Enhanced BRASS paves way for better naval communications
The UK is expected to follow other NATO navies in introducing new HF communications protocols
The NATO Broadcast and Ship to Shore (BRASS) HF service architecture defines how the alliance’s navies communicate across frequencies of 3-30MHz. BRASS is an HF protocol used for BLoS communications.
BRASS is being enhanced via the BRASS Enhancement-1 Technical Architecture, better known by the clumsy nested acronym of BRE1TA.
While SATCOM can carry BLoS traffic, HF provides ships with an alternative if satellite coverage is unavailable, or if SATCOM is jammed or compromised. HF technology dates back to the 1920s but it is still relied upon by navies and other armed services as an alternative to SATCOM.
To some extent,
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Canada boosts Arctic presence as CCGS Donjek prepares for sea trials this year]()
Canada boosts Arctic presence as CCGS Donjek prepares for sea trials this year
CCGS Donjek is currently being prepared to start testing and be handed over to the Canadian Coast Guard in the second half of 2026.
-
![HHI poised to start submarine production in Peru pending election outcome]()
HHI poised to start submarine production in Peru pending election outcome
South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries confirmed to Shephard that the company is awaiting the Peruvian government’s decision to allow it to move forward with the production of the HDS-1500 submarine.
-
![How the Hormuz mine threat exposes potential Baltic MCM shortfalls]()
How the Hormuz mine threat exposes potential Baltic MCM shortfalls
Ageing Baltic vessels and an absence of active minehunting vessel programmes in the region have been put under the spotlight in the recent conflict.
-
![“We must end the mentality of ever larger platforms”: Why USVs are scaling]()
“We must end the mentality of ever larger platforms”: Why USVs are scaling
Multiple USV programme milestones announced last week, aligned with a reinforcement of the Royal Navy’s vision for a hybrid fleet, point to innovation-led ambition but also to a structural calculation with resource ceilings that neither London nor Washington can ignore.
