Tactical Communications

DHS’s Science and Technology Directorate assessed mobile ad hoc network radios and a quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicle with first responders in El Paso, examining interoperability, hazardous-area sensing, medical-supply delivery, and deployment logistics. The field test was not a procurement action, but the TACTICS RFI and its November 4 capability-matrix deadline give vendors a near-term channel to share relevant capabilities.

Bittium and Unikie demonstrated autonomous drones operating over a tactical communications network at NATO’s Innovation Range Capability Demonstrator in Oulu, Finland, on October 28–29, 2026. The demonstration offers procurement teams a reference point for evaluating interoperability, resilient communications, and command-and-control integration, but identifies no solicitation, award, or funding opportunity.

L3Harris Technologies and Skydio integrated Falcon IV radios and the Wraith waveform with Skydio’s X10D drone to support command-and-control, position-location data, and anti-jam operations in contested environments. The collaboration may inform future defense evaluations of interoperable UAS and tactical communications, but no government customer, contract, funding, or procurement schedule was announced.

The U.S. Army will host an industry day on October 14, 2026, at Fort Belvoir, VA, focusing on the Integrated Head Protection System Generation III (IHPS GEN III). This event aims to inform contractors about preliminary requirements for head, hearing, and tactical communications protection.

Rafael has launched Dynamit Nobel Defence Digital in Germany to localize its BNET tactical communications technology. This move aims to enhance sovereign control and NATO interoperability, emphasizing the need for localized defense capabilities within Europe.

INVISIO AB has been approved as a supplier for the UK Ministry of Defence's Tactical Communications Systems Framework. This development allows INVISIO to access new procurement opportunities amid its strong financial performance, highlighting the demand for innovative military communications solutions.

L3Harris Technologies is benefitting from sustained defense spending, fostering ongoing demand for its systems. This trend highlights significant opportunities for procurement professionals in the defense sector, as they consider the implications of stable budgets on contract continuity and modernization initiatives.

The U.S. Army is seeking alternative suppliers through a Request for Information (RFI) for the Joint Tactical Terminal – Next Generation (JTT-NG) systems. This move aims to extend the existing IDIQ contract to ensure production continuity and operational readiness for critical intelligence communication systems, with responses due by July 20, 2026.

PDW's acquisition of Vanteon aims to boost its tactical communications and unmanned systems capabilities. This strategic move positions PDW to capitalize on growing Army contracts for advanced small uncrewed aircraft systems amidst increasing defense sector demands.

The Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity (MCTSSA) is set to deploy the Expeditionary Warfare Operations Kit (EWOK), enhancing secure communications for Marine units. This initiative aligns with Project Dynamis, promising procurement opportunities for vendors specializing in advanced communication systems as the military emphasizes interoperability and modern communication capabilities.

L3Harris Technologies has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Air Force to develop the digital backbone for the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS). This strategic procurement highlights ongoing government investments in military modernization and presents further opportunities within defense communications and integrated mission systems.