Sarah Eggleton

As global conflict and geopolitical challenges continue to escalate, defence strategies are increasingly emphasising technological innovation and seamless integration across systems. These efforts aim to strengthen resilience, agility, and deterrence, with counter-unmanned aerial systems (Counter-UAS) and communications intelligence (COMINT) at the forefront of modern defence capabilities.

Nations and alliances, including NATO and AUKUS, are prioritising joint development and integration, enhancing shared defence networks. For example, initiatives like NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) and the European Sky Shield underscore the importance of interconnected systems, combining sensors, command controls, and weaponry. These developments ensure rapid response to emerging aerial threats, particularly unmanned aerial systems (UAS), which have evolved significantly in recent years.

Recognising these challenges, SPX Communication Technologies has developed the BLACKTALON Ecosystem—a scalable, customisable solution designed to detect, track, and neutralise hostile drones. Leveraging decades of expertise, BLACKTALON Ecosystem integrates advanced technologies from SPX and its partners into a vendor-agnostic framework, enabling tailored solutions that meet diverse operational needs.

The BLACKTALON core includes active radars, EOIR systems, RF jammers, and RF direction finders, which can be customised or replaced thanks to its open architecture. This flexibility allows integration with cutting-edge tools such as 3D radar from Echodyne, autonomous tracking systems, and robust mobile mounting options.

Additionally, SPX’s Blackbird software enhances threat detection, tracking, and mitigation, while the Claw RF inhibitor disrupts and neutralises hostile UAS activity. Supported by partnerships with leading manufacturers, the BLACKTALON Ecosystem exemplifies how collaboration drives innovation in Counter-UAS technology.

As Counter-UAS demand grows in 2025, SPX Communication Technologies remains at the forefront, delivering reliable solutions to safeguard critical operations worldwide. For further information on our Counter-UAS capabilities, including the BLACKTALON Ecosystem, visit www.tcibr.com/blacktalon-ecosystem or contact the team at sales@enterprisecontrol.co.uk.

We are delighted to share with you that Evenlode Lite has been mentioned in the latest AirMed & Rescue publication.

Evenlode Lite is our exciting new entry-level video downlink system designed to cater for companies new to airborne surveillance or those looking to enhance their ISR provision.

Please click here to read the full article entitled ‘Electric Dreams: Advances in Avionics Over the Last Year‘

We were delighted to attend the Chepstow Military Raceday Conference and Exhibition last week, and very proud to see Eric Kaled, President of SPX Technologies and Genfare at SPX Technologies, receive the BATTLESPACE Businessman of the Year 2024 award.

Our Battlespace Business Development Director, David Beckett, was also honoured to present the Winner’s Award to the Jockey and Owners of ‘French Ship’, winner of the 4th race of the day entitled ‘the BLACKTALON Maiden Hurdle’ which was sponsored by SPX Communication Technologies.

To find out more about Eric’s success and career so far, please click here to read the full article published in the recent BATTLESPACE magazine

As global conflicts intensify, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) increasingly target critical infrastructure, driving the need for advanced Counter-UAS technology. From government agencies to military forces, Counter-UAS capabilities are essential for detecting, neutralizing, and preventing drone-based threats. At the forefront of this mission is SPX Communication Technologies, whose BLACKTALON Ecosystem represents a significant advancement in Counter-UAS technology, integrating flexibility, scalability, and vendor-agnostic design to address today’s evolving threat landscape.

Understanding the Need for Counter-UAS Solutions in Critical Infrastructure Protection
The growing use of UAS by both state and non-state actors has elevated security risks for essential infrastructure, from energy facilities to government installations. With drones becoming more accessible and versatile, security agencies face a challenge: keeping pace with a dynamic, rapidly evolving threat that exploits low-cost, highly programmable drone technology. For this reason, Counter-UAS solutions are critical for maintaining infrastructure security and ensuring resilience against disruptive drone incursions.

The Rising UAS Threat to Critical Infrastructure
In recent years, UAS threats have evolved from surveillance activities and illicit operations, such as unauthorized sports event filming, to more malicious activities that target high-security areas. Even as drones serve valuable roles in areas like crowd management and emergency response, their misuse poses significant risks. The widespread deployment of UAS technology by threat actors demands innovative Counter-UAS solutions that can adapt swiftly to new tactics and technologies.

BLACKTALON, an advanced Counter-UAS solution from SPX Communication Technologies, addresses these needs with an adaptable and modular approach to critical infrastructure defense. The BLACKTALON Ecosystem is designed to detect, track, and neutralize drones, leveraging the latest advancements in radar, RF technology, and sensor integration to keep potential threats at bay.

Innovation Through Collaboration: The BLACKTALON Ecosystem Advantage
With the BLACKTALON Ecosystem, SPX Communication Technologies provides a highly adaptable Counter-UAS solution. This system combines SPX’s expertise in radio frequency (RF) technology with a multi-sensor, vendor-agnostic platform. By integrating a variety of sensors—including radar, EOIR, RFDF, and jamming components—BLACKTALON offers a comprehensive response to diverse UAS threats.

The open architecture of the BLACKTALON Ecosystem empowers organizations to tailor configurations based on mission-specific needs. For instance, they can integrate advanced optical tracking from OpenWorks Engineering or deploy high-performance 3D radar from Echodyne. By enabling modular updates, the BLACKTALON Ecosystem provides security agencies with the agility to meet evolving Concept of Operations (CONOPS) without being restricted by a single vendor’s technology.

Real-World Success: Trials and Global Deployments
BLACKTALON has proven its value in high-threat areas, including Ukraine, the Middle East, and Africa, where Counter-UAS capabilities are vital to mission success. SPX recently conducted trials at the Hans Christian Andersen Airfield in Denmark to enhance range performance across airfields and industrial complexes. These trials showcased BLACKTALON’s effectiveness in creating a dispersed network of assets, achieving scalable and secure coverage for critical installations.

Such real-world testing underscores SPX’s commitment to iterative development, based on customer feedback and operational insights, ensuring that the BLACKTALON Ecosystem remains agile and responsive to the needs of infrastructure protection teams worldwide.

Future Outlook: Counter-UAS Solutions to Meet Evolving Security Needs
As 2025 approaches, SPX Communication Technologies remains committed to advancing Counter-UAS technology and supporting the defense and security sectors. The BLACKTALON Ecosystem will continue to evolve, with expanded partnerships and an enhanced focus on anticipating UAS threats. Through close collaboration with defense procurement teams, SPX aims to deliver the operational flexibility and tactical advantage needed for effective UAS threat management.

The BLACKTALON Ecosystem exemplifies the power of innovation and collaboration in securing critical infrastructure. With its adaptable design, proven real-world performance, and commitment to meeting future challenges, BLACKTALON is set to redefine Counter-UAS solutions for critical infrastructure protection worldwide.

By leveraging the power of innovation and collaboration, SPX Communication Technologies continues to strengthen Counter-UAS solutions that protect critical infrastructure and ensure a secure future.

SPX Communication Technologies has recently unveiled their latest product, Evenlode Lite, an entry-level airborne video downlink system designed for regions seeking to enhance their intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. This cost-effective system aims to empower organisations in Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East with real-time situational awareness without the prohibitive costs and complexities typically associated with ISR technology.

Breaking Down Barriers in Airborne Surveillance

In today’s fast-changing geopolitical landscape, timely and accurate intelligence is vital for defence, security, and search and rescue operations. Evenlode Lite offers an affordable, easy-to-integrate airborne data transmission system, breaking down the traditional barriers for governments, border control, and security teams across the globe.

Jackson White, Business Development Director of Tactical Data Links at SPX Communication Technologies, emphasised the critical role of real-time intelligence:

“Many defence and security teams lack the real-time intelligence to respond swiftly to incidents or mitigate risk. Evenlode Lite addresses this gap by offering an affordable and scalable solution that delivers critical intelligence, enabling faster, more informed decisions.”

Key Features of Evenlode Lite:

Evenlode Lite is a scaled-down version of SPX’s proven Evenlode system, operational across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. Despite its affordability, the system boasts several high-end features, including:

• End-to-end video and data transmission: Seamlessly integrates with existing systems to provide ground teams with live, secure intelligence, whether for civilian security, border control, or search and rescue missions.
• 4K real-time video: Transmits high-quality 4K video along with audio, GPS, and telemetry data from airborne platforms to mobile or static ground stations.
• ITAR-exempt and easy export: With minimal regulatory constraints, Evenlode Lite can be rapidly deployed worldwide, making it accessible for regions needing ISR solutions without regulatory delays.
• Scalable and upgradeable: The system is built to grow with your operational requirements. It can be enhanced with features such as dual video channels, IP video streaming, and extended range as your needs evolve.
• Advanced security: Fully encrypted with AES256 or substitution Cipher encryption, Evenlode Lite ensures sensitive data is protected during transmission, crucial for security and rescue operations.

Making Airborne ISR More Accessible

By significantly reducing the cost of entry into airborne data transmission, Evenlode Lite enables organisations with smaller budgets to benefit from real-time intelligence, which can be pivotal for improving domestic security, border control, policing, and incident response.

Whether it’s for defence or search and rescue, the system offers reliable, secure communication to empower teams on the ground. With its flexibility and scalability, Evenlode Lite is an ideal solution for those starting out in airborne ISR or seeking to upgrade their current capabilities.

Learn More About Evenlode Lite

If you are interested in learning more about the capabilities of Evenlode Lite, visit the official Evenlode Lite product page or if you are an integrator interested in partnership opportunities, you can reach out to us at sales@enterprisecontrol.co.uk.

This innovative system is now available for deployment, providing a new standard in affordable, real-time airborne intelligence.

We are delighted to announce that Eric Kaled, President of SPX Communication Technologies and Genfare at SPX Technologies, has been voted Battlespace Businessman of the Year 2024.

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Eric on his award which will be presented at the Chepstow Military Raceday on November 6th.

To read more about Eric and his recent nomination for Battlespace Businessman of the Year award, please visit: Battlespace Interview with Eric Kaled, President at SPX Communication Technologies and Genfare – SPX Communication Technologies (enterprisecontrol.co.uk)