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Archive for the ‘Comms’ Category

INVISIO Introduces Enhanced Drone Awareness Capability at Eurosatory 2026

Thursday, June 11th, 2026

Communications technology leader for mission?critical environments INVISIO is announcing a new capability in its INVISIO T30 headset that enhances the ability for users on the ground to identify drones earlier, without requiring any extra equipment. It allows personnel to keep their hands and eyes free to take counter measures, potentially saving lives and reducing injuries.

INVISIO Drone Aware™ provides an additional mode to the INVISIO T30 headset that enhances the user’s ability to hear the acoustic sound emitted by multi-rotor drones. This allows earlier awareness compared to listening with the ‘naked ear’. INVISIO Drone Aware™ is expected to be released in Q3 2026.

The announcement is significant given the ongoing impact of drones in the field, with UK Ministry of Defence saying that in Ukraine “drones now kill more people than traditional artillery”[1].

The INVISIO Drone Aware™ mode adds to the capabilities of the T30, which offers unlimited versatility in the field with zero compromise to sound quality, hearing protection and situational awareness. The T30 headset delivers market-leading hearing protection of 31 dB SNR / 33 dB NRSA20, combining passive hearing protection with active noise reduction (ANR), all while maintaining full situational awareness.

The headset connects to INVISIO control units as well as the specially designed INVISIO P30, a versatile Push-to-Talk (PTT). T30 also offers versatile power modes, operating as a standalone headset through AA batteries as well as being powered directly from radios and through control units including the V50 Gen II, V60 Gen II and P30. The headset can also be connected to digital devices such as smartphones and laptops.

INVISIO Drone Aware™ integrates directly into the headset, eliminating the need for extra equipment, allowing users to keep their hands and eyes free for effective counteraction. In addition, by simply adding a new situational awareness mode to a system the operator already knows, no extra training is required. As a passive system, it also ensures no RF emission – a must in the field.

INVISIO Drone Aware’s effectiveness in enhancing hearing and potential awareness of drones makes it potentially life-saving for users in Special Operations and other dismounted military.

Jonathan Wassberg, Product Manager of Headsets at INVISIO, said: “Becoming aware of a drone as early as possible is extremely important. Every second matters and every second gained increases the ability to better deploy counter measures for the exposure.”

“While different technologies are available for drone detection, including radar, optic and RF, the use of acoustic enhancement in the T30 headset is practical and effective, providing enhanced situational awareness for the drone threat and ensuring the end user has their hands and eyes free to counter such an attack.”

For more information about INVISIO Drone Aware™ and the T30 headset, visit the INVISIO booth (Hall 5A – C128) at Eurosatory, June 15–19 in Paris, or explore Invisio.com, or contact your local INVISIO representative.

[1] Source: www.gov.uk/government/news/major-5-billion-technology-investment-accelerates-uk-defence-innovation-in-a-european-first

Ops-Core, a Gentex Corporation Brand, Secures $16M Order Supporting Canadian Army Soldier Systems Program

Thursday, June 11th, 2026

CARBONDALE, PA – Gentex Corporation, under its Ops-Core® brand, today announced a $16 million order in support of the Canadian Army’s Directorate of Soldier Systems Program Management.

The order includes delivery of AMP® Communication Headsets equipped with the AMP Rail Mount Kit with Vent Mode, Near-Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) Earplugs, U94 Push-To-Talk (PTT) units, and AMP U174 Downleads, providing a fully integrated, mission-adaptable hearing protection and communications solution.

This award comes shortly after the January debut of the AMP Rail Mount Kit with Vent Mode at SHOT Show. Developed directly in response to end-user feedback, Vent Mode allows the earcups to shift slightly off the ears to improve airflow and mitigate heat buildup while maintaining effective communications and hearing protection when used with NFMI. The rapid adoption of this newly introduced capability highlights strong international demand and validates Gentex’s user-driven approach to innovation.

“Our allies continue investing in capabilities that improve soldier survivability and mission performance,” said Tom Short, Senior Vice President of Global Defense at Gentex Corporation. “The AMP Communication Headset delivers advanced hearing protection, exceptional situational awareness, and the modular adaptability required for modern operations. We’re proud to support the Canadian Army.”

Engineered for today’s dynamic operational environments, the AMP Communication System provides:

  • Advanced hearing protection against impulse and steady-state noise
  • Enhanced situational awareness through optimized audio clarity
  • Seamless integration with existing communications systems
  • Modular adaptability for mounted, dismounted, and specialized operations

By combining proven hearing protection with mission-configurable communications capability, the system supports the Canadian Army’s efforts to modernize soldier equipment and improve performance across operational environments.

This award expands the deployment of Ops-Core communication and hearing protection systems across NATO and allied forces, underscoring the growing demand for integrated solutions that enhance soldier survivability, situational awareness, and mission effectiveness in today’s complex operational environments.

RoGO Communications Partners with AugSense to Add Edge AI Analytics for Firefighters, First Responders and Military

Tuesday, June 9th, 2026

Edge AI and Predictive Analytics Added to DropBlock Satellite Communications Platform to Deliver Situational Awareness

Lakewood and Aurora, Colo (June 8, 2026) – RoGO Communications, the creator of the DropBlock satellite communications platform for cellular-denied environments, today announced a technology partnership with Augmented Sense Technologies (AugSense), an edge AI company, to integrate artificial intelligence capabilities directly into RoGO’s communications infrastructure.

RoGO, a company founded to develop lifesaving technology for wildland firefighters and first responders, is the creator of DropBlock, a ruggedized, portable satellite communications platform that provides real-time GPS tracking, weather telemetry, IoT sensor data, and tactical messaging in cellular-denied and remote environments.

AugSense develops edge AI systems purpose-built for communications-denied and contested environments. The company was the first-place winner at the Air Force Research Laboratory–sponsored HUSTLE Accelerator, receiving a $155,000 award to advance edge AI for command, control, and communications applications.

The partnership will develop edge AI-powered sensor fusion, Team Awareness Kit (TAK) ecosystem development, and predictive analytics to firefighters, disaster recovery, military and other first responders and remote operators, including All Hazards emergencies such as hurricanes, earthquakes and floods. Last month, RoGO and AugSense presented the combined capabilities at the annual convention for Special Operation Forces (SOF Week) in Tampa.

Wildland firefighters, search-and-rescue teams, and military personnel routinely operate in remote terrain where conventional communications infrastructure does not exist. RoGO’s DropBlock technology has proven its ability to deliver real-time GPS tracking, weather data, IoT sensor telemetry, and tactical messaging over satellite links in these environments—deployed today by wildland fire agencies. As missions grow more complex and sensor-rich, operators increasingly need more than raw data. AI can deliver intelligence at the edge, delivered in real time, without dependence on connectivity.

Through this partnership, RoGO will enhance its platform with AugSense’s edge AI engine, a modular, platform-agnostic system that processes and fuses multi-modal sensor data directly on devices, without requiring a cloud connection. The AI-enriched intelligence products will  transform raw sensor feeds into actionable decisions, such as predictions for the spread of a wildfire or other threats to safety.

Edge AI Capabilities Integration into RoGO’s Platform

Edge AI Processing: AugSense’s engine runs AI workloads directly on edge devices using neuromorphic and spiking neural network architectures, achieving greater energy efficiency than conventional approaches. This means intelligence processing in power-constrained environments—no cloud, no data center, no latency.

Multi-Modal Sensor Fusion: AugSense’s fusion engine synthesizes data from diverse sensors (RF, weather, geospatial, physiological, and chemical/biological) into a single actionable intelligence picture at the edge.

TAK Integration & Development: Purpose-built plugins for the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) and broader TAK ecosystem that overlay AI-fused intelligence onto the common operating picture, enhancing coordination across distributed teams connected through RoGO’s DropBlock network.

Predictive Analytics: Machine learning models that transform raw sensor telemetry into forward-looking predictions such as anticipating weather shifts, equipment failures, threat patterns, and fire behavior.

AugSense’s HUSTLE award focused specifically on edge AI for contested and degraded operational environments, precisely the conditions where RoGO’s DropBlock technology is already deployed and proven. The Command, Control and Communications Battle Management (C3BM) problem statement validated a critical capability gap: the need for intelligent processing at the point of need when cloud connectivity is unavailable or denied. This partnership is a direct response to that demand signal.

“We built DropBlock to solve the communications problem in places where nothing else works—and our customers in wildfire, search-and-rescue, and defense have validated that mission,” said RoGO founder and CEO Rod Goossen. “The next step is making that link smarter. With AugSense’s edge AI, we’re not just transmitting data—we’re transmitting intelligence. That’s a game-changer for an incident commander who needs to make a life-or-death call with seconds to spare.”

A new RoGO mobile phone app expected to be released in Q3 2026 enables point-to-point communications among DropBlocks and firefighter crews and displays the location of firefighting assets along with fire weather data.

AugSense Co-Founder and President Anant Singh said, “RoGO has already solved the hardest problem in denied environments: getting reliable communications where nothing else reaches. What we bring is the ability to turn that link into an intelligent pipeline. Our edge AI processes and fuses sensor data on device, so operators get real-time predictions and a unified picture, not just raw data points. Combined with RoGO’s proven satellite backbone and our research in contested environments, this partnership delivers AI-powered situational awareness to the people who need it most, in the places where it’s hardest to get.”

Immediate Applications

The combined solution targets several high-impact use cases. In wildland firefighting, the integration enables AI-predicted wind shifts and fire behavior models to reach incident commanders via RoGO’s satellite network—critical for crew safety decisions. For search-and-rescue operations, fused sensor data and intelligent mapping overlays allow distributed teams to coordinate effectively through the DropBlock network without relying on cellular infrastructure. In defense and special operations, the partnership delivers fused multi-sensor intelligence and TAK-integrated common operating pictures over satellite backhaul in contested and communications-degraded environments.

Mustangs of the 4th Joint Communications Squadron (4JCS), Joint Communications Support Element (Airborne) Complete Mustang Challenge

Tuesday, June 9th, 2026

Recently, the Mustangs of the 4th Joint Communications Squadron (4JCS), Joint Communications Support Element (Airborne), put their skills, endurance, and determination to the test during their annual Mustang Challenge.

So, what is the Mustang Challenge?

It is a rigorous competition designed to evaluate Soldier readiness through a demanding series of events that test physical fitness, technical proficiency, military knowledge, and teamwork. Conducted during the Squadron’s two-week U.S. Army Reserve Annual Training period, this year’s challenge consolidated key Army and JCSE training requirements into three intense days of mission-focused competition.

The competition began with Weapons Qualification and a Soldier Board, challenging competitors to demonstrate both marksmanship and professional military knowledge. On day two, the pace intensified with Stress Shooting, where Soldiers were required to maintain accuracy, speed, and composure after navigating the newly implemented Combat Field Test (CFT). Competitors then transitioned to Land Navigation, relying on their map-reading skills, compass proficiency, and confidence to successfully maneuver across unfamiliar terrain.

The final day began before sunrise with an 8-mile ruck march, testing both physical endurance and mental resilience. Competitors then moved into a 24-hour field training exercise, where they demonstrated proficiency with high-frequency radio systems and conducted CN Team equipment validation. Throughout every event, the Mustangs displayed the adaptability, technical expertise, and determination that define the Squadron and contribute directly to mission success. After meeting with JCSE’s Element Command Team, 335th Signal Command (Theater) Commanding General and Deputy Commanding General (both were previous Commanders of 4JCS) paid the Mustangs a visit and joined in on the training right along side the troops! Probably brought back some fond memories of their time as Mustangs.

When the scores were finalized and the competition came to an end, one troop emerged on top. Congratulations to Lima Troop, the 2026 Mustang Challenge Champions, for earning top honors and securing bragging rights for the year ahead.

The Mustang Challenge continues to strengthen readiness, sharpen warfighting skills, and reinforce the culture of excellence that drives the mission forward.

Train Hard. Communicate Harder. Sound the Charge!

(Photos by U.S. Army SGT Brandon Best)

New Leadership of Technology Systems Division at Rohde & Schwarz

Monday, June 8th, 2026

On July 1, 2026, Hansjörg Herrbold and Andreas Hägele will take over as Executive Vice Presidents Technology Systems at Rohde & Schwarz. They follow Dr. Luis Alejandro Orellano, who will leave the company on June 30 at his own request. The decision to establish a dual leadership position is a logical next step to align the division even more consistently with customers and markets.

Munich, June 5, 2026 — Rohde & Schwarz relies on two experienced, entrepreneurial managers with a strategic vision. Hansjörg Herrbold and Andreas Hägele will strategically divide responsibility for the different topics of the Technology Systems Division.

Herrbold has more than 20 years of experience in defense at Rohde & Schwarz, providing comprehensive knowledge of customers and their requirements. Among other things, he led the naval communications segment on a long-term growth path. Most recently, he headed the Information and Business Technology Division and was a member of the group’s Corporate Management in this role.

Hägele has extensive expertise in critical infrastructure and physical security. In his five years with Rohde & Schwarz, he has established the Microwave Imaging business unit and particularly led the R&S QPS security scanner to success. More than 2,000 scanners are now used at airports around the world to ensure secure, convenient passenger screening. Prior to that, he worked at a digital security company, where he was managing director and was responsible for several hundred million euros in revenue.

In their new position, Hansjörg Herrbold and Andreas Hägele will remain or become members of the Corporate Management of Rohde & Schwarz.

Gogo secures $7.5 million NOAA Contract, Providing Mission-Critical Communications Services for ‘Hurricane Hunter’ Aircraft

Thursday, June 4th, 2026

SD Government, a Gogo company serving the military and government markets, has secured a significant multi-year blanket purchase agreement (BPA) with the United States Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to support essential airborne “Hurricane Hunting” activities via satellite communications, ahead of the 2026 hurricane season.

Broomfield, Colo. / 4 June 2026 – SD Government, a Gogo (NASDAQ: GOGO) company serving the military and government markets, announced today that it has secured a multi-year framework contract from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This contract supports the NOAA Aircraft Operations Center (AOC), home to the renowned Hurricane Hunter fleet, including the Lockheed Martin WP-3D aircraft known as “Kermit” and “Miss Piggy,” among others. These aircraft provide essential research data, enabling effective, real-time, actionable information.

The agreement includes a total obligation of $7.5 million for SD Government to deliver a comprehensive mission communications solution. This includes L-Band satellite communications (SATCOM), ground infrastructure, and cybersecurity solutions via Gogo’s data center in Melbourne, Florida, along with Gogo’s FlightDeck Freedom cockpit datalink software suite, ensuring reliable communications and streamlined flight operations ahead of the upcoming hurricane season.

“NOAA is a trusted global leader in airborne research, offering life-saving services to the U.S. and other nations. We’re proud to support the delivery of vital data from the storm’s eye to decision-makers, utilizing our robust and reliable networks and infrastructure,” says Ben Massey, Senior Vice President of Government Sales at Gogo.

Rampart Range Day 26 – Sordin

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026

Sordin exhibited their T2 comms headset built in their SordinFLEX Modular Design Platform.

Additionally, you can choose between four audio profiles to adapt your sound image to the actual tactical situation. Switching is as simple as toggling between profiles using an ergonomic keypad. Profiles include:

Tactical is the normal audio profile for general purposes. Gain and frequency are set to normal levels in order to mimic natural ambient sound and to balance situational awareness and comfort in the field.

Comfort is a profile with reduced gain and a reduced frequency spectrum. Ideal in noisy environments when communication is prioritized over ambient sound.

Dual is a 2-in-1 profile has high gain and a wide frequency band for high situational awareness in quiet environments. Alternatively, use it when combining your T2 with earplugs to pick up some ambient sounds, even in high-noise environments.

Ambient Off is used to turn ambient sound off with your headset using passive hearing protection only. Suitable when maximum focus on team communications is required in high-noise environments.

Available cup covers are Black, Green, or Tan.

The X2 is also available for shooters who don’t need the comms capability and just want hearing protection.

This and other products shown at Rampart Range Day are available for unit and agency orders in Canada and the US through Rampart.

Army Awards Production Contract for the Spectrum Situational Awareness System (S2AS)

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, MD – The U.S. Army is enhancing electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) situational awareness for commanders through the procurement of the Spectrum Situational Awareness System (S2AS). Awarded by the U.S. Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG), the single-award, firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract with 3dB Labs, Inc is valued at $350M for procuring, training, and fielding the S2AS and includes a five-year ordering period.

The S2AS senses, detects, and reports in near real time a command post’s electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) signature and sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI) from all sources. As a dedicated EMS situational awareness system, it supports commanders’ Emissions Control (EMCON) decisions, EMI resolution, and warns operation centers of unauthorized or intentional sources of interference to enable multi-domain operations.

“Transformation in Contact (TiC) unit engagements have allowed us to rapidly integrate new technology in the operational environment for the warfighter. The effort to demonstrate and test COTS-based products with TiC units significantly accelerated the S2AS procurement timeline and will result in fielding starting this year,” said Lt. Col. John Cross, Product Manager for Tactical Spectrum Warfare. “S2AS will make a significant contribution in conducting Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations.”

After successful prototyping and an operational demonstration, the S2AS program received approval to enter the Urgent Capability Acquisition (UCA) pathway with a first unit issued planned in 2026.

“We are proud of the critical capability S2AS provides the U.S. Army to sense and see ourselves in the EMS. By delivering unprecedented visibility, this technology prevents electronic fratricide, helps shape the electromagnetic operating environment, and significantly increases command post survivability against modern threats,” said Col. Scott Shaffer, Project Manager for Electromagnetic Warfare & Collection.

Capability Program Executive Intelligence and Spectrum Warfare