CV90s]()
Clavister contracted to supply cyber protection for CV90s
Clavister CyberArmour, an integrated defence cybersecurity system, will be used on BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 platform in deployments with a Scandinavian country, as well as in an eastern European nation.
-
![Lockheed Martin completes tactical satellite demonstration and prepares for launch]()
Lockheed Martin completes tactical satellite demonstration and prepares for launch
The tactical satellite (TacSat) is an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) system and will participate in exercises in 2025.
-
![AUSA 2024: General Micro Systems adds four new products to the X9 Spider family]()
AUSA 2024: General Micro Systems adds four new products to the X9 Spider family
The airborne three-domain, the two ground-based and the ¼ ATR OpenVPX-based cross-domain systems were engineered to provide real-time security across multi-domain operations.
