Tactical Internet radios: getting forces connected.

As information and communications systems have come to play a dominant role in military operations, Tactical Internet radios are required to maximize data throughput whilst maintaining range, connectivity and resistance to jamming in a highly disrupted environment. Bolstered by its experience with the PR4G best-selling radio--more than 110,000 radios in +30 countries--Thales has rolled out the new PR4G F@stnet radio that supports the unique 64 kbps waveform whilst keeping the frequency hopping and anti jamming modes that made its earlier reputation. In addition, the PR4G F@stnet proposes a new frequency hopping Multiplex mode (called SIVD) offering the capability of providing Simultaneously and Independently secure Voice and Data communications in the same radio--without any form of precedence of voice over data or vice versa. This feature unique in the world--in effect 2 radios in one--definitely saves on weight and power. This feature as well as the standard IP/Ethernet interface makes the PR4G F@stnet a tactical internet enabler.

These features, unique in the market, certainly explain the success of the PR4G F@stnet, which has been selected by over 10 countries in less than a year. Thales, through its multidomestic strategy, has long understood that marketing and selling tactical radios requires fostering genuine industrial partnerships within the Customer's country. Transfer of experience and technology to the country through local ventures, allows local partners to progressively acquire the know-how to build and develop radio systems & solutions. In fact, the long-standing PR4G experience is being shared amongst many countries. Ten of these countries are currently producing Thales radios or have been able to develop new business from this tactical radio know-how. In several cases, new radio features developed locally have been incorporated into the Thales catalogue.

Thales is able to offer Tactical Internet solutions that can be fielded today, thanks to faster, smaller and more capable tactical radios, which allow countries to move towards fully digitising their ground forces.

For Thales, this move towards the digitisation of ground forces implies the forging of sound local partnerships.