Comms | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘Comms’ Category

New Course Upgrades AFSOC Tactical Communications Training

Friday, November 21st, 2025

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. – Air Force Special Operations Command recently completed the second iteration of the AFSOC Tactical Communications Course at Hurlburt Field, Florida.

The tactical communications course is several weeks of a specialized training program designed to teach Air Commandos the skills and knowledge needed specifically to work communications for special operations missions.

“We needed a course to train AFSOC communicators on SOF-unique equipment and SOF employment for USSOCOM missions, and it needed to be a repeatable and sustainable solution,” said Chief Master Sgt. Robert Harris, AFSOC communications directorate senior enlisted leader. “AFSOC takes great pride in producing Air ‘COMMandos’ who are extremely competent, innovative problem solvers, and deliberate risk takers. This course provides that foundation for our warfighter communicators.”

The tactical communications course, which incorporated Airmen from all over AFSOC’s active duty, guard, and reserve wings, covers everything from USSOCOM network fundamentals and satellite communications to tactical radios and mission planning.

Communications in AFSOC and USSOCOM are uniquely characterized as being highly adaptable, redundant, and secure in austere, rapidly changing environments. Communicators must establish and maintain connectivity with limited infrastructure and be able to operate in a denied or contested electromagnetic spectrum.

“Due to AFSOC’s agile force packaging, members can be out in the field as the only communications technician,” said a course training manager. “We teach them multiple career fields and how to work on equipment they may have never touched before. That makes them a subject matter expert so they can get everything required done.”

The training also allows Airmen to more rapidly complete requirements on their career education and training plan.

“It can take more than a year for Airmen to complete all training requirements within their work centers, but this schoolhouse will cover 40% of those key competencies over a period of a few weeks,” said a course training manager.

The course serves as a force multiplier, advancing training so Air Commandos can fulfill duties at their home units and seamlessly transition to deployed environments, where they become even more mission critical to sustaining operations and generating airpower as part of the agile combat employment concept.

“Airmen return proficient with their core equipment and can quickly master their upgrade training- saving hundreds of man-hours in preparation for deployments and dramatically improving unit readiness.” said Harris. “Future expansion of the course should focus on integrating emerging technologies and capabilities for more realistic scenarios.”

AFSOC prioritizes deliberate development of Air Commandos so they can be adaptable experts within their operational environment.

Story by Capt Brandon DeBlanc

Air Force Special Operations Command

Posted in Air Force, Comms, Guest Post, Training | No Comments »

Luminae Starlink Scrim Cover

Monday, November 10th, 2025

Made from IRR compliant Multicam fabric, Luminae’s scrim cover breaks up the unit’s outline and helps it blend naturally into surrounding vegetation or terrain. Whether viewed from the ground or through the low-resolution feed of a FPV or reconnaissance drone, the Starlink becomes far less visible than if it were uncovered.

Lightweight and compact, the cover can be packed into a Utility or Small GP Pouch and deployed in seconds when needed.

Despite its low-profile concealment, the cover allows the Starlink to function as normal, maintaining full connectivity while reducing the risk of visual detection.

Compatible with all Starlink models, including:

Starlink Standard
Starlink High Performance
Starlink Maritime / Mobility
Starlink Roam
Starlink v2 Mini

www.luminae.co.uk/Shop/Luminae-Starlink-Scrim-Cover

Posted in Camo, Comms | No Comments »

INVISIO Secures SEK 190 Million Order for Intercom and Dismounted Soldier Systems

Friday, November 7th, 2025

INVISIO has received a significant order from an existing European customer for its Intercom and Dismounted Soldier systems. Deliveries are set to commence immediately and are expected to be completed by Q1 2026.

The order, valued at SEK 190 million, includes systems designed to provide seamless communication capabilities for both mounted and dismounted users. The order reflects the growing demand for INVISIO’s advanced communication solutions, developed to enhance operational efficiency and increase safety in demanding environments.

Lars Højgård Hansen, INVISIO CEO, said:

“We are pleased to have received another significant order for our Intercom system and personal system. This once again re-affirms that our solutions meet the very high expectations of users operating under the most critical and challenging conditions.

We also take pride in being able to deliver such a large order within a short period of time, which is a unique capability in our industry. This shows that a well-balanced inventory, combined with close collaboration with customers, is a clear competitive advantage.”

Posted in Comms, Contracts, International, Press Release | No Comments »

A4ESSOR and OCCAR Sign New Procurement Contract to Advance Development of Interoperable Tactical Communications

Tuesday, November 4th, 2025

Procurement contract to carry out the capability deployment of the ESSOR High Data Rate Waveform – EHDRWF.

Munich/Bonn, November 3, 2025 — a4ESSOR S.A.S (Alliance for ESSOR – European Secure Software Defined Radio), a multinational joint venture that develops secure software defined radio (SDR) technology, has signed a procurement contract with the intergovernmental Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) to carry out the capability deployment of the ESSOR High Data Rate Waveform – EHDRWF. The waveform can be ported to national software-defined radios; through this unique approach, any nation can use its own radio and be interoperable with other nations in their tactical communications. The contract for the so called ESSOR Development Stage #4 (ES4) is valued in excess of 47 million EUR.

The six nations involved and their respective industry leaders (Finland – Bittium, France – Thales, Germany –Rohde & Schwarz, Italy – Leonardo, Poland – Radmor, Spain – Indra) have then been working to add new features, such as electronic protection measures and support of modern cryptographic standards, leading to several successful interoperability demonstrations and qualification tests and to the adoption of ESSOR High Data Rate Waveform as NATO STANAG 5651 in 2023.

Under the new contract, a4ESSOR will design a common mission framework aimed at shared planning capability of network parameters of the EHDRWF. Once implemented in the command-and-control system of each nation, the mission framework will ensure high interoperability at operational level, allowing quick and accurate deployment of multinational EHDRWF networks.

a4ESSOR will conduct field tests of the EHDRWF on the various radio systems to assess the maturity, performance and reliability of the waveform in various scenarios, providing valuable feedback for future waveform enhancements. The field test will also include trials in different operational environments (urban, rural and hilly terrains), line-of-sight/non-line-of-sight and mobility scenarios, as well as analysis of waveform performances under potential interference conditions. Furthermore, the contract will define an ESSOR in-service support framework and will set up an ESSOR laboratory as the reference for interoperability validation.

Lino Laganà, President and General Manager of a4ESSOR, said “a4ESSOR has been active for over 16 years playing a crucial role to develop and test ESSOR capabilities and technologies to address multinational defence requirements as a valuable solution in addition to the existing legacy waveforms. The ESSOR HDRWF standard is capable to facilitate seamless communications across diverse radio platforms and nations, affirming its potential to enhance collaborative defence operations across Europe and NATO countries.”

“The mission framework will allow a quantum leap forward in terms of interoperability among armed forces from various countries, as it will define what’s needed to achieve interoperability in mission planning and management. We will work at defining the required solutions towards their integration onto command & control systems of the various countries. It’s an evolution enabler, from technical to operational interoperability.”

Lino Laganà continued “The project aligns with the European Union’s strategic objectives of strengthening defence cooperation, enhancing autonomy, and improving the efficiency of combined military missions. By equipping EU member states with secure, interoperable, and scalable communication solutions, the initiative strengthens Europe’s collective ability to respond to threats and ensures seamless coordination in operations.”

Posted in Comms, Industry, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Solid State plc Through Steatite has Secured an Initial $10.8 Million UK MoD Order for Project CAIN

Friday, October 31st, 2025

Solid State plc (AIM: SOLI), the specialist value-added component supplier and design-in-manufacturer of computing, power, and communications products, is pleased to announce that its subsidiary Steatite Ltd has secured an initial order valued at US $10.8 million under Project CAIN, a major defence programme, for a UK Government end user.

The order represents a significant milestone in Steatite’s ongoing strategy to deliver cutting-edge, mission-critical technologies to the UK’s armed forces and security community. Under Project CAIN, Steatite will supply a range of secure, ruggedised systems including the MPU5 and Wave Relay Radio Technology from Persistent Systems, supporting advanced operational capabilities in challenging environments.

Delivery of these initial systems is scheduled for the first half of 2026. The project further strengthens Steatite’s position as a trusted supplier to the UK Ministry of Defence and reinforces its reputation for innovation and reliability in the delivery of secure technology solutions.

Commenting on the award, Matthew Richards, Systems Divisional Managing Director of Solid State plc, said:

“This contract win is the result of extensive collaboration with our customer, the OEM Persistent Systems and other commercial providers, which highlights the strength of Steatite’s capability and commitment to operational excellence.

“Project CAIN will play a key role in enhancing the UK’s defence resilience, aligning with the targets set by Chief of the General Staff General, Sir Roly Walker, to double lethality in 3 years and triple it in 10. We’re proud to be part of its delivery and thank Tim Sage and his colleagues within our communications team for getting us to this stage. We now look forward to supporting the MoD in the months and years to come on such a prestigious and vitally important programme.”

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the UK version of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 which is part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, as amended (“MAR”). Upon the publication of this announcement via a Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

Posted in Comms, Contracts, International, Press Release | No Comments »

Royal Marines Fully Field Persistent MPU5 Radios Empowering the UK Commando Force Modernization Initiative

Thursday, October 30th, 2025

Royal Marines field 2,000+ MPU5 radios, entering a new phase of large-scale operational deployment and collaboration with allied forces
Wave Relay® MANET technology creates a global communications fabric, enabling the Royal Marines to dominate in contested environments

Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”), a leader in mobile ad hoc network (MANET) technology, announced that the UK Royal Marines have now fully fielded over 2,000 MPU5 radio systems in support of their UK Commando Force (UKCF) transformation. This marks a significant step in the Royal Marines’ move toward a more agile, technology-enabled expeditionary force.

MPU5 radios, running the Wave Relay® MANET, now form a highly scalable communications fabric uniting warfighters, unmanned systems, sensors, vehicles, and command posts. This deployment enables the Royal Marines to operate with greater autonomy, speed, and lethality in contested electronic warfare (EW) environments.

The Royal Marines are divesting from legacy government-only systems and embracing commercial, non-ITAR defense technology. This makes their force more interoperable with allies and places the UK at the forefront of multinational collaboration.

“True interoperability is about more than just working with allies. It’s about uniting every Marine, every vehicle, and every sensor into a single resilient network,” said Eve Shapiro, Senior Director of Sales and Business Development at Persistent. “With the Wave Relay MANET, the Royal Marines can execute complex, distributed operations while maintaining constant connectivity and situational awareness.”

The UKCF represents the most significant modernization of the Royal Marines since WWII, aimed at creating a globally deployable, autonomous littoral force. It emphasizes small, lethal teams, unmanned and AI-enabled systems, and networked C4ISR capabilities.

The MPU5 rollout, awarded to Persistent’s UK partner & distributor, Steatite Ltd., which includes handheld units and vehicle kits, supports UKCF’s operational demands across land, sea, and unmanned domains. Integration with platforms like all-terrain vehicles and unmanned systems enables uninterrupted connectivity regardless of terrain or mission set.

Posted in Comms, Contracts, International, Press Release | No Comments »

SD Government, a Gogo Company, Receives Federal Contract to Supply Airborne Communications for US Agency

Tuesday, October 28th, 2025

Mil/Gov win to optimize Gogo multi-orbit 5G ATG, LEO, and GEO connectivity networks

Broomfield, CO./ 27 October 2025 – SD Government (SDG), the division of Gogo (NASDAQ: GOGO) providing satellite communications to global governments, has received a five-yearfederal contract to deliver multi-band, multi-orbit airborne global satellite communications to a US government agency. The new agreement, initially valued at USD$3 million, is a follow-on from Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III activityoriginally undertaken by SDG, prior to the merger with Gogo.

Awarded as a sole-source contract, the agreement will see the agency consolidate all aero communications across its fleet to this single contract over the next five years. With the consolidation of multiple contracts into a single contract, procurement time and complexity are dramatically reduced. In addition, the agreement allows users to focus resources on the mission rather than managing diverse contracts and vendors.

This is the first SDG government contract to optimize the company’s integrated multi-orbit, multi-band, multi-network capabilities. The deal also includes provision for the government to add new technology and services as they become available over the life of the contract.

The agency’s missions demand consistent, reliable high-bandwidth satellite connections in every theatre of operations globally, as well as the highest encryption levels for secure communication and data transfer. SDG’s deep experience in the government and defense markets, combined with its ability to deliver 24/7/365 expert customer support, will ensure the customer retains consistent critical mission connectivity.

As the contract’s full scope is realized, it will employ Gogo’s air-to-ground networks, low-Earth orbit (LEO), medium-Earth orbit (MEO), high-Earth orbit (HEO) and geostationary orbit (GEO)constellations for Ku- and Ka-band connectivity as required.

“We are proud that the US government has chosen SDG to deliver this mission-critical connectivity. The customer agency will benefit from our extensive expertise, support, and cybersecurity expertise, along with our agnostic ability to provide the best-performing connections and terminals across multiple orbits on its diverse fleet of aircraft,” says Hayden Olson, Head of SDG. “We are providing a simple, seamless solution for the agency to procure resilient airborne communications. The streamlined access to all types of connectivity will enable seamless procurement and support, which is extremely valuable to a busy government agency.”

Posted in Comms, Contracts | No Comments »

The Click-Rs of WW2

Sunday, October 19th, 2025

A Critical Tool for U.S. Army Airborne Soldiers During World War II: Communication in Warfare Transcended WordsSignals evolved beyond spoken language, becoming a matter of life and death. Among the myriad of innovations during this time, one particular device gained a unique reputation for its simplicity and effectiveness: the clicker. Commonly used by U.S. Army airborne soldiers during night operations, clickers were not just noise-makers; they were essential tools that ensured the safety and coordination of troops in some of the war’s most chaotic environments.

Origins and Development

The clicker, formally known as the ‘cricket’, was developed to counteract the challenges of operating in low-visibility conditions, particularly during airborne drops behind enemy lines. The idea was simple yet ingenious—create an audible signal that Allied soldiers could easily use to identify one another without revealing their position to the enemy. The cricket was an inconspicuous, compact device, resembling a small, metal pocket-sized container with a lever that produced a distinct clicking sound. Its design allowed for quick operation—just a light flick of the finger yielded a sound that could travel several yards, depending on the terrain and conditions.

The Man Behind the Clicker

The cricket was popularized by the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the 101st Airborne Division, during the D-Day operations in Normandy. Soldiers were trained to use the clicker to establish contact with fellow paratroopers in the dark chaos after jumping from planes. Major Richard Winters, who commanded Easy Company, famously employed the clickers in his strategic operations. His regiment, featured in the book and television series “Band of Brothers,” highlighted the crucial role the cricket played in navigating post-drop confusion.

The Sound of Survival

During the intense nights following the D-Day drop on June 6, 1944, the air was filled with the sounds of war—artillery fire, distant explosions, and the muffled chatter of troops. Amid this cacophony, the click of the cricket became a lifeline, allowing soldiers to identify allies in a sea of shadows. Each click was more than a sound; it was a coded message that signaled, “I’m friendly—where are you?” Simplicity was the clicker’s most significant advantage. Unlike radios, which could fail due to interference or battery depletion, the cricket worked without any power source and was remarkably easy to use under stress. It allowed soldiers to communicate discreetly and efficiently, minimizing the risk of detection from enemy forces.

Tactical Implementation

The use of clickers was not just random; it was part of a broader set of tactical signals that airborne soldiers utilized in conjunction with other means of communication. Soldiers were trained to recognize specific click patterns; one click might mean “good to go,” while a series of clicks could indicate a request for support or urgent assistance. This method of communication was particularly vital during crucial moments, such as consolidating troops after a drop and planning subsequent maneuvers in enemy territory. The ability to quickly identify fellow soldiers was instrumental in U.S. troops’ efforts to regroup and execute their mission, especially in the chaotic aftermath of airborne operations.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Although crickets fell out of use after World War II, their impact on military strategy and communication methods can still be felt today. The lessons learned from utilizing simple tools like the clicker have influenced modern military protocols concerning communication during covert operations. In pop culture, references to the cricket have appeared as symbols of camaraderie, remembrance, and the relentless spirit of the U.S. soldiers who came before us. They serve as a reminder of the ingenuity and resilience of individuals who fought under dire circumstances. The clickers used by U.S. Army airborne soldiers during World War II may seem like a minor tool in the vast arsenal of warfare. Yet, their contribution to the success of numerous operations is undeniable. They embodied the spirit of adaptability and innovation among soldiers who faced extraordinary challenges. In the annals of military history, the clicker remains a testament to the power of simple solutions in complex battles. This small device played a significant role in the fight for freedom.

This article on the military history of the Cricket Clicker was submitted by Black Hills Designs who offers them for sale as well as a mount for a rifle or a pouch for your load bearing gear.

Posted in Comms, Guest Post, History | No Comments »