SELEX Elsag builds on success as open communications systems architect at UK MOD operating base demonstration

Basildon, 6 October 2011 – SELEX Elsag, a Finmeccanica company, is supporting the UK MOD’s activities to establish a Generic Base Architecture (GBA), adopting a standards-based approach for the future evolution of individual systems within a tactical base. At GBA2 in October this year, SELEX Elsag will demonstrate that it has the capability to establish the base communications architecture into which it can integrate any legacy, current and future communications systems.

Experience from recent operations shows that there is a requirement for robust, high capacity communications links at all levels of command throughout the deployed force. SELEX Elsag’s latest developments will increase the overall capability of the tactical base through the improved communication of information to enable enhanced C4ISTAR.

At GBA2, through its ongoing involvement with Finmeccanica’s Battlespace Solutions-led Team CASTRUM, SELEX Elsag is combining a number of existing and new communications solutions. These include elements of its Sentinel Wide Area Network switching system, the in-service Encrypted Personal Role Radio, a Casualty Locator Beacon development, the Fixed Base Force Protection system, the next-generation FrontLine Soldier Radio (FSR) and a Talon Lite satcom terminal. SELEX Elsag will also be demonstrating Sentinel Mobile, providing wireless broadband connectivity to dismounted and mobile forces operating away from their bases. This will incorporate new Situational Awareness applications running on secure 3G Smartphones and Tablet PCs.

The SELEX Elsag Sentinel system, already part of the UK FALCON programme, working alongside systems such as Bowman, will improve communications within and between command posts and tactical bases. The company’s latest initiative introduces a mobile extension to Sentinel, incorporating secure 3G COTS-based wireless broadband technology. This will enable much improved connectivity, and enhanced C4ISTAR, for dismounted and mobile forces operating away from their bases, whether on land, air or naval platforms. Improved connectivity for dismounted forces will be further enhanced with the recent launch of the dual net, dual band SELEX Elsag FSR.

SELEX Elsag’s pedigree is as a supplier of COTS-based communications solutions based on open systems standards. These capabilities are widely employed today by military forces across the world. Governments and Defence Ministries are looking to Industry to offer new solutions that can migrate across defence, security and commercial sectors, whilst delivering decisive advantage at an affordable price. SELEX Elsag believes that the enhanced communications capabilities that will be demonstrated at GBA2 directly meet the requirements of the UK and its Allies. GBA2 provides the opportunity to demonstrate the company’s ability to operate as the UK’s de facto base communications architects of choice.

Major General (Ret’d) David McDowall, Vice-President Strategy, says: “At GBA2, we will demonstrate that decisive operational advantage can be delivered at an affordable price. I am convinced that, in terms of our main effort – support to current operations – these advantages can quickly be incorporated to complement and enhance the existing Deployed Technical Architecture in use on current operations in Afghanistan. This is an equally exciting opportunity to embrace these latest SELEX Elsag developments to set a new architectural standard for future joint operations, which can also be adopted and exploited to extend affordable secure networking solutions into the government, homeland security and commercial sectors.”

For further information, contact:
Dennis Burton, SELEX Elsag
Tel: +44 (0) 1202 408512
E-mail: dennis.burton@selexelsag.com