Military communications revamp highlights barriers for SMEs in defence, according to Heligan Group
Military signals have undergone significant technological change and are now regarded as critical enablers for military operations, with a predicted market growth of 7.25% CAGR over the next 8 years. This technology is a key differentiator on the battlefield, where success depends on the ability to manoeuvre information quickly and effectively.
The Ukraine-Russia conflict illustrates the importance of communication systems that enable forces to operate as dispersed units. For example, Russia’s integration of artillery-locating radars and UAV reconnaissance allows for counter-battery fire with targeting cycles as short as three minutes.
British Army doctrine reflects this focus on information manoeuvre, ensuring effective passage of data from sensor to decision maker to effector. This approach is driving a major communication systems revamp, including high-profile projects such as Land Environment Tactical Communications and Information Systems (LETacCIS) programme, the Digital Targeting Web (Project ASGARD) and the SKYNET 6A.
According to Will Ashford-Brown, director of strategic insights at Heligan Group, as communication systems become more advanced, safeguarding electromagnetic (EM) transmissions to protect assets has become a key priority for those working within the defence arena.
“This is particularly challenging at a time when systems are increasingly becoming wireless, as part of the internet of things, and as end military users increasingly require the ability to transfer data across the battlespace over networks to support operations.
“One way of tackling this, whilst supporting a localised tactical network that allows data transfer, is through LiFi, a wireless communication technology which uses light to transmit data over visible light, ultraviolet and infrared spectrums. This transmission of data by light, which cannot penetrate walls, makes LiFi beneficial to areas otherwise susceptible to electromagnetic interference or hacking, such as the modern-day battlefield.
“Military headquarters, keen to minimise EM transmissions escaping their locality, which may alert enemies to their location, are a prime customer for this technology. Although the first commercially available LiFi system emerged over a decade ago, the technology has not developed in line with expectations. That said, upkeep is expected to be ten times cheaper than conventional WiFi once commercialised, meaning it could be poised for rapid uptake and growth.”
Successful civilian advances in communication technology are likely to be adopted by military end-users, providing the sector with a strong dual-use offering. Still, high barriers to entry in areas such as satellite communications are likely to pose challenges to SMEs.
“Current modernisation projects being run by the MOD primarily leverage the defence primes for their technological know-how as well as their established track record of delivery, as a means to derisk multi-million-pound, long-term projects. Consequently, we see limited opportunities for defence SMEs on the MOD’s flagship modernisation projects.
“That said, SMEs can target partnerships with defence primes, integrating their innovative products into larger programmes, plugging capability gaps, and potentially spurring greater market activity as primes seek to acquire SME IP.
“By positioning themselves strategically, smaller firms can play a key role in advancing military communications innovation, especially as the sector adopts dual-use technologies and explores emerging solutions such as LiFi. Navigating high barriers to entry will be challenging, but those that succeed could help shape the future of battlefield information manoeuvre,” concluded Ashford-Brown.