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Cutting-edge, military-grade air force communications provide an advantage on the battlefield, allowing different assets to coordinate with each other for mission success. Continuous and secure air force communications are critical to meeting the different mission requirements in modern battle spaces.

Military aircraft can be equipped with navigational equipment, radars, and sensors to procure intelligence data that is useful for decision making during combat scenarios.

Finding suppliers of air force communications and navigational equipment

Airforce Technology has listed the leading suppliers of communications, navigation, and identification systems, based on its experience in the sector.

The list includes suppliers of communication systems, navigational equipment, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems for air force platforms and assets.

The information available in the download is useful for aircraft manufacturers and operators, procurement officers, engineers, and individuals involved in the acquisition and maintenance of communications and navigational equipment, and ISR systems.

The download contains a list of manufacturers and suppliers and their product and service offerings, alongside contact details.

Related Buyer’s Guides which cover an extensive range of airforce technology, equipment and manufacturers, can also be found here.

Communications, navigation, and identification products for air defence

Communication systems and navigational products for air force applications include:

  • Wireless intercoms, video, and telemetry links
  • Link 16 technologies including wireless radios and tactical radios
  • Software-defined radios
  • Avionics communications and navigation systems
  • Integrated ISR solutions
  • Sensors and radars
  • Electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors and synthetic aperture radars (SAR)
  • Data acquisition and data storage solutions
  • Navigational equipment
  • Electronic warfare components and subsystems
  • Information technology and ISR software
  • High-frequency (HF) and very high-frequency (VHF) tactical communications
  • Digital cameras
  • Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for ISR applications
  • Signals intelligence (SIGINT) systems
  • Identification, friend or foe (IFF) solutions

Importance of aerial ISR

Mission commanders require real-time air force communications with accurate intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance information to locate and aim at the target.

Crewed and uncrewed military aircraft are equipped with sensors and ISR payloads to obtain enhanced situational awareness of the battlefield.

Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), and manned-unmanned teaming concepts enhance the mission capabilities of the combined armed forces of a country and its allies on the battlefield.

For full details (including contact details) on the leading companies within this space, download the free Buyer’s Guide below:

Frequently asked questions

  • What are the key types of air force communication systems?

    Air force communication systems include wireless intercoms, telemetry links, tactical radios, and software-defined radios. These systems ensure seamless communication between aircraft and ground units, enabling coordinated and secure operations in the battlefield.

  • What role does ISR play in air force missions?

    Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems provide real-time data crucial for decision-making in combat. ISR enables mission commanders to gather situational awareness and identify targets effectively through data collected by sensors and UAVs.

  • How does Link 16 technology enhance military communication?

    Link 16 is a military tactical data exchange network that provides secure, real-time communication between air, ground, and sea units. It ensures that all parties have the same situational awareness, which improves decision-making, targeting, and coordination during missions.

  • What are synthetic aperture radars (SAR) used for?

    SAR systems are essential for high-resolution imaging of the battlefield, even through adverse weather conditions. They are used to detect, track, and identify objects, making them valuable for ISR missions where clarity and precision are vital.

  • What are IFF solutions and why are they important?

    Identification, Friend or Foe (IFF) systems are used to distinguish friendly forces from adversaries. This prevents friendly fire incidents and ensures that military assets can safely operate in contested environments.