US Space Force increases efforts to plug training capabilities gaps
The service has been seeking simulation and emulation solutions capable of reproducing multiple in-orbit threats.
Elbit Systems’ Mercury Radio System has achieved full operational capability (FOC) and is now in service with the UK's Army Cadet Force (ACF), the company announced on 3 January.
Elbit Systems, in partnership with Drumgrange, delivered more than 3,000 PRC-710 VHF radios and amplifier sets and 150 PRC-720 HF man-pack radios along with battery charging and ancillary equipment to enable practical field-craft and signals training and a command and control capability.
Elbit Systems Land and C4I Division manufactured and supplied the PRC-710 VHF handheld radio, including PRC-715 amplifiers, and the PRC-720 MICOM Pathfinder HF radios.
Martin Fausset, CEO at Elbit Systems UK, said: ‘We are delighted to become a new radio supplier to the UK MoD providing a valuable capability for the UK Army Cadet Force and future users.’
George Howe, managing director of Drumgrange, said: ‘Alongside Elbit Systems, we are pleased to be able to provide the ACF with a new and cutting-edge equipment and communications solution that will not only allow them to train effectively but also provide a key safety communications network for support on exercises and other activities.’
The service has been seeking simulation and emulation solutions capable of reproducing multiple in-orbit threats.
The service has been conducting several acquisition and upgrading efforts involving artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve communication, data analysis and ISR systems.
The Syracuse 4B communications satellite, developed by Airbus and Thales Alenia Space, was launched last year, bolstering secure military satellite communications for the French Armed Forces. Thales has now been selected to provide terminals for vehicles.
The growing importance of space in modern warfare, advancements in satellite technology, and increasing threats from rivals like China and Russia were among the topics of a Eurosatory 2024 panel on military space operations.
AN/ARC-232A is a Starfire radio that provides VHF/UHF communications to airborne platforms and the transceiver is software-programmable, allowing for multiple waveform support as well as optional national electronic counter counter-measure (ECCM) capability.
During the 18-month period of the contract, Lockheed Martin will apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques to create surrogate models of aircraft, sensors, electronic warfare and weapons within dynamic and operationally representative environments.