Phantom Lights

Archive for the ‘Comms’ Category

Air Force Stands Up A6 for Warfighter Communications, Cyber Systems

Friday, August 1st, 2025

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —

The Department of the Air Force has created a new AF/A6 Deputy Chief of Staff office dedicated to warfighter communications and cyber systems. This structure is designed to address operational communications and cyber needs effectively throughout the force.

The creation of the AF/A6 office separates the responsibilities for communications and cyber systems from the previous A2/6 framework, marking one of the most significant reorganizations of the Air Staff in over 30 years.

According to Air Force leaders, the change is designed to improve readiness, resilience and operational effectiveness by aligning resources and risk management with mission requirements.

“We created the A6 to ensure communications and cyber systems are available, secure and aligned with warfighter priorities,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin. “This office will help us focus resources and oversight where it matters most — supporting the mission in contested environments.”

The AF/A6 aligns with broader Department of Defenseefforts to advance command and control capabilities, including the DAF Battle Network and Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control. The office is also expected to provide enterprise-level advocacy on requirements, architecture and funding decisions.

Lt. Gen. Leah Lauderback, former Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Cyber Effects Operations, said the A6 will serve as a critical link between operational feedback and strategic planning.

“Standing up the A6 allows us to manage risk, prioritize limited resources and advocate for warfighter needs using data from across the enterprise,” Lauderback said. “It’s a necessary step to treat communications and cyber as the operational enablers they are.”

Maj. Gen. Michele Edmondson has been appointed to serve as the first standalone Deputy Chief of Staff for AF/A6. Her experience in operations, training and strategic planning is expected to help the office’s focus on delivering integrated, resilient communications capabilities across domains.

“Our mission is to ensure warfighters have the reliable, secure communications they need to succeed in a complex and contested environment,” Edmondson said. “We’re building an enterprise that connects people, systems and decisions at the speed required by today’s operational demands.”

The office will coordinate with various stakeholders, including the department’s chief information officer, the principal cyber advisor, major command A6 offices, acquisition program offices and other operational and functional communities.

Officials emphasized the AF/A6 will be organized around a warfighter-centric model, designed to support current capabilities while informing future investment decisions and force design initiatives.

Story by SSgt Emmeline James, Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Photos by SSgt Stuart Bright

Silvus Technologies Partners with Commdex to Expand Access to StreamCaster MANET Radios for State, Local and Federal Agencies

Tuesday, July 29th, 2025

Los Angeles, CA – July 29, 2025 – Silvus Technologies, Inc. (“Silvus”), a leader in advanced wireless communications systems, today announced a strategic partnership with Commdex, a premier systems integrator for mission-critical communications. The collaboration will expand nationwide access to Silvus’ StreamCaster Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) radios to state, local, and federal agencies.

Effective immediately, this partnership integrates Silvus’ industry-leading tactical mesh networking technology into Commdex’s solutions portfolio – addressing the rising demand for mobile, resilient, and decentralized communications. From natural disasters to high-risk tactical operations, StreamCaster MANET radios enable critical connectivity when every second counts.

“We’re proud to partner with Commdex to deliver the performance and reliability of StreamCaster MANET radios to public safety, first responders and disaster response organizations across the country,” said Jimi Henderson, Vice President of Sales at Silvus Technologies. “Commdex’s deep expertise in designing and deploying advanced, communications networks make them an ideal partner to support government agencies in implementing secure, reliable mesh networks that perform when it matters most.”

The Silvus family of StreamCaster MANET radios are engineered to operate independently of traditional communications infrastructure, deliver high-fidelity video, voice and data communications with class-leading output power, range, and mobility. At the heart of every StreamCaster MANET radio is Silvus’ leading-edge MN-MIMO waveform technology that creates a self-healing, self-forming, and adaptive mesh network – capable of linking hundreds of nodes with unmatched data rate throughput, EW resiliency, and scalability. This architecture enables the creation of a Tactical Bubble – a mission-ready ecosystem that connects personnel, vehicles, unmanned systems, and command elements into a unified, resilient communications network.

“Commdex and Silvus share a common mission – delivering networking solutions that provide the vital communications link to those responsible for the safety and security of our communities.” said Prince Niyyar, CEO of Commdex. “Recent natural disasters have exposed critical gaps in emergency communications when traditional infrastructure fails. Through this partnership, we’re providing our clients with a critical capability – resilient, high performance mesh networks that perform in the most challenging environments, and when every second could mean the difference between life and death.”

In addition to Silvus StreamCaster MANET radios, Commdex clients will now have access to the recently launched Spectrum Dominance 2.0.  Available as a software licensable extension of Silvus’ proprietary MN-MIMO waveform, Spectrum Dominance 2.0 is an ever-expanding suite of Low Probability of Intercept/Detection (LPI/LPD), Anti-Jamming, and Advanced Threat Protection capabilities that provide secure and protected electronic warfare (EW) resilient communications in contested environments, without sacrificing performance.

Commdex will begin immediate deployment of StreamCaster systems, backed by hands-on training and technical support through their nationwide service network.

Agencies looking to enhance their tactical communications capabilities with Silvus’ StreamCaster MANET radios can contact Commdex for more information.

To learn more about StreamCaster family of MANET radios, visit www.silvustechnologies.com. Stay connected with Silvus on LinkedIn.

Analog: Because Sometimes ‘Ctrl+Alt+Delete’ Isn’t an Option

Thursday, July 24th, 2025

Rite in the Rain™ and Battle Board Collaboration
“In the unpredictable and often austere environments our Warfighters operate within, the absolute reliability of analog tools cannot be overstated. While digital technologies offer incredible capabilities, they can also be susceptible. Rite in the Rain™ embodies the enduring value of analog – a dependable, tangible solution that ensures critical information capture andcommunication when all else might fail. It’s not about replacing digital but recognizing the indispensable role of resilient analog in a layered defense strategy.”

– Karl Mejia, CEO, Rite in the Rain

While digital technologies play a significant role in modern military operations, the continued importance of reliable analog solutions cannot be overstated. In situations where electronic systems arecompromised or inoperable, our Warfighters require dependable tools to ensure mission continuity. Rite in the Rain’s and Battle Board collaborations offer critical analog solutions designed to withstand challenging operational environments.

A Warfighter faces a range of threats that can disrupt or negate the effectiveness of digital systems:

Electronic Warfare:

Adversary capabilities to disrupt electronic systems.

Environmental Extremes:

Operational environments involving severe weather conditions.

Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities:

Potential for compromise of sensitive information through cyberattacks.

Power Dependency:

Limitations of electronic systems in remote or power-constrained operations.

In such circumstances, analog tools provide essential redundancy. Rite in the Rain and Battle Board products have been tested and trusted in the harshest field environments and scenarios:

Consistent Documentation:

Reliable notetaking and record-keeping in all weather conditions.

Flexible Tactical Planning:

Adaptable tools for planning and coordination in the field.

Direct Situational Awareness:

Immediate and tangible means of conveying and interpreting operational information.

Operational Durability:

Products designed for resilience in harsh environments.

Command Sergeant Major (Ret) Dennis Tripp, now with GovTools in Herndon, VA, states, “While digital systems offer significant advantages, the military recognizes the necessity of robust analog alternatives. Rite in the Rain products in conjunction with Battle Board, ensure operational capability when electronic systems are compromised.”

The real strength lies in synergy, not separation. Electronics offer unparalleled speed and data processing, but at times they are vulnerable. Analog tools provide a reliable, redundant layer, ensuring critical information and plans remain accessible when digital systems fail. This tandem approach allows for real-time digital updates alongside the immutable record of analog, offering a robust and adaptable solution for any mission. It’s about having the best of both worlds, ensuring that even when the grid goes down, the mission doesn’t.

USMC – Cherry Point, NC
Image courtesy of the DoD.
Use of this image does not denote DoD endorsement.

Battle Board Founder, Daniel Kapavik, Former USMC Infantryman, highlights the need for analog processes:

“Effective operations require constant navigational vigilance and critical thinking. Navigators must always question what they believe to be true, digital or analog. Skilled navigators combat overconfidence by continuously verifying their location using environmental cues. This ‘doubting certainty’ prevents errors and ensures early detection when off course.

While electronic navigation is valuable, it’s not infallible. Leaders must ensure digital tools are backed by analog methods due to potential system failures, power loss, or enemy interference. For instance, mortarmen verify digital firing data with analog sources—a universal requirement for skilled units. The ability to sense when something is wrong, whether from data error, malfunction, or enemy action, is crucial. This intuition, built through training, helps leaders decide when to trust a map over a screen.

These principles are vital in all scenarios. Awareness of potential enemy influence, like GPS distortion, is key. Leaders must think critically, analyze situations, and question information. True situational awareness comes from tangible actions—map study, handwritten notes, face-to-face communication, and physical reconnaissance—not just screens and radios. Battle Boards remain essential for managing chaos and conveying information. This commitment to foundational skills and critical analysis in planning and execution increases success.”

John Finney, SgtMaj USMC (Ret) (0321,8999), also with Gov Tools:

“Analog is not a new idea for our service members, but when the satellites are down, you’ll be glad you have something to write on that isn’t a smudged MRE wrapper. It’s never a bad backup plan to count on products that do not require a reboot.”

The teams at Rite in the Rain and Battle Board remain committed to providing the military with high-quality analog solutions to support mission-critical operations.

Featured NSN Products:

FiST4M-KIT – Fire Support Team Kit

NSN: 7530-01-713-8638

OPS3XLT – Operations Board

NSN: 7510-01-713-8639

BB991T-KIT – Arm Band

NSN: 7530-01-713-3831

BB980T-KIT – Land Navigation Kit

NSN: 7530-01-693-7613

Enquiries can be made to: gsa@riteintherain.com.

Silvus Technologies Introduces StreamCaster 4400 XTREME

Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025

Ultra-Ruggedized MANET Radio Delivering Mission-Critical Connectivity in the World’s Harshest Environments

•                     Built for the Extreme – With a MIL-A-8625-F Type?III hard anodized enclosure and corrosion-resistant connectors, the StreamCaster 4400 XTREME MANET radio is purpose-built to deliver high-performance mesh network connectivity in harsh maritime, littoral, and highly corrosive environments.

•                     Extreme Performance – Powered by Silvus’ battle-proven MN-MIMO waveform, the SC4400X delivers unmatched range, data throughput, EW resilience and scalability for mission-critical operations in the harshest environments.

•                     Seamless Compatibility – Utilizing the same mounting pattern of the flagship SC4400E, the SC4400X provides a seamlessly compatible option for fixed infrastructure, vehicular, and airborne applications that demand field-proven StreamCaster MANET radio performance in a rugged, survivable form factor.

LOS ANGELES, CA — July 23, 2025 — Silvus Technologies, Inc. (“Silvus”), a global leader in advanced wireless networking solutions, today announced the launch of the StreamCaster® 4400 XTREME (SC4400X) MANET radio. Delivering high-fidelity video, voice, and IP data communications in an ultra-ruggedized form factor, the SC4400X is purpose-built for maritime, littoral, and other highly corrosive environments where durability and maximum MANET radio performance are mission-critical.

Engineered to be as tough as the mission, the SC4400X builds upon the proven performance of the StreamCaster 4400 Enhanced (SC4400E) MANET radio with up to 20 Watts of output power (80W effective, thanks to TX Eigen Beamforming), 100 Mbps data throughput and single/dual band frequency options, making it ideal for fixed infrastructure, vehicular and airborne applications in the harshest environments. Constructed from sea-grade aluminum with MIL-A-8625-F Type?III hard anodizing, the SC4400X design features a single locking marine-grade connector, and optimized enclosure with enhanced thermal characteristics to improve passive cooling and thermal performance during sustained high-power operations.

Designed for maximum versatility, the SC4400X supports a wide 9 – 50 VDC input voltage range for flexible platform integration and features a built-in status LED for real-time operational feedback. Compatibility with the existing SC4400E mounting pattern allows for seamless incorporation into existing deployed integrations, including StreamCaster PRISM.

Powered by Silvus’ battle-proven MN-MIMO waveform, the SC4400X delivers robust, high-bandwidth connectivity – capable of creating massively scalable mesh networks that connect hundreds of nodes with unmatched range, data throughput, and EW resiliency in contested spectrum environments.

In addition to AES256 and FIPS 140-3 Level 2 encryption for secure operations, the SC4400X provides access to Spectrum Dominance 2.0 – an expansive suite of LPI/LPD, Anti-Jamming EW resiliency and Advanced Threat Protection capabilities – providing secure and protected communications without sacrificing performance, even in contested environments.

“We developed the SC4400X in direct response to the growing demand for resilient MANET radio solutions that can operate in salt-laden, high-humidity and highly corrosive environments without compromising performance,” said Neema Daneshvar, Vice President of Product at Silvus Technologies. “Whether for shipboard, littoral, or offshore applications, the SC4400X delivers the class-leading tactical mesh networking power of Silvus’ StreamCaster 4400 MANET radio in a form factor that thrives where others corrode.”

With the launch of the SC4400X, Silvus Technologies continues to expand the StreamCaster family of MANET radios, reinforcing its commitment to delivering mission-ready, wireless networking solutions that extend tactical communications across the world’s most challenging operational environments.

To learn more, visit www.silvustechnologies.com. Stay connected with Silvus on LinkedIn.

Ultra I&C Successfully Demonstrates Resilient Tactical Communications for European NATO Allies

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025

WARSAW, Poland—July 22, 2025— Ultra I&C has successfully demonstrated its Orion radio and Archer™ troposcatter systems to European NATO allies in Poland, marking a critical advancement in secure, multi-

domain and mobile communications networks. The demonstration validates foundational data transport layer capabilities essential to modern warfare where the speed of battlefield information determines operational success.

Ultra I&C deployed Orion X500 and X650 radios and Archer troposcatter technologies across five dispersed locations throughout Poland, delivering high-throughput data transmission across multiple waveforms and frequency bands. The exercise underscored how quickly and easily Ultra I&C’s advanced communications solutions can be deployed and operated—even in denied, degraded, intermittent and limited (DDIL) environments where adversaries actively target communications infrastructure.

“This demonstration proves our systems deliver an integrated, tactical advantage now,” said Jon Rucker, CEO of Ultra I&C. “Our combined line-of-sight and beyond line-of-sight capabilities provide warfighters with high-capacity, long-range, resilient communications that securely deliver critical data in the toughest operational environments.”

Performance results Orion radios deployed on multiple platforms, including drones and vehicles, demonstrated exceptional operational flexibility and interoperability within a small form factor:

• 200×200 Mbps bidirectional throughput was achieved at distances exceeding 50 kilometers, with Band III and Band IV spectrum capability enabling mobile and dispersed C2 operations critical to force survivability.

• Orion’s frequency hopping capability demonstrated resilience against jamming in contested environments.

• The Orion X650 showcased Ultra I&C’s latest self-forming mobile ad hoc network (MANET) waveform, which employs advanced multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) techniques to maximize data transmission speed and spectral efficiency.

Ultra I&C’s next generation Archer troposcatter system achieved high throughputs over 133 kilometers while maintaining secure links independent of satellites or ground-based infrastructure, with rapid and tool-less setup in under 15 minutes.

The demonstration reinforces Ultra I&C’s role as a key enabler of military modernization efforts for joint forces, delivering foundational communications infrastructure that enables all other command and control capabilities in next-generation warfare.

Havok Antenna Sleeve

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025

The Antenna Sleeve from Havok is a pretty straight forward. This PALS compatible sleeve secures an L-band Tactical Satellite (L-TAC) antenna to a platform such as an armor vest, load carriage harness, or pack.

Materials are Made in USA but assembled in a TAA country. Available in Coyote, Ranger Green, and MultiCam.

havoksolutions.com/product/havok-antenna-sleeve

Silvus Technologies Launches Spectrum Dominance 2.0 Next Generation EW Defenses – Built for The Evolving Battlespace

Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025

Ever-Expanding Suite of LPI/LPD, Anti-Jam and Advanced Threat Protection Capabilities

Providing Secure & Protected Communications in Contested Environments

·        Layered EW Defense in Contested Environments: Spectrum Dominance 2.0 enhances Silvus’ MN-MIMO waveform EW resilience with LPI/LPD, Anti-Jamming, and Advanced Threat Protection capabilities —empowering StreamCaster® MANET radios (AN/PRC-169) to maintain secure, high-bandwidth throughput communications even under intense electronic warfare conditions.

·        New Capabilities: Spectrum Dominance 2.0 expands on Silvus’ core AJ/LPD, and EW resilience features with the addition of Wake on Wireless and Dual Frequency Link – equipping the warfighter with even more capabilities to outmaneuver adversaries in the electromagnetic fight.

·        Modular and Scalable Capability Suite: Built for operational flexibility, Spectrum Dominance 2.0 allows users to activate capabilities independently or combine them into a tailored EW defense profile—delivering spectrum overmatch without compromising range, throughput, or scalability.

·        Software-Upgradable and Mission-Ready: Available via firmware update to existing StreamCaster MANET radios, Spectrum Dominance 2.0 extends the operational value of fielded systems—enabling rapid deployment of advanced communications resilience across handheld, mounted, and OEM-configured platforms.

Los Angeles, CA — July 1, 2025 — Silvus Technologies, Inc. (“Silvus”) a global leader in advanced wireless networking solutions, today announced the launch of Spectrum Dominance 2.0 – the next evolution of its EW-resilient communications capabilities.

Available as a software licensable extension to Silvus’ battle-proven MN-MIMO waveform, Spectrum Dominance 2.0 is adds new features including Wake on Wireless and Dual Frequency Link to an ever-expanding suite of Low Probability of Intercept/Low Probability of Detection (LPI/LPD), Anti-Jam (AJ) and Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) capabilities that provide secure and protected mesh network communications in the most contested RF environments.

Together, they enable StreamCaster MANET radios (AN/PRC-169) to perform in congested and contested environments – empowering their operators with robust, mission-critical communications solutions to achieve their mission objectives even under electronic attack.

Building on years of real-world operational deployment and mission success, Spectrum Dominance 2.0 takes a layered approach to EW defense, forcing an adversary to penetrate all layers before disrupting communications. Spectrum Dominance 2.0 offers modular flexibility – enabling users to deploy features independently or combine them into a tailored EW defense profile to enhance mission performance and achieve RF spectrum overmatch. Silvus is the only tactical MANET provider that delivers Spectrum Dominance without sacrificing range, throughput, robustness, or scalability.

“Spectrum Dominance 2.0 is the direct result of field-driven innovation from the front lines of today’s EW battlespace,” said Jimi Henderson, Vice President of Sales at Silvus Technologies. “Our unique multi-layered approach for LPD and AJ resilience provides the warfighter with tools to outmaneuver even the most sophisticated EW threats.”

“Our mission is to equip the warfighter with next-generation communications that deliver decision dominance and RF spectrum overmatch across today’s dynamically changing battlespace,” added Babak Daneshrad, Silvus Founder and CEO. “With Spectrum Dominance 2.0, we’ve elevated EW resilience to a new standard – delivering the reliable performance users expect from StreamCaster MANET radios – even when operating in EW contested environments.”

Spectrum Dominance 2.0 – Key Capabilities:

LPI/LPD: Delay or Deny Adversarial Detection

·        MANET Power Control (MAN-PC): Automatically minimizes the RF footprint of StreamCaster MANET radios – dynamically throttling power to the minimum amount necessary to maintain network connectivity

Wake On Wireless: Enables StreamCaster MANET radios to receive data without emitting control traffic to gather intelligence without revealing position. A radio in Stealth Mode can be activated via Wake on Wireless, either remotely or locally.

Anti-Jam: Mitigate Electronic Warfare Attack

MANET Interference Cancellation (MAN-IC): StreamCaster MANET radios automatically perform real-time interference monitoring. At the onset of jamming, MAN-IC employs sophisticated spatial signal processing techniques to nullify the offending interfering signal.

MANET Interference Avoidance (MAN-IA): StreamCaster MANET radios dynamically scan and monitor the RF spectrum for interference across multiple user-defined channels. At the onset of jamming, MAN-IA moves the entire mesh network to the cleanest frequency without user intervention.

·        Dual Frequency Link: Enables StreamCaster MANET radios to transmit on one frequency channel and receive on a different frequency channel – enhancing jamming resilience in distributed operations.

Advanced Threat Protection: Waveform Resilience

·        MANET Protected Waveform (MAN-PW): When MAN-PW is enabled, the MN-MIMO waveform is hardened for increased resilience.

The Spectrum Dominance 2.0 expansive suite of capabilities can be downloaded onto existing Silvus StreamCaster MANET radios via simple firmware updates, extending their operational value. Certain capabilities are available exclusively to U.S. Government customers or subject to ITAR-control. Some features are non-ITAR controlled and commercially available to all Silvus customers.

Mission Critical Solutions

Spectrum Dominance 2.0 is fully interoperable across Silvus’ family of StreamCaster (both the 4000 and upcoming 5000 Series) MANET radios. Available in handheld, mounted, and OEM module formats, StreamCaster MANET radios deliver optimized output power (1–80 Watts effective, thanks to TX Eigen Beamforming), up to 100 Mbps data rate, industry leading frequency agility with over 30 single/dual frequency band options (300-6000 MHz) and advanced encryption including AES-256, and FIPS 140-3 Level 2 validation – the U.S. Government’s latest security requirements of cryptographic modules to protect sensitive data.

At the heart of every StreamCaster MANET radio is Silvus’ battle-proven MN-MIMO waveform that creates a self-forming and adaptive mesh network – capable of connecting hundreds of nodes with unmatched range and data throughput in complex, multi-path, and non-line-of-sight environments.

To learn more about Spectrum Dominance 2.0 or request a demo, visit the Silvus Website or contact your Silvus Sales Representative. Stay connected with Silvus on LinkedIn.

INVISIO Secures SEK 145 Million Order for Dismounted Soldier Systems

Friday, June 27th, 2025

INVISIO has received a significant order from a new European customer for its dismounted soldier systems. Deliveries are to be completed during 2025.

The order covers INVISIO’s personal communications systems providing a market leading hearing protection and seamless communication capabilities. The order, which includes the new INVISIO X7 in-ear headset, INVISIO Control Units and intelligent cables, has a value of approximately SEK 145 million.

The recently launched INVISIO X7 in-ear headset sets a new standard for usability, offering market-leading hearing protection combined with exceptional comfort, easy insertion, and crystal-clear communication—even in the most demanding environments.

INVISIO’s control units enable users to manage all aspects of communication, accommodating both individual preferences and mission-specific requirements—core elements of the solution delivered to this customer.

Lars Højgård Hansen, INVISIO CEO, said: “This is another substantial order for our dismounted soldier systems. We are very pleased that our solutions are re-affirmed once again as meeting the very high expectations of users operating in the most critical and challenging conditions and that we can add another important customer to our network.”

invisio.com