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.
Harris Corporation will supply the US Special Operations Command with next-generation multi-channel manpack radios under a six-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract announced on 19 June.
In addition to the manpack radios, the contract includes the new RF-410 next-generation manpack power amplifier, vehicular systems, accessories and push-to-talk/headset audio sub-systems.
The contract is part of the comprehensive US Special Operations Forces (SOF) Tactical Communications programme.
The radio will enable advanced communications for SOF on the battlefield. It offers similar fully integrated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), situational awareness and communications capabilities to the handheld, while meeting or exceeding the enhanced manpack requirements for increased performance, power, throughput and range.
The radios can communicate via satellite communications, VHF/UHF/L-band and multiple wideband networking waveforms, as well as receive and transmit ISR full-motion video and signals-based situational awareness.
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.