Military comms - where digitisation
and innovation leads the way

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In any military setting, communication is vital - regardless of conflict or scenario. The ability to communicate across a battleground, either soldier to soldier or soldier to command, not only contributes to the safety and survival of troops on the ground, but can mean the difference between success or failure in an operation or battle. From flags and Morse code to radios and state-of-the-art headsets, communication has evolved at the same pace weaponry and defence systems have. In the same way every element of the 21st century theatre has embraced technology, communication has moved firmly into this arena, keeping pace with developments to ensure communication is faster, more reliable and more flexible than ever before.

In order to practically mitigate threats delivered to the soldier on the ground, modern comms involve integrated tactical communication systems providing instant communications across diverse platforms and systems to make real-time strategic decisions on the battlefield. These smart communication solutions provide troops with numerous tactical advantages that would not be possible with analogue systems, as well as ensuring troops on the ground can defend against attacks and threats delivered by an increasingly tech-focused defence sector.

In the same way the race to develop smarter solutions is in play across the whole sector, so too is the drive to develop new military comms solutions. According to a GlobalData report, the global tactical communication market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.68% to $18.8bn by 2031, with the global electronic warfare market predicted to be worth $11.8bn by the same year. This is unsurprising, given the ongoing work to ensure troops - both dismounted and vehicle-mounted - can communicate effectively with one another, and with bases and headquarters, regardless of location, terrain or environment. Comms systems can both leverage and perform compatibly with other technologies such as LiDAR, radios, satellite systems and data networks to ensure the most effective mission planning and execution.

Advances in battlefield comms

The requirements of the modern-day battlefield mean comms systems have to be better than ever before, with advances ongoing in various areas. More than ever before, cables and connectors are critical in military communications, ensuring efficient transfer of voice, data and video signals. The development of these cables and connectors ensures that the comms systems of today are:

Interoperable

Communications systems rarely operate in isolation, and need to be integrated with other systems, as well as interoperable between various fighting forces.

For example, the integration and connection of communications systems with defence elements such as drones means intelligence and comms can extend further than ever before during operations.

Similarly, national defence forces are investing in command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems, and command and control systems (C2). One example is the investment by the British Army in 2022 in 1,300 Multi-Mode Radios (MMR) for $109m to improve interoperability between the military and its allies.

Smarter

As in any sector, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are predicted to be key in transforming military comms. The ability to analyze huge volumes of data at high speeds and predict multiple scenarios within seconds could be invaluable for comms in the battlefield, as well as for mission and scenario planning.

The possibilities mean armed forces and defence stakeholders across the world are investing in this area, with the US Army's 2023 announcement of more than $200m investment in AI and machine learning, and over $9.8bn in network modernization.

Reliable and robust

Digital systems not only transmit and analyze higher volumes of data than analogue systems, but also offer clearer and more reliable channels, especially as operations continue to be carried out in extreme and hostile environments.

Systems used on the battlefield must be sufficiently robust to withstand extreme environments, including those that may cause signal interference and reduce communication capacity, maintaining communication links in order to maximize situational awareness and coordination.

Such operations require interoperable communication systems that offer swift deployment and easy reconfiguration to adapt to changing operational requirements. In the case of the British Army's MMRs, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) pointed out that as well as substantially boosting communications, the units' high portability and long battery life protects communication channels during operations in remote locations.

Such requirements were front and centre in the development of connectors such as Omnetics' Kilo 360™ Warrior Series Connectors. Designed to Nett Warrior specifications and fully intermatable to the existing Nett Warrior approved connectors, the connectors meet the needs of the modern-day battlefield, from high reliability to being robust enough to withstand extreme environments.

The Warrior Series builds on Omnetics' decades of experience offering micro-miniature and nano-miniature interconnects that deliver high performance in challenging operations environments, including customized solutions that enable fast setup and reconfiguration of communication networks.

These solutions enable flexibility in extending or modifying communication links, accommodating different equipment configurations, and supporting mission-specific needs.

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