This time-consuming, planning-intensive and dangerous intermediate step for the deployed commandos has now become superfluous with our “Radio Access Point (RAP)” innovation project, as Innovation Manager Andre Gotthardt explains: “With RAP, the Bundeswehr special forces can now communicate with allied forces in the area of operations or with the operations center on the move, during a mission, in real time and in an IT-secured environment.” As the modern battlefield now generates an ever-increasing amount of data and modern communication takes place via IP services, the Bundeswehr is now also relying on digital data transmission in order to be able to generate better situational pictures. As part of the innovation project, an additional hardware component, the “Black” RAP, and a new server component were therefore provided for the PRC 117G radio, which has been in use for several years. The radio access point is coupled directly with the PRC 117G and enables the user to use any IP-based transmission medium to communicate with the radio devices in a cryptographically secure environment. “The system also includes the existing radio and satellite systems, but also extends the option of accessing the local LTE infrastructure in the area of operation,” explains Andre Gotthardt.
Introduction would be a major step forward for the Bundeswehr special forces
The introduction of “RAP” as a network system would be a major step forward for the Bundeswehr special forces. The satellite communication used to date could be disrupted by enemy countermeasures, was very energy-intensive and required a setup that always had to be set up in advance by the commandos. “With our Radio Access Point innovation system, the Bundeswehr Special Forces Command now has a system in use that enables OTM-OTM communication,” says Innovation Manager Andre Gotthardt. OTM-OTM stands for “on the man/on the move”. The game changer here is that every commando can view the current situation in real time and without delay, which is generated by their own forces on the ground, by resources in the air or in the operations center. “With RAP, the KSK has gained a tactical on-the-move capability for dismounted forces that consumes little energy, saves additional material and is safe to use,” explains Andre Gotthardt, adding that the extremely low configuration effort of the network system should not be underestimated. The commando soldiers stationed in Calw are also enthusiastic about the innovation project: “You're adding a capability to a 10 to 15-year-old radio that will catapult you into the next millennium!”
Clear recommendation for the Bundeswehr
Our innovation project was successfully tested with the Special Forces Command. Now those responsible are already thinking one step ahead: “We are firmly convinced that the creation of a broadband-supported component such as RAP will give the Bundeswehr's special forces a significant increase in capability, which will enable further tactical options depending on the situation. We therefore recommend the introduction of this technology not only for the Bundeswehr special forces, but for the entire armed forces,” explains Sven Weizenegger, Head of the Bundeswehr Cyber Innovation Hub.