Critical Communications Amid Heightened Tensions

The recent attacks in Paris, the refugee crises at border crossings, and the overall heightening of security in major cities are grave reminders of the importance of rapid deployments by military, security and special forces. And where there are forces, there must be communications links that are swiftly implemented, robust and secure. Whether a contingent of fifty special operators, or a sortie of less than ten, there must be communications.

While many countries have reduced large troop deployments over the past five years, asymmetric and amorphous warfare still require a targeted approach with smaller units who have a very specific task.  This means each and every soldier must have a capable network — often without a base nearby and without large antennas to feed into.

This backs up the directive I have been hearing for the last couple of years for a “global network” that is both secure and network-centric, and in every corner of the world.  It is no surprise XTAR gets short-turnaround requests for flexible, dynamic configurations that support radio and computer communications for those needing to plug into networks at unclassified, classified, secret and top secret levels. These are mobile units that have to be prepared to split up and still stay connected.

The knowledge that we can facilitate the caliber of communications needed to react quickly to imminent threats and prevent, or at least minimize, further attacks gives me some comfort.