Concept of Defense Communications Poised to Intensify over the Next Few Years

Global defense is inseparably woven with technology, particularly communications technology. Communications systems on the battlefield are regarded as vital components for mission success. For soldiers on the ground, radio and other communications devices act as lifelines. Communications technologies have developed to such an extent that the ability to instantly share critical intelligence data as well as seamlessly transfer command and control instructions is becoming a crucial factor for gaining tactical advantage in the battlefield. The next generation of technological development for military communications is expected to be greatly influenced by the goal of a fully interoperable solution, wherein data can be obtained from various sources irrespective of the solution. “Network centric warfare (NCW), enhanced situational awareness and increased use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology are witnessing increasing technological development and funding activities,” notes the analyst of this research service. “Integration of existing technologies with new cutting edge technologies is further driving the research activities in this sector.” The market for defense communications is likely to be supported by a number of demand drivers, notably the need for allied information advantages in large-scale operations such as those in Iraq and Afghanistan. The defense industry is entering into a new phase where huge R&D efforts are being concentrated on defense communications, as increasing number of defense establishments realize the need for empowering their defense forces with the latest communications technologies available.

Despite the bright outlook for the market, there are certain challenges clouding the landscape. Lack of funding remains a key factor in Europe, and Asia has not been able to match up to the capabilities of the United States. Trends in Asia Pacific and the Middle East point to procuring radios either from the United States or Europe as opposed to indigenous R&D efforts. Some of the issues faced by communications technologies include interoperability, bandwidth, multilevel security, scalability, electronic counter measures, and collaboration across multiple weapons. Even though a particular nation takes large number of initiatives for addressing the most important challenges faced by defense communications, only the relevance of contribution determines its competence. The evolving situations and technologies pose new challenges for ensuring seamless communications of command and control information between the various geographically separated, forward-deployed units.

“At present, a lot of funding is going into research activities to deliver cutting edge technologies which can be leveraged in battle field communications,” says the analyst. “These technologies are expected to address the dominant concerns surrounding the existing communication technologies in the defense sector.” In the future, enhanced investments are likely to be made in projects where the emphasis is on amalgamating cutting edge technologies with the express needs of the defense communication sector, High bandwidth communications, which are currently being deployed in the commercial sectors will be utilized to shore up the defense sector.

Technologies

The following technologies are covered in this research:

Tactical radios
Satellite communications
Network-centric communications
Other communications

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Executive Summary

   1.1 Research Outline

   1.2 Key Findings

   1.3 Research Approach

2. Sectoral Analysis

   2.1 Current & Emerging Technologies; Trends & Roadmap

       2.1 a Defense Communication Technology Topology

       2.1 b Current and Emerging Technologies

       2.1 c Technology Trends

       2.1 d Key Drivers

       2.1 e Funding Roadmap

   2.2 Governmental Grants & Stimulus Funding

       2.2 a Global Hot Spots for Defense Communications Funding

       2.2 b Governmental Funding Trends

       2.2 c US DOD C4ISR Funding

       2.2 d US DOD Funding by Departments

       2.2 e US DOD and DARPA Funding

       2.2 f Funding in Europe

       2.2 g Stimulus Funding

3. Assessment of Investor Ecosystems

   3.1 Investor Networks

       3.1 a Investor Network

       3.1 b Investor Network – Illustration

       3.1 c Funding Agency—Sub-System Vendors—Technology Providers : Triad

       3.1 d Funding Process: Private and Venture Capital Funding

       3.1 e Funding Agency—Sub-System Vendors—Technology Providers : Triad – Illustration

       3.1 f Key Stakeholders by Technology Segments

       3.1 g Key Funding Agencies

       3.1 h Technology Partners and Research Centers

   3.2 Investment Climate - Funding Patterns and Investor Inclination

       3.2 a Defense Communications - Contracts – UK

       3.2 b Defense Communications - Contracts – US

       3.2 c Defense Communications - Contracts - Middle East

       3.2 d Defense Communications - Contracts - East Asia

4. Insights – Investor Plans & Technologies for Funding

   4.1 Investors - Future Plans and Expectations

   4.2 GAP Analysis - Need For Funding

   4.3 Smart Scouting Strategies – Technology Research Targets

5. Key Contacts; Appendix

   5.1 Key Contacts

   5.2 Defense Communication – Acronyms

   5.3 Governmental Programs For Defense Communication