A fresh approach in defence communications

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In a defence industry crowded with incremental upgrades, FalCom's latest move is something different: a full-spectrum reset of what tactical communications and hearing protection can look like for the dismounted soldier. The company recently launched a suite of new products that form a tightly integrated, Audio Data Power (ADP) enabled ecosystem, built from the ground up around modularity, scalability and the realities of modern operations.

For Mark Orton, CEO of FalCom, this launch is not just about adding SKUs to a catalogue. It is about changing the way industry thinks about soldier systems. In his words, FalCom's new portfolio is designed “not just to meet, but to anticipate operational needs” by blending audio, data and power distribution into the smallest, toughest form factors the industry has ever seen.

The result is a mission-ready suite of control units, headsets, intercoms and accessories that aims to give operators an unprecedented degree of freedom in how they configure their communications and hearing protection for any mission profile.

A systems mindset

The most striking aspect of FalCom's new offering is that it is conceived from the outset as a system rather than a collection of standalone products. Instead of asking soldiers and integrators to stitch together headsets, control units, radios and power sources from multiple vendors, FalCom has built a coherent ADP-enabled architecture in which every component is designed to work together, share resources and scale with the mission.

This systems approach is visible at every level. A soldier can start with a simple single-radio configuration and then grow the setup into a complex multi-channel, multi-device network without having to relearn controls or fight cable clutter. Spatial 3D audio, true left/right separation and FalCom's patented hear-through technology are common design threads across the portfolio, helping to reduce cognitive load and maintain situational awareness in high-stress environments where seconds and clarity matter.

Underpinning this is a design philosophy that treats every centimetre of a soldier's kit as valuable real estate. Tilted and angled connectors, optimised cable lengths and compact housings are all intended to reduce bulk, minimise snag hazards and streamline routing around body armour, plate carriers and harnesses. The aim is straightforward: let the operator move, shoot and communicate without being owned by their equipment.

FalCom Pods Pro: the soldier's audio hub

At the heart of the new portfolio sits the FalCom Pods Pro, the company's flagship active hearing protection and communications headset. The Pods Pro builds on a proven reputation for sound localisation and hearing protection with a sharper focus on comfort, adaptability and data.

The headset offers five distinct wearing styles, allowing units to standardise on a single platform while still accommodating different helmet types, roles and personal preferences. Premium contoured cushions are designed to maintain a seal under helmets and eye protection while reducing pressure points over long wear periods.

Just as importantly, the FalCom Pods Pro is engineered not only as a hearing protector but as an intelligent endpoint in the ADP ecosystem. By enabling audio and data routing from the head to the torso through a single cable, it helps declutter the loadout and simplifies integration with FalCom's control units, intercoms and data hubs. For the soldier, that means fewer cables to manage, fewer failure points and a smoother experience.

FalCom Pods Pro High: extreme environments, maximum protection

For units routinely operating in the loudest, most extreme conditions, FalCom is introducing Pods Pro High, which the company positions as offering the industry's highest-rated hearing protection at 32 dB SNR. This version is aimed at tactical environments where heavy weapons and vehicles combine to generate sustained, hazardous noise levels.

Despite this very high level of attenuation, FalCom Pods Pro High retains the modular, ergonomic design language seen across the portfolio. The headset is built to slot into the same system architecture, maintaining compatibility with the new hubs and control units, and preserving the hear-through and situational awareness benefits that operators expect from a modern tactical headset.

Rethinking Push-to-Talks

The humble Push-to-Talk (PTT) is often overlooked in glossy brochures, but for the soldier on the ground it is a critical interface. FalCom's new Single Push and Dual Push controllers are a response to that reality, recasting PTT design around intuitive, tactile control and frontline simplicity.

The Single Push provides a straightforward, robust interface for single-channel users, while the Dual Push adds dual-channel capability with clear left/right or up/down separation that can be felt even through gloves and in low-visibility conditions. By focusing on tactile differentiation and ergonomics, FalCom is trying to reduce accidental keying, miskeys between channels and the mental friction of managing multiple nets while under pressure.

For specialised profiles, such as high-altitude, high-opening (HAHO) operations, FalCom is introducing the Push Mini. Compact, rugged and streamlined, this controller is optimised for situations where bulk and snag risk are amplified by jump harnesses, oxygen equipment and confined aircraft spaces.

Hub family: from minimal to maximum COMs

If FalCom Pods Pro is the soldier's audio endpoint, the new FalCom Hubs are the brains and switchboard of the system. The family comprises three control units - Hub Mini, Hub and Hub Max - each designed to match different levels of communications complexity without imposing unnecessary size or weight.

The Hub Mini is positioned as the world's smallest single COM ADP control unit capable of operating two dual-net radios efficiently. This makes it an attractive option for users who need more than a basic, single-radio setup but still want a minimalist footprint on their kit. It supports the growing trend towards multi-net operations, where a single operator may need to talk on separate command or support channels while monitoring additional nets.

The core Hub is described as the world's first 3 COM ADP control unit. It is designed to sit at the centre of more complex configurations, supporting expanding communications requirements as units integrate radios, smartphones, tablets, cameras and other digital devices into their concept of operations.

At the top of the range is Hub Max, a 6 COM ADP control unit offering what FalCom bills as unmatched multi-device connectivity in the smallest form factor in its class. For JTACs, platoon HQ elements, or specialists tasked with coordinating multiple nets and data feeds, Hub Max aims to compress what might previously have required multiple separate devices into a single, manageable unit - freeing up space, weight and attention for the mission itself.

FalCom Dock: where audio meets data and power

Communications are no longer just about voice. As more sensors, cameras and computing devices converge on the soldier, the challenge shifts from “can I talk?” to “can I manage everything that talks to me?”. FalCom's answer to this is the FalCom Dock, described as the world's first tactical data hub delivering integrated audio, data and power distribution.

The Dock is intended to sit at the centre of the modern soldier system, acting as a flexible integration point for radios, end-user devices, cameras and other peripherals. By standardising connectors and leveraging the ADP concept, the Dock can help simplify cabling, reduce the number of separate batteries a soldier must carry and ensure that power is allocated efficiently across the system. In practical terms, that means more runtime, fewer dead devices and less time spent troubleshooting on patrol or in the back of a vehicle.

Crucially, the Dock is designed to be as agnostic as possible about the devices it connects. That makes it attractive not just for new programmes of record but also for retrofit into existing fleets where a variety of radios and end-user devices may already be in service.

FalCom Team: plug-and-play intercom for small units

Beyond the individual soldier, FalCom is also addressing intra-team communications with FalCom Team, an innovative plug-and-play intercom solution. This system allows multiple headsets to connect simultaneously, supporting small-unit coordination in environments where conventional vehicle intercoms or fixed infrastructure are not available or practical.

One of the key features of FalCom Team is its flexible power sourcing. The system can draw power from smartphones, radios or external batteries, giving units the freedom to tailor the setup to the platform, mission duration and available assets. For dismounted patrols, training ranges, temporary command posts or ad-hoc platforms, this kind of easily deployable intercom can help raise the overall level of coordination without complex installation.

The small details: connectors and cabling

While the headline products understandably draw attention, FalCom is keen to highlight the importance of its connectors and cable designs. These components are engineered with angled housings and tailored lengths that follow the natural contours of the body, making it easier to route cables around armour, pouches and weapons without creating loops and snag points.

This attention to detail reflects lessons learned from years of feedback from operators who have wrestled with tangled cables, broken connectors and the constant risk of snagging on vehicle frames, doorways or vegetation. By reducing bulk and friction at this level, FalCom aims to improve both survivability and comfort. It is a reminder that in soldier systems, seemingly minor mechanical design choices can have outsized operational impact.

FalCom's integrated communication system exemplifies a thoughtful, user-centric approach that prioritizes seamless scalability, ergonomic design, and operational simplicity. By addressing both individual and team communication needs within a cohesive architecture, FalCom enables soldiers to stay connected, aware, and effective across diverse mission environments, making equipment a tool rather than a burden.

For more information please visit:
http://www.falcom.net