In the dynamic modern battlespace, where battles are no longer confined to traditional domains such as land, air and sea, the importance of connectivity and real-time information has become paramount. With conflicts extending into the digital realm, a new type of warfare has emerged.
Now more than ever, protecting vital systems and information is crucial to maintain operational efficiency, communications and safeguard national security. Keeping pace with these challenges requires a responsive and adaptive approach. However, traditional communications systems are no longer enough.
Challenges connecting the modern battlespace
Network bandwidth is a particular challenge when it comes to the modern battlespace. The multitude of different platforms in use at any given time require interoperability, and modern solutions require backward compatibility to support critical legacy systems and connect them to new platforms. To ensure the right information gets to the UK Armed Forces at the right time, the various layers of the network from antennas right through to applications must be secure, robust and at the cutting edge.
By having only fixed network systems in place the entire network is effected when a fixed network node is targeted by adversaries. The modern, multi-domain battlefield that comprises land, sea, air, space, cyber and electronic warfare is hugely contested and it is vital that militaries maintain control of their communications in this challenging environment. Wide Area Networks (WAN) have a key role to play in the future of the information-led battlespace to ensure multi-domain operations can act on pivotal information in near-real time. By using a full spectrum of communications infrastructure to avoid being solely reliant on satellites or fixed infrastructures, communications networks can sustain a myriad of offensive challenges.
A solution that is interoperable, provides high assurance and seamless connectivity, whether operating nationally or within a wider coalition, is the need of the hour.
Recognising this urgent need, we are honoured to be awarded a £89 million contract by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to design and manufacture a deployable tactical Wide Area Network (WAN) known as TRINITY, which will be delivered by a diverse consortium led by BAE Systems and including Kellogg, Brown and Root (KBR), PA Consulting and L3Harris. BAE Systems Digital Intelligence will combine its defence communications systems expertise and decades of experience to deliver a highly secure and world-leading NATO Federated Mission Networking (FMN) compliant network capability. In doing so, it will build on the success of our delivery of Falcon - the MOD’s current deployable, tactical military communications systems.
Robust connectivity across domains
TRINITY is aimed to benefit those on the frontline right through to those in command and control centres who use the communications system to share information. It will help to deliver a fast and reliable service, ensuring the right information gets to the right people as and when they need it.
Being compliant with the NATO (FMN) Protected Core Network (PCN) standard, TRINITY will enable greater collaboration with partners and allies, resulting in a truly interoperable solution for information sharing. BAE Systems Digital Intelligence’s NetVIPR™ will also be core to TRINITY, bringing orchestration and automation, reducing complexity for the user and enabling greater flexibility when it comes to networking the deployed force. This will unlock more efficient operations in pressurised environments and ultimately, enhance crucial decision-making processes.
Standing the test of time
As the pace of technological change in defence increases, another key focus for BAE Systems Digital Intelligence and our partners will be creating a solution that is equipped to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.
Hence, one of the defining features of TRINITY will be its modular and flexible design, helping to address the challenges that come with operating in an evolved battlespace. It will reflect the changing requirements of the customer, accounting for the flexibility, speed and innovation required of a communications system to keep up with the rate of technology change. By adopting a software defined approach, the solution will come with increased operational efficiency as well as enhanced logistics and reduced whole life cost.
Building a skilled workforce
Besides driving technological innovation, TRINITY will aim to strengthen the nation's defence industry by contributing to the development of a skilled workforce. Initially, this contract will lead to the creation of 60 UK jobs based in Dorset, with plans to hire many more in the future. There will also be further investments into UK skills from BAE Systems, their partners and across the supporting supply chain.
Against a tumultuous geopolitical backdrop, there is no doubt that keeping up with the pace of change is a top priority for the UK and its allies. TRINITY represents a significant step forward in the realm of military communication. It's not merely a technology, it's a strategy to empower the UK Armed Forces with the tools they need to navigate an increasingly complex and contested environment.
By prioritising affordable operational capability, interoperability and efficiency, TRINITY lays the groundwork for success in the future information-led battlespace to provide decision advantage that supports multi-domain operations and enable the UK and its allies to stay ahead of the adversary now and in the future.
Read our press release to learn more about the TRINITY contract
Delivering decision advantage in today’s evolving multi-platform battlespace
Multi-Domain Integration We're working with partners, and investing in product development, to overcome the challenges of multi-domain operations and integration. Our work will enable actionable information when it’s needed most. We call this decision advantage.