FirstSpear

Archive for the ‘Comms’ Category

UK Ministry of Defence Selects Persistent Systems’ Wave Relay MANET for Project CAIN Modernization

Thursday, March 12th, 2026

Multi-million dollar contract signals the growing proliferation of MPU5 devices deployed across world

NEW YORK, New York — March 10, 2026 — Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”), a global leader in secure mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) technology, announced that the UK Ministry of Defence has selected the Wave Relay® MANET, including the MPU5 tactical communication system, in support of Project CAIN, a key modernization effort for the British Army.

Awarded through Persistent’s UK partner and authorized distributor Steatite Ltd., the program will deliver MPU5 radios, Rugged Display & Controllers (RDCs), and associated Dismount Kit equipment to the 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team, the UK’s rapidly deployable, first-to-fight airborne formation.

As part of this effort, 16 Air Assault will also employ Cloud Relay™, Persistent’s global networking technology, enabling soldiers to maintain uninterrupted communications, even when transitioning between SATCOM, LTE, 5G, or other transport layers. This ensures resilient connectivity in complex, contested, and highly mobile environments.

“By deploying the MPU5 and Cloud Relay™, the 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team will gain a significant advantage in decision-making and coordination across dispersed, multi-domain operations,” said Eve Shapiro, Senior Director of Sales and Business Development at Persistent Systems. “We’ve seen exceptional results with the UK Royal Marines, and we expect similar success as more organizations recognize the operational impact of a resilient, edge-to-cloud network.”

This selection builds on the UK’s ongoing modernization progress. In 2024, the UK Royal Marines fielded more than 2,000 MPU5s as part of their transformation into a more agile, technology-enabled Commando Force. The 16 Air Assault effort marks another step in strengthening the UK’s ability to operate with speed, precision, and interoperability alongside allies.

Persistent Systems continues to support modernization initiatives worldwide, including programs within the U.S. Army’s Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) efforts, maritime security initiatives across the Baltic region, and Indo-Pacific partner networks. The increased adoption of the MPU5 across Europe, including deployments in the Baltics, Spain, France, and the UK, reflects the growing demand for scalable, resilient MANET capabilities.

The UK MoD’s decision underscores a broader trend of successful modernizations of forces, which require secure, adaptable, and globally connected networks to maintain situational awareness and operational advantage in dynamic, contested environments.

TACNODE from Ci-Pher

Wednesday, March 4th, 2026

TACNODE is a multi-path, self-healing mesh network system (LORA Mesh) enabling the transfer of Position Location Information (PLI), voice-to-text, sensor integration, form transmission and Al-driven data transmission without relying on cellular or internet connectivity or other targetable infrastructure.

The data transfer rate is 300kbps (peak) and relies on AES256 onboard encryption.

www.ci-pher.net

Pixels On Target – VooDoo-GPS M

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026

This is the VooDoo-GPS M which is a new GPS receiver configured as a hub that will provide the congressionally mandated GPS M signal to other, connected devices (wired or wireless) without upgrades to those devices. It was created in conjunction with MilTech for a US government customer.

You’ll note the Vegvísir or Norse compass on this early version which assures the user that he will never lose his way in Storm or bad weather, even when the way is not known.

It can be body worn and is compatible via ports or wireless connection with USB 2.0, Bluetooth v5.3, Intra-Soldier Wireless, and RS-232 and can be powered with an MBITR or STUB battery.

pixelsontarget.com

Enforce Tac 26 – Savotta

Thursday, February 26th, 2026

Finnish load carriage specialists Savotta displayed their pack frame configured to lay field wire for telephones.

Lynq Launches RavenTalk, Redefining Secure, Infrastructure-Free Communications

Monday, February 9th, 2026

Safariland’s SafariMesh™, a next-generation communication device, first product to integrate RavenTalk Technology

Las Vegas, NV, February 6, 2026 — Lynq Networks, a leader in local team communications addressing one of the largest connectivity challenges facing enterprises and governments, today announced the launch of RavenTalk. Built on Lynq’s Raven network stack, RavenTalk delivers secure, long-range, hands-free, decentralized voice and data communications, without base stations, access points or fixed infrastructure.

Lynq also has announced that Safariland’s SafariMesh™, a next-generation communication device that enables dependable team communication in challenging operational conditions, is the first product to integrate RavenTalk technology. Built on Lynq’s decentralized mesh architecture, SafariMesh empowers operators with secure, flexible and resilient connectivity without the need for towers, repeaters or centralized networks.

90% of jobs in the world are performed by non-desk workers who often operate in austere, high-noise environments, where communication is critical across long distances. Examples include public safety officers moving between vehicles and buildings during an active incident, where unreliable or congested radios can degrade situational awareness and slow response times; or construction workers coordinating crews and equipment across a noisy job site, where missed or delayed communication can create safety risks and reduce productivity.

These challenges are part of daily operations across defense, public safety, and industrial and commercial sectors, underscoring a large, underserved market in need of modern communication infrastructure.

“RavenTalk represents a new communications paradigm where you can use the devices you’re already wearing, such as noise canceling headsets, earbuds and smart glasses, to communicate with your colleagues, over a range of multiple football fields,” said Adam Gould, CEO of Lynq Networks. “We’re enabling teams to communicate securely, conversationally and reliably in environments where traditional wireless systems fail, without infrastructure, without subscriptions and without compromise.”

“Lynq has been a strong partner throughout the development of SafariMesh, bringing valuable expertise in decentralized mesh networking to the product. Its RavenTalk technology helped support our goal of delivering a solution that is intuitive to use, adaptable to mission needs and dependable in the field. We see meaningful opportunities to continue building on this work together as we move forward,” said Brad Medine, communications product category director for Safariland.

RavenTalk is a wireless, end-to-end encrypted voice and data solution that instantly forms a self-healing mesh network when devices are powered on. Users can immediately begin talking and sharing data securely, even in dynamic, infrastructure-denied environments. For example, the technology can be embedded into the earcup of a noise-cancelling headset that users are already wearing.

RavenTalk runs on top of DECT NR+, a high-performance, non-cellular 5G standard for Internet of Things (IoT) and industrial applications, enabling long-range, reliable communications in the license-exempt DECT 1.9 GHz band. Providing great performance in the presence of multipath, it offers a private, low-cost, scalable alternative to cellular networks for applications needing high reliability, without SIM cards or carrier subscriptions.

Key features include:

  • End-to-end AES-256 encryption
  • High-quality, low-latency voice communications
  • Push-to-Talk (PTT) and AllTalk full-duplex voice modes
  • Simultaneous voice and data transmission
  • Long-range operation exceeding 1 km, using multi-hop mesh networking
  • Support for 32+ users per network segment
  • Operation in the 1.8 / 1.9 GHz globally-allocated spectrum as well as the 915 MHz ISM band in the United States
  • Low Probability of Intercept / Low Probability of Detection (LPI/LPD) enabled by adaptive power control and low transmit power

RavenTalk is designed for seamless integration into a wide range of communication products, including  headsets, smart helmets, VR goggles, ear buds and PTT units, enabling entirely new opportunities for untethered, person-to-person communications.

Primary use cases include:

Tactical and defense headsets for special operations forces, military air crews, soldiers, and sailors, allowing squads to “cut the cables” while maintaining secure communications on-vehicle, during dismount and throughout the mission.

  • Public safety usage by first responders such as firefighters in a wildfire, where they need to communicate hands-free with their colleagues. Another example is a SWAT team conducting a mission with all team members in communication with each other and with a command center at the street.
  • Ruggedized communication headsets for construction sites, underground mines, airport ground operations, manufacturing plants, oil refineries and other industrial environments where hearing protection and reliable voice comms are essential.
  • RavenTalk is one component of Lynq’s broader Raven platform, which includes:
  • RavenTalk for high-quality, full-duplex voice and audio applications
  • RavenConnect for ultra-reliable, low-latency data communications
  • RavenView, a suite of local and cloud-based applications, offering a single pane of glass for provisioning, monitoring, diagnostics and optimization of Raven-enabled networks and devices

Lynq’s technology has already been deployed in tens of thousands of devices across consumer, enterprise and defense applications, including real-world operational use in military and special warfare environments.

lynqnetworks.com

SOFWERX – PEO-TIS Handheld High Frequency Radio Industry Day

Thursday, February 5th, 2026

SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM Program Executive Office Tactical Information Systems (PEO-TIS), will host an Industry Day on 3 March 2026, to gain a better understanding of the current market and the technical capabilities of Handheld High Frequency (HF) Radio systems. 

USSOCOM has a critical need for reliable and secure Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) communications for dismounted warfighters operating in a variety of challenging environments, including areas with limited or no satellite coverage. Handheld HF radios are a key component of our communications strategy, providing a resilient and autonomous solution for long-range voice and data transmission.

This event is seeking information on handheld HF radios that are currently available or could be readily adapted to meet USSOCOM’s operational requirements. PEO-TIS is interested in capabilities that are lightweight, rugged, and offer advanced features to enhance communications in contested environments.

Request to Attend NLT 11 February 2026 11:59 PM ET

U.S. Citizens Only

U.S. Companies Only 

For more information, visit events.sofwerx.org/peo-tis-handheld-hf-radio-industry-day.

US Army Awards Persistent Systems Contract for $87.5 Million Supporting Next-Generation Command and Control Prototype

Thursday, February 5th, 2026

Contract marks a total of $121.5 million awarded to company for NGC2 prototype
NEW YORK, Feb. 4, 2026 — Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”), a leader in mobile ad hoc network (MANET) technology, announced that the U.S. Army’s Capability Program Executive Command, Control, Communications, and Network (CPE C3N) has submitted a second order of $87.5 million for MANET devices, as part of the transport layer for Next-Generation Command and Control (NGC2) prototype. 

This second order is a follow-on to the $34 million contract the company received in October. The follow-on award will incrementally add capability for Army prototypes of NGC2. Together, these awards total $121.5 million.

“In the transport layer, we are responsible for moving all the 1s and 0s across the battlefield, so data reaches the warfighter who needs it, when they need it,” said Jon Patrick, Vice President of Business Development at Persistent.

Faster information delivery times and more reliable access to data enable faster, more efficient decisions, streamlining command and control (C2). The MANET radio continues to demonstrate it can serve as part of the transport layer, with the speed, resilience, and capacity required for combat operations.

“As the Army has presented us with increasingly demanding benchmarks, our team continues to deliver highly resilient transport that can empower an armored division on the move,” said Dr. Herbert Rubens, Founder and CEO of Persistent Systems. “We’re proud to provide a commercial solution that supports the Army’s transport layer and strengthens the warfighter at echelon.”

Over the coming months, deliveries will be underway as Persistent looks forward to empowering the Army with the most advanced communications technology, shaping the Army’s future network.

SHOT Show 26 – Silvus Technologies

Monday, February 2nd, 2026

Silvus Technologies showed us their next generation Tactical Networking System.

This low SWaP system combines their new ultra-slim StreamCaster MINI 5200 MANET radio with the industry standard Samsung EUD mounted in a low-profile Juggernaut case chest mount.

Powered by Silvus’ MN-MIMO waveform, the SM5200 creates a self-forming, adaptive mesh that supports high-throughput data, HD video, and ATAK in real-time, all while remaining fully compatible with the entire StreamCaster family.

SM5200 Features:

– 2W native, 4W effective TX power

– 100 Mbps throughput

– 550+ node scalability

– Dual PTT / RoIP interface

– I/O connectors – ETH/USB/RS232

– AES-256 / FIPS 140-3 encryption

– Access to Spectrum Dominance 2.0 with LPI/LPD, Anti-Jam, and Advanced Threat Protection capabilities that thrive in EW contested environments

silvustechnologies.com/products/streamcaster-mini-5200