DSEi 2011: Next-generation SSE set for AUSA debut

Radio Tactics will demonstrate a prototype of its Athena intelligence system integrated with ITT's SpearNet radio at the Association of the US Army (AUSA) exposition in Washington DC next month.

Addressing the needs for a next-generation system for sensitive site exploitation (SSE), Radio Tactics' Athena in-field data extraction tablet will be capable of wider networking back to tactical operations centres for example.

SSE has become a vital tool in the capability of special operations and conventional forces around the world looking to fully exploit intelligence found during missions to capture high-value targets for example. Sources told Shephard that it is likely US Navy Seals would have conducted such an operation during Operation Neptune's Spear to capture Osama Bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

Athena allows forces to extract and process communication and positioning information from GPS, satellite handsets, phones and other portable devices. As company literature explained: 'Athena gives forces the power to capture evidence and link a potential suspect with an event, location or incident, for example in the placement of an improvised explosive device.'

Speaking to Shephard at DSEi in London, Radio Tactics CEO Andy Gill said there were requirements for 'more rounded solutions and integrating seamlessly information on the battlefield'. This, he continued, could include fusion with biometrics measuring equipment and rapid computer triage of information available.

'We are working on a demonstration for AUSA in which we are tethering Athena's capability to SpearNet to increase situation awareness. There is a big push in the US because they are still active in a number of theatres on operations.

'In addition, the [UK] MoD and British Army are actively seeking information in this area,' he continued.

To date, Radio Tactics has supplied the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with more than a hundred Athena systems which Gill added, had been used on operations in Afghanistan and most likely, East Timor. He said the ADF's concept of operations saw both conventional and special forces using the equipment although he could not go into further details.