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Defence by AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a widely explored topic in the last couple of decades, with many predictions that the machines will ultimately be the undoing of us all. Nevertheless, AI is very much reality, and proving exceedingly useful to militaries across the world.

Dr Amy Saunders, Editor, Global Military Communications

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Lasers – From warning to attack

Laser technology, namely a highly focused beam of light, has come a long way in recent years, making its way well into the forefront of new military and defence architectures. With resources being spread across a wide range of new laser activities, it’s an exciting time to be in the field.

Dr Amy Saunders, Editor

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Meeting the communications needs of a modern navy

It’s a challenging time for meeting the communication needs of a modern navy. With significant changes in capital equipment as new vessels come into service and the growing operational and welfare demands on these platforms, combined with impending financial challenges as many governments deal with the impact of COVID-19 on their defence budgets.

Neil Fraser, Director of Defence and Space Programmes, NSSLGlobal

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Ground infrastructure: Increasing demand adds pressure

Increased reliance on data is adding pressure to ground infrastructure the world over as satellite plays an evergrowing role in government and military sectors. With government demand diversifying, technology and capabilities must keep pace.

Andrew Bond, Sales and Marketing Director, ETL Systems

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The Blackjack constellation program gains speed, raising the bar for space domain awareness

DARPA’s LEO network continues its proliferation of satellites intended for its Blackjack constellation project for demonstration in 2021-22, establishing a dedicated network for government and military connectivity including the Pit Boss autonomous mission management system. The first two payloads are planned for rideshare in the summer of 2021, which will continue on to 2024, and likely beyond.

Laurence Russell, Assistant Editor, Global Military Communications

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Understanding the shortcomings of PACE plans in battlefield communications

Battlefield communications are fraught with complex challenges like security, reliability, and availability. The PACE (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency) methodology, employed widely within international defence groups, provides a means of assuring communications.

Tim Williams, Business Development Manager, QinetiQ

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Powering applications globally

Intelsat General Communications (IGC) provides connectivity solutions to government agencies around the world leveraging secure, cost-efficient, high-performance satellite networks to power applications ranging from homeland security and remote military operations to disaster preparedness and recovery. With uncertain days ahead given the close of the pandemic and the change of US administration, Skot Butler, President of Intelsat General Communications, outlines his strategies for
delivering to government sectors in 2021.

Laurence Russell, News and Social Media Editor, Global Military Communications

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Expanding beyond its traditional base

Ultralife has expanded beyond its origins as a commercial and military battery business to pioneer custom engineering design and services, tactical communications systems and a wide range of power accessories for global government and defence markets. In the face of the global pandemic and a world of unrest, their mission-critical technology remains a reliable tool against disaster, asserts Eric Lind, Vice President of Commercial Operations and Business Development at Ultralife Corporation.

Laurence Russell, News and Social Media Editor

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‘What’s Your Warrior?’ campaign

The US Army’s newest recruitment effort, the ‘What’s Your Warrior?’ campaign, aims to engage younger recruits from a generation becoming increasingly disaffected by the military. Sgt. Jennifer Smith, Signal Support System Specialist, and Paul Mehney, Public Communications Director, US Army Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications-Tactical, outline the new strategy and discuss how the US Army has changed in recent years.

Laurence Russell, News and Social Media Editor

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How Ka-band has become invaluable to the military

Satellite technology has long delivered vital capabilities to defence groups across the world, enabling secure and assured communications between forces at home and abroad. Satcom for military has a long and rich history with frequent upgrades and advancements, culminating in unparalleled efficiency.

Heidi Thelander, Vice President of Business Development, Comtech Xicom Technology

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Orbital debris - A global threat to stability

International bodies have long preached of the danger inherent to the space debris left from derelict satellites and discarded space vehicle launch equipment. While the regulatory conversation has been a governmental and diplomatic conversation, debates have often continued through the private sector; however, commentators from defence institutions are not recognised often enough.

Laurence Russell, News & Social Editor

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Satcom’s role in emergency response and military communications

The COVID-19 pandemic so far spanning 2019-2020 has brought about big changes to the world and has acted to highlight the need for connectivity more than ever before. Satellite is playing a key role in keeping the world running amid an unprecedented pandemic, keeping pace with the changing needs of global users.

Darren Ludington, Regional Vice President, Americas, ST Engineering iDirect