Sarah Eggleton

The line between security and susceptibility is becoming ever so thin with the ever-expanding Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and drone-filled sky. Particularly, as these aerial systems get smaller, stealthier, and more sophisticated, the imperative is shifting from deploying countermeasures to becoming proactive in tactical electronic warfare. 

Jackson White, Business Development Director of Tactical Data Links and VP of Marketing at SPX CommTech, paints a vivid picture. “Consider drones zipping through the air at 125 mph. That’s nearly twice as fast as they used to. We need to detect them when they’re five to six kilometres away, if not further, to act in time.” 

SPX CommTech—an SPX Technologies [NYSE:SPXC] platform—is leading the charge in this strategic shift. 

With its deep expertise in specialised radio frequency (RF) technologies, the platform is equipping civilian, law enforcement, emergency and defence sectors in their quest to proactively detect, pursue, and neutralise malicious UAS and drones. 

This mission has been strengthened by SPX Communication Technologies’ acquisition of Enterprise Control Systems (ECS) and TCI, resulting in a formidable force in radio frequency (RF) technology solutions. By combining ECS’s specialization in RF jamming and tactical data links with TCI’s background in Communications Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, and spectrum regulation, the unified entity—SPX CommTech—offers an unparalleled array of services. This includes Communications Intelligence (COMINT), Counter-UAS technologies, tactical data links and RF spectrum management. 

White sheds light on what sets his company apart in the market. “We’re bringing together the best of both worlds. The same brilliant minds behind our top-notch, military-grade data links are also skilled at spotting and disarming the communication networks. It’s not something you see every day in our field, and that’s what makes our company rare.” 

For military strategists and defence industry professionals, the implications of this broad expertise are profound. It signals a new era in RF technology, where integrated systems and collaborative expertise pave the way for enhanced situational awareness, rapid response capabilities, and a robust shield against the evolving landscape of unmanned threats. More resilient and adaptable defence mechanisms are not a distant dream but made a reality with SPX CommTech’s combined capabilities. 

That said, SPX CommTech’s operational philosophy is deeply rooted in embracing diversity. Two key aspects of this consideration are the complex matrix of communication links intrinsic to UAS technologies, and the different contexts in which these might be used—frontline combat, air defence, or facility protection. Each scenario demands a bespoke approach. 

Even the concept of a ‘successful defeat’ of a drone varies with changing scenarios. For some, it may mean completely 

disabling a drone, while for others, it could involve compelling the UAS to withdraw. SPX CommTech conducts thorough assessments of these scenarios and collaborates with industry-leading partners to develop solutions perfectly aligned to customer needs. 

SPX CommTech’s flagship offering, BLACKTALON 2, epitomises this versatility. This scalable Counter-UAS system is designed to integrate additional passive and active sensors, optics, and an array of third-party sensors, all coordinated through a central command and control hub. This lets SPX CommTech seamlessly deliver a tailored solution for detecting, classifying, and neutralising unmanned threats, offering a customised security posture for various operational environments. 

Many Eastern European customers recently turned to SPX CommTech for specialised solutions amidst growing national security concerns. While the objective remains consistent—to detect and neutralise unmanned aerial threats—the specifics of what constitutes a ‘successful defeat’ differ. SPX CommTech took a consultative stance to align technology choices with each client’s unique requirements. 

As the modern battlespace evolves, SPX CommTech aims to push the boundaries of its sensing and inhibition technologies even further by effectively countering drone threats from greater distances. Nurturing this growth is the company’s collaborative management style that values humility and inclusivity to give all team members a voice and access to leadership. This approach keeps SPX CommTech, an innovative powerhouse it is, moving like clockwork.

(Article published on p24 of Aerospace & Defense Review, Dec ’23 Edition).

David Beckett, Business Development Director of Spectrum Battlespace at SPX CommTech, shares with Soldier Modernisation, an insight into the trends that will shape Communications Intelligence (COMINT) and the technologies that will allow teams to strengthen their capabilities in the new year.

Q: What’s been the main development in COMINT during the past 12 months?

A: Throughout the year we’ve witnessed significant developments in the crossover of Communications Intelligence (COMINT) domain into the Counter Unmanned Air Systems (Counter-UAS) space in an effort to keep up with the proliferation of Unmanned Air Systems (UAS).

Technology, beyond its benefits, has also increased complexity across the battlefield due to its extended use on both sides of the conflict. Now, effective Counter-UAS solutions are needed to address the mass deployment of intelligence-gathering drones and their weaponization by malicious agents; traditional COMINT capability is now supporting this effort.

From detecting the mere presence of malicious third parties to identifying the exact location of artillery operations, UAS COMINT has proven crucial in supporting Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations and target acquisition. What’s more, we’ve seen commercial drones being deployed for the initial identification of targets before higher-value UAS provide precise targeting information allowing the right weapons system to counter the target. More specifically, the mass deployment of both these commercial and military drones has been a catalyst for the development of Counter-UAS solutions. As the year comes to a close, threats will continue to extend beyond land to air and sea, with teams needing to spend more resources monitoring broader unmanned activity.

Q: What’s a key trend that you believe will impact intelligence gathering in 2024?

A: One of the most significant outcomes in COMINT has been the speed at which commercial and military communication systems, drones and UAS are being deployed by troops at every level – in multiple roles from platoon to brigade level to ground-base air defenders. In this context, 2024 will see trends aimed at strengthening defence teams as well as making things harder for malicious actors.

One of the main trends, however, is the progression of multi-domain operations, which will allow modern defence teams to be more agile, flexible and coordinated in responding to threats across all land, sea and air. It involves bringing together the land, sea, air, electronic warfare and cyber domains into one coordinated activity. Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) is at the core of this as well as COMINT and UAS detection which provide critical access to real-time battlefield intelligence.

Q: Any other technology trends you expect to see?

A: Artificial Intelligence (AI) will continue trending towards being omnipresent in all defence capabilities from communications, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR), COMINT to weapon systems. For example, recording the Radio Frequency (RF) profile of communication devices on the man, platforms and hostile UAS will allow defence teams to build a useful ‘threat library’ of data that feeds machine learning and AI to automate future search and identification of unidentified systems. This analysis is crucial in determining the different level of threat specific devices or platforms will pose in the future, and the best response options to counter it. As these libraries build up, the information they gather can be merged from various sensors to make more informed decisions, aided by AI. As an example, going forward we expect it will be much easier to approve the use of an AI application in a soft kill Counter-UAS, than it would be to include AI and remove the human element from a hard kill weapon system.

Q: In this context, what role will satellite-based communications play?

A: We expect to see a move away from the heavy reliance upon satellite navigation systems which provide position, navigation and timing information. Should the satellites not be available for this intelligence, for instance due a malicious interception, platform-based solutions such as atomic clocks and oscillators will become increasingly crucial on the battlefield to unlock the key information of UAS solutions.

In 2024 satellite communications will also continue to become more accessible through standards such as MUOS (Multiple User Objective System), a beyond-the-line-of-sight system that is much harder to detect, and much more resistant to interference. Most importantly, this system has a much greater capacity and availability to users on the ground than traditional satellite communications. We’re also seeing mesh radios increase robustness of information delivery as they’re less prone to interruption in communications.

Q: How are SPX CommTech’s products positioned to strengthen teams?

A: This year we launched our next generation 953 COMINT RF Receiver for superior identification, direction-finding and tracking of hostile RF signals to support COMINT and Counter-UAS tactical operations. It performs continuous, unmanned, remote and real-time signal collection up to 80MHz bandwidth across a frequency of up to 40GHz for signal monitoring, collection and direction-finding. This bandwidth delivers a sweet spot between monitoring sufficient signal breadth and amplitude to ensure quality and accuracy in identifying threats.

Additionally, the receiver is powered with removable hot-swappable batteries for round-the-clock use and has a new compact chassis with an IP-67 rating that’s able to withstand temperatures up to 50°C, delivering full operational capability in extreme hostile climatic environments. It also boasts increased removable storage of up to 2 TB for enhanced data capture.

From a software perspective, the 953 COMINT RF Receiver is powered by SPX CommTech’s Blackbird application, which detects, identifies, direction-finds and tracks signals of interest to support, find, fix and strike operations and mitigate electronic warfare threats. It also tracks the RF emission of UAVs and their controllers or Data Links to support counter-responses. Blackbird can record the signal environment for look-back analysis without interrupting the current mission. It simplifies the collection task and can trigger automated actions and support unattended operations.

Q: What is SPX CommTech’s approach for the new year?

A: In 2024, we’ll continue to actively support defence teams and innovate technologies that ensure a smarter, more secure future for all. Key to this will be the evolution of our current BLACKTALON Counter-UAS solution. We will be looking to broaden the sensor ecosystem to provide greater flexibility to meet more of the current and evolving Concept of Operations (CONOPS). We will also continue our monitoring of the evolving battlefield dynamics to better understand where enhanced capabilities are needed the most and work very closely with defence teams to keep up with their needs and develop new solutions alongside them where they will make the greatest impact. At SPX CommTech our fundamental goal is to introduce more software-defined functionality and performance which will allow users across the globe to upgrade their capability for a specific use, when needed, with the flexibility and agility to rapidly reroll or optimise equipment for future missions.

For more information please visit:
www.tcibr.com | www.enterprisecontrol.co.uk

All around the world, heightened political, military and societal tension, and the growing use of electronic warfare, demonstrates the unparalleled importance of managing and understanding the Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum today. Furthermore, the ability to record, receive, and stream real-time high-quality video and data is critical for all defence, security, and policing organisations charged with securing their nation’s population and Critical National Infrastructure. At SPX CommTech we’re committed to providing solutions that allow faster, more detailed communication between teams and across longer distances to ensure a smarter, more secure future for all.

Since its inception in 2021 SPX CommTech, made up of ECS and TCI, has created, developed, and launched scalable RF solutions and support services that deliver mission success. We’re continually innovating with leading edge technologies to address the needs of present and future defence and security teams.

In this context, we’ve recently introduced two new RF solutions for faster Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) detection and defeat, and for improved Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions for defence and security users – both exhibited for the very first time at DSEI 2023 in September 2023.

Enhanced UAS detection and defeat – threat analysis and response is critical to global security. SPX CommTech’s next generation Transportable Tactical Communications Intelligence (COMINT) 953 RF Receiver provides superior identification, direction-finding, and tracking of hostile RF signals to support COMINT and Counter-UAS tactical operations.

Developed by TCI, the new 953 COMINT RF Receiver builds on the success of its predecessors. It now boasts reduced size and weight, but with greater power. This makes the device portable for dismounted operations and easily mounted on a vehicle to support mobility operations. For example, it can be carried to an elevated position in a dismounted role, such as a tactical position only accessible on foot or on top of a high-rise building, to ensure the antenna is situated at height for optimum signal detection and increased range.

The 953 COMINT RF Receiver performs continuous, unmanned, remote, and real-time signal collection up to 80MHz bandwidth across a frequency of up to 40GHz for signal monitoring, collection, and direction-finding. This bandwidth delivers a sweet spot between monitoring sufficient signal breadth and amplitude to ensure quality and accuracy in identifying threats. It’s powered with removable hot-swappable batteries for round-the-clock use. The new compact chassis is IP-67 rated to withstand temperatures up to 50°C to deliver full operational capability in extreme hostile climatic environments. It also boasts increased removable storage of up to 2TB for enhanced data capture. The 953 COMINT RF Receiver is powered by SPX CommTech’s well-renowned Blackbird software application. Blackbird detects, identifies, direction-finds and tracks signals of interest to support, find, fix and strike operations, and mitigate electronic warfare threats. It also tracks the RF emission of UAVs and their controllers or Data Links to support counter-responses. Blackbird can record the signal environment for look-back analysis without interrupting the current mission. It simplifies the collection task and can trigger automated actions and support unattended operations.

Utilizing part of the 953 COMINT RF Receiver, Blackbird also uses geolocation to enable defence teams to visualise the location of the frequencies for improved intelligence-gathering and threat management. Blackbird’s intuitive point-and-click user experience suits all skill levels and is an evolution of the proven intuitive interface in previous models. This ensures minimal training requirements for existing customers while enabling new users to master the system quickly.

The new 953 COMINT RF Receiver is also backwards compatible with previous COMINT versions and other technologies from SPX CommTech, for cost avoidance, uninterrupted service and seamless scalability for our users. It can also be integrated with open-source or customer-supplied mapping and other integrations.

Improved Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions – strategic and tactical information is critical in making timely decisions in environments where every second counts. However, decision-making responsibility is increasingly delegated to tactical commanders operating in environments that are notoriously fast-paced and unpredictable, and where available RF bandwidth is reduced. Therefore, it’s essential to find ways to deliver accurate data and communications intelligence in compressed formats so it can be delivered quickly and efficiently.

The new Evenlode Video and Audio Encoder / Decoder developed by Enterprise Control Systems (ECS) supplies high-efficiency video coding (HEVC) H.265 low-latency encoding to deliver superior multi-video compression for efficient video recording and real-time, secure distribution. Latency below 120 milliseconds end-to-end means images are transferred and received in real-time, enabling greater situational awareness, and more accurate, faster response.

It significantly reduces the required bandwidth to transfer the same – or better – quality video and audio data than existing models in the market. Considering the limited RF bandwidths available to defence, security and policing organisations, access to freed-up IP allows greater flexibility for sharing critical data through encrypted file shares. It also allows greater use of applications such as electro-optical/ infrared sensors, and tracking and location data being shown on a moving map – all improving incident response.

The decoder mirrors the encoding capabilities, allowing the real-time restreaming – or transcoding – to multiple destination points such as a command center or at the tactical edge using mobile devices. This adds flexibility to users’ video distribution aims in one single solution.

The upgraded video and audio Data Link solution, which is the latest in the ECS Evenlode series, delivers highly sought-after 4K Ultra High Definition video image quality. This delivers a maximum system resolution of 1080p60 and enhances the image after compression, making it easier to identify details and potential threats.

The device is certified to RTCA DO160G standard, which assures the performance characteristics of the equipment required for kit fitted to airborne manned, fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. It’s backwards compatible with ECS’ operationally-proven legacy equipment, meaning users can keep up to date with the latest decoding technology without upgrading their entire systems.

Tactical Data Links provide the ability for aircraft to become network-enabled across land, sea and air and, therefore, able to carry out ISR missions across all of them. Data is transmitted using sophisticated, in-house designed encryption software. The new Encoder / Decoder has six separate video inputs – four HD and two SD – capable of encoding four videos simultaneously. This allows users to select the latest mission-critical information required without disrupting the operation and simultaneously process multiple video inputs for improved situational awareness.

The launch of the new Evenlode Video and Audio Encoder / Decoder is part of a continued strategic development of technologies that deliver fast and accurate ISR data so timely and effective decisions can be made on the tactical edge.

SPX CommTech, made up of TCI and ECS, enables defence teams to detect, defeat and exploit RF signals to enhance Communications Intelligence (COMINT) and Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems (Counter-UAS). It is renowned for supplying detection and direction-finding systems to militaries around the world.

The partnership ensures the delivery of specialised technologies within the RF spectrum, adapted to battlefield requirements. Infozahyst will deliver enhanced operator training, and ensure comprehensive service coverage of the equipment in Ukraine.

In addition, Infozahyst will oversee any necessary repair, service, and diagnostics of specific SPX CommTech equipment. The agreement also encompasses the localisation of user interfaces and system integration with situational awareness platforms.

“SPX CommTech radio reconnaissance tools are reliable instruments for determining enemy locations. We recognise the unique challenges of ensuring consistent technical support in Ukraine from abroad, and we are pleased that Infozahyst can now assist in addressing this concern. For this purpose, our engineers and other specialists are undertaking training at SPX CommTech to master all the possibilities of the technology.” said Iaroslav Kalinin, the director of the Infozahyst company.

Commenting on the partnership, Iaroslav Kalinin concluded: “This collaboration not only aligns with our core competencies but also further strengthens our commitment to offering advanced solutions and training to our customers. We are committed to our country and doing everything to effectively counter all Russian occupation and make Ukraine a state strong enough to prevent such invasions in the future.”

TCI International, Inc. would like to congratulate and thank the participants from seven countries who are this week attending the TCI five-day user group training event in Automated Spectrum Management System (ASMS) in Maputo, Mozambique. Sponsored and co-hosted by the Instituto Nacional das Comunicações de Moçambique (INCM), this bi-annual forum is providing an opportunity for the free exchange of ideas and experiences between subject-matter experts from TCI and African regulatory professionals as it applies to each nation’s managing of spectrum and non-spectrum licenses and the data and associated analytics.

We are delighted that more than 40 participants, all users of TCI’s ASMS, have gathered for five days of training. Feedback from the training will be used to provide their input into the product roadmap and identify the most important features to be developed for their organisations. Forum attendees are enjoying topics that include hands-on training using TCI’s 710 ASMS software, operational best practices and user tips, the introduction of new software functions and features, and a discussion of the product development roadmap. While enhancing their spectrum management skills and knowledge, attendees’ network with other user organisations to learn from their experiences and to build new relationships.

Leveraging TCI’s 50-year legacy of designing, deploying, and maintaining spectrum monitoring solutions, the TCI Model 710 Automated Spectrum Management System offers web based management of spectrum and non-spectrum licenses, technical analysis, accounting tools and business analytics with dashboards to  allow regulators to efficiently manage all communication services.

Jackson White, Business Development Director of Tactical Data Links and VP of Marketing at SPX CommTech, provides insight into data in the modern battlefield. He introduces a new solution that’s set to deliver high-volume, high-quality video and audio to the tactical edge:

Q: How are users using Tactical Data Links today?

A: Airborne Tactical Data Links enable the seamless and real-time exchange of mission-critical situational awareness data between platforms, such as fixed and rotary-wing aircraft and decision-makers in tactical and strategic locations across an operational area. By transmitting via Radio Frequency (RF) signals, the SPX CommTech Tactical Data Links capabilities make this possible. Reliable and assured real-time situational awareness information is passed during land, sea and air operations using our proven Evenlode solution to deliver a flexible, secure solution for transmitting real-time video and IP data. Our Data Links are designed to provide defence and security organisations with the best operational capability and bridge the gap between operation domains.

Until recently, SPX CommTech Tactical Data Links were primarily designated to fixed and rotary-wing aircraft but are now used in multiple roles. Today, having to keep pace with the vast amounts of operational data created by the growth of small, lightweight and low-power airborne sensors, high-performance Data Links are needed to allow users to receive and transmit Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) data even further, from their mission system to the point of use. Data Links have also reduced the cost of a typical crewed ISR mission by providing ‘Line of Site’ and ‘Beyond the Line of Site’ capabilities to remotely control the sensors on an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) and the UAS itself.

While each defence and security application has its own Concept of Operations (CONOPS), we are seeing these evolve due to the emergence of Data Links which are more robust in a congested RF environment, with a higher data exchange capacity, whilst keeping the data assured to the required standard.

Q: How have data requirements changed in recent times?

A: An increase in data volumes has translated into a need for improved Data Link capacity, while more multi-role platforms are driving a need to distribute data to more points of interest beyond the strategic command centre. The shift to multi-role air platforms has also LED to increased sensor integration and the delivery of greater volumes of data, which need to be analysed on the platform itself and on the ground to enhance decision-making and overall speed of operations.

However, challenges have emerged due to the limited bandwidth available to transfer larger volumes of data to the ground. Therefore, the focus has been on providing better compression techniques.

Equally, we’ve seen more defence and security organisations opt to remotely control platform sensors from the ground. This has been possible due to the rise of remotely piloted Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), which reduce the risk of loss of life, increase the platform’s endurance, and reduce cost by removing the sensor operator from the platform.

Strategic and tactical information is critical in making timely decisions in environments where every second counts. However, operational doctoring dictates that decision-making responsibility is delegated to the tactical commanders, which is notoriously fast-paced and unpredictable. Available RF bandwidth in these environments is reduced. Therefore, it’s essential to find ways to deliver accurate data in compressed formats so it can be delivered efficiently.

Q: How are SPX CommTech’s products and capabilities addressing these needs?

A: At Enterprise Control Systems (ECS), part of SPX CommTech, we’ve increased our capabilities within the Data Link portfolio to ensure we’re responding to the demands of defence and security organisations as their requirements evolve. It’s now critical that we can deliver the high data throughput and speed defence and security organisations need to be effective.

Our commitment is to deliver secure data and analysis securely to command centres and those operating at the tactical edge. In this context, we’ve just announced a new solution designed to meet the increased demands of defence and security organisations when conducting ISR operations.

The updated Evenlode Video and Audio Encoder/Decoder will improve video compression for ISR operations and is the next step in our operationally proven Evenlode series. The Encoder/Decoder’s compressed video and audio data allow for the transfer of high-quality video over a lower RF bandwidth pipe or transfer more – up to four videos – in the standard Evenlode transmission for air and ground application over long ranges.

In parallel, the decoding capability will increase the number of video formats and transport protocols that can be supported. The solution allows for transcoding or re-streaming to other destination points, allowing defence and security organisations to receive and distribute video across the most challenging networks. In addition, its backward compatibility with current and legacy Evenlode systems adds flexibility to the user’s video distribution aims without upgrading entire systems.

Q: What specific benefits will this deliver to the tactical edge?

A: The new Evenlode Video and Audio Encoder/Decoder delivers speed and accuracy of intelligence data so effective decisions can be made at the tactical edge. Compression techniques allow users and commanders to stream quality, secure data wherever they are. We take responsibility for securely delivering data to the point of need where users can analyse and make faster decisions.

Low latency allows greater control of remote sensors over ranges of up to 200 kilometres. This enables users to stream real-time audio and visual feeds and remotely control the camera’s direction for best situational tracking without lag. Defence and security organisations will also find cost savings due to the shift to unmanned platforms, which increases endurance with their reduced size and weight, therefore delivering greater mission capability. In addition, and highly pertinent to the defence sector, this will translate into a reduced risk of loss of life.

On a specification level, the new solution delivers highly sought-after 4K Ultra High-Definition video image quality that provides a maximum system resolution of 1080p60 and enhances the image after compression, making it easier to identify details and potential threats by providing high resolution, allowing our users to view images in detail. It’s also certified to RTCA DO160G standard, which assures the equipment’s performance characteristics required for airborne electrical and electronic equipment being installed into manned, fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. It has six separate video inputs – four HD and two SD – capable of encoding four videos simultaneously, allowing defence and security organisations to select the latest mission-critical information required with no disruption to the operation.

Q: Looking to the future, how will SPX CommTech continue to support users?

A: Streaming is the next vital step for users to keep them ahead of threats. Streaming provides even more seamless transmission and replay of audio and visual data. The new Evenlode Video and Audio Encoder/Decoder is the first building block to enable us to do that. We’re enhancing airborne ISR capabilities by integrating secure streaming services – all in a single physical solution.

We’re enabling ISR streaming for video and data feeds from multiple platforms to a central point of viewing where forward distribution can occur across various secure networks, allowing defence and security organisations to make faster, more timely decisions. We’ll also look to offer a secure self-hosted or on-premises hosted network for defence and security organisations conducting ISR operations. To successfully do so, we’re drawing from our expertise over the last 35 years in the airborne ISR space whilst continuing to listen and understand the challenges faced by defence and security organisations across the globe to help them manage their mission-critical data.