Frost: A&D Radio Communications Must Enable Interoperability
July 21, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS
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Defense organizations are ramping up their R&D efforts in radio communications as they aim to equip their forces with the latest tactical radios.
According to Frost & Sullivan, this has ushered in an era of advanced tactical radios capable of real-time voice, data, image and video transfers with higher data rates.
These sophisticated gadgets also possess software-defined modules that aid interoperability and increase connectivity.
Recent analysis from Frost & Sullivan found that legacy high frequency/very high frequency (HF/VHF) radios continue to find increasing utility value through integration with emerging technologies.
"These radios are beginning to incorporate cognitive characteristics, such as spectrum-awareness, thereby expanding their capabilities," said Frost & Sullivan research analyst Anirudh S. Srinivasan.
"Such developments have enabled several superior air-to-ground data services, fortified soldiers with excellent communication capabilities and spawned the use of communications as a weapon."
Analysts said the rise in the number of global military coalition operations has created a need for interoperability among incompatible radio communication systems from different countries. Legacy communication systems that use diverse protocols and incompatible waveforms have often impeded efficient communication in critical times. Therefore, a robust communication infrastructure is vital for the timely dissemination of critical data to all mobile units.
"Integration of legacy radio systems with emerging technologies such as software-defined radio, cognitive radio and the latest communication security protocols will be the defining trend of the future," said Srinivasan. "Radio manufacturers need to investigate and expand R&D efforts to ensure better multi-band, multimode operations for addressing interoperability issues."
R&D is paramount since interoperability has emerged as a key purchase decision for tactical radios. Analysts said the strong need for interoperability and spectrum management has helped the industry sustain its growth momentum, as well as sharpen its focus on product innovation.
A strong commitment to R&D efforts keeps the radio communications industry afloat despite its channel interference and miniaturization challenges. In fact, scientists have already achieved a measure of success by using cognitive radios to mitigate interference. Analysts said researchers will likely address the miniaturization of radios by employing carbon nano-tubes and nanoelectronics.
The U.S. remains at the forefront of R&D, as well as manufacturing of the most advanced tactical radios. Analysts said Europe, especially the U.K., follows close behind, with the rest of the world relying heavily on these countries for their tactical radio procurements.
"Advancements in software-defined and cognitive radios will likely change the face of tactical radio communications in the coming decades," said Frost & Sullivan senior research analyst Arun Nirmal. "Continued technological advancements in radio communications provide significant potential for growth in the aerospace and defense [A&D] industries."
Source: Frost & Sullivan.