PARIS - With the return of high-intensity conflicts and an increasingly complex threat environment, naval forces must be prepared to take part in allied operations involving the coordinated deployment of multiple platform types including surface ships, submarines, aircraft and unmanned platforms.

Thales has developed Naval DRAKON to meet these new requirements, providing a cybersecure, interoperable connectivity solution for deployed forces by tying together multiple communication systems (military and commercial satcoms, VLF/LF, HF, V/UHF, etc.).

The new solution enables naval forces to control their electromagnetic footprint at sea and adapt communications to the operational tempo of the mission by prioritizing data rate, discretion, resilience or low latency.

With the growing number of platform types deployed (allied naval formations, unmanned surface vessels, unmanned air systems, etc.), the broad array of communication systems available and the multitude of threats (missiles, torpedoes, drones, etc.), naval force coordination is becoming increasingly complex.

Naval DRAKON was specifically developed to provide high-data-rate, robust and secure communications between naval vessels, airborne sensors and command centers. It is designed around an open architecture to support all the latest and most advanced communications technologies such as wideband HF (HF XL), ultra-compact multi-orbit satcom terminals, high-data-rate LOS radio and software-defined V/UHF.

This sea-proven solution enables naval forces to control their electromagnetic footprint at sea and adapt communications to the operational tempo of the mission by prioritizing data rate, discretion, resilience or low latency.

Naval DRAKON is the naval version of Thales's DRAKON solution for land forces, which was presented at Eurosatory in June 2024, and draws on the same operational expertise and proven capabilities.

Source: Thales
Associated URL: https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/defence-and-security/press_release/thaless-naval-drakon-solution-enhances

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - The U.S. Air Force recently completed the inaugural flight of a Lockheed Martin F-16 equipped with the new Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) in October, as reported by the Air Force Air Combat Command. Developed by Northrop Grumman, the AN/ALQ-257 IVEWS enhances the F-16’s electronic warfare capabilities by providing advanced radar warning and the ability to detect, locate, and jam threats.

Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Gagnon highlighted that this technology could be adapted for various airframes, effectively serving as a force multiplier. The significance of electronic warfare has been underscored by recent conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, where adversaries like China and Russia prioritize electromagnetic spectrum dominance.

The USAF asserts that IVEWS elevates the F-16 to "fourth-generation-plus" status, equipping it with capabilities comparable to fifth-generation aircraft, thus improving survivability in contested environments against advanced threats, including millimeter-wave systems.

Source: Flight Global
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/usaf-f-16-takes-flight-with-new-ew-system/160578.article
Author: Greg Waldron 

WASHINGTON - BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems, Greenlawn, New York, is being awarded a firm-fixed-price modification (N00039) to a previously awarded contract (N00039-16-C-0087) for the procurement, manufacturing, testing, and delivery of Network Tactical Common Data Link (NTCDL) systems. This modification increases the value of the basic contract by $84.9 million, to the new total value of $296.2 million. NTCDL is the overarching solution for all Navy Common Data Link requirements across multiple platforms. NTCDL provides transmit/receive capability of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data in support of tasking, collection, processing, exploitation, and dissemination activities.

Work will be performed in Greenlawn, New York, and is expected to be completed by September 2028. The Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity.

Source: U.S. DoD
Associated URL: http://www.defenselink.gov