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.
US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has ordered additional Falcon III manpack and handheld tactical radios from Harris Corporation for the expanded deployment of a SOCOM-accredited wideband tactical communications network. The $18 million orders were announced on 20 January.
The orders call for Harris to supply its Falcon III AN/PRC-117G and AN/PRC-152A radios, which support advanced wideband data networking, and provide users with interoperability through legacy narrowband waveforms.
The SOCOM wideband tactical communications network enables operators to send and receive tactical voice, video and data, resulting in enhanced situational awareness and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR).
George Helm, president, Department of Defense business unit, Harris RF Communications, said: ‘Harris Falcon III wideband radio systems are delivering the tactical Internet to the battlefield. This new network is opening up a world of new combat applications, such as collaborative chat, biometric enrolments, video conferencing and video ISR. These are next-generation capabilities, delivered today, using a proven commercial business model that thrives on competition and innovation.’
The radios offer NSA Type-1 certified High Assurance Internet Protocol Equipment encryption, the highest level of information assurance available to tactical units.
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.