The technology ensures secure and high-speed tactical communications
NATO has adopted the European Secure Software Defined Radio Programme (ESSOR) High Data Rate Waveform (HDRWF) developed by the a4ESSOR industrial consortium (of which Bittium is part along with other companies) as the interoperability standard for tactical communications with radio platforms STANAG 5651.
The Alliance’s decision acknowledges the high performance and advanced features already demonstrated by the consortium throughout the development and qualification of the ESSOR HDR Base Waveform. Following the standard’s ratification, the waveform will be available for all NATO member countries to communicate faster and more securely in national and coalition operational scenarios. Bittium provides the waveform to its customers together with the Bittium Tough SDR family of tactical radios.
The ESSOR HDRWF is a broadband waveform operating in the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band between 225MHz and 400MHz. It can handle data rates up to one megabit per second – real-time automatic adaptation capability – and maintain voice and IP (Internet Protocol) data in MANET (Mobile Ad-hoc Network) mode. The ESSOR HDRWF network maintains full operations even when global navigation satellite signals are unavailable.
Lino Laganà, President and General Manager of a4ESSOR, said: “The adoption of the ESSOR HDRWF waveform is a source of great satisfaction for our international team, which is proud to see its work recognised by the most important military organisation in the world. NATO’s ratification concludes a development cycle that was conceived according to a visionary approach to interoperability that remains unique worldwide. The development cycle was performed by an exceptional team that was able to operate in a cohesive and supportive manner, despite comprising professionals from six different companies in six different countries. This achievement – he added – is a further incentive for us to continue to develop new narrowband and air-ground-air waveforms, an area in which a4ESSOR has been engaged since 2021, with the same winning approach to interoperability and in the interest of European countries and NATO.”
According to Tommi Kangas, Senior Vice President, Bittium’s Defense & Security business segment: “This is a great achievement for the consortium as well as for Bittium. It is an excellent demonstration of our dedication to developing solutions for advanced tactical communications over the past decades. The achievement also proves that we have the capabilities that meet the high standards of NATO. The cooperation in the consortium has been very fruitful and we are excited to continue the joint development work.”
The High Data Rate Waveform, already integrated into the radios of a4ESSOR industrial partners of Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain, achieved validation by passing interoperability tests last year. This demonstrated the high performance of the ESSOR HDRWF, including new multi-hop push-to-talk, radio silence mode and cohabitation (spectrum sharing) features. These capabilities were also shown during the 2022 and 2023 Coalition Warrior Interoperability Exercise (CWIX), NATO’s largest interoperability event.
ESSOR is managed by OCCAR on behalf of Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain. The ESSOR High Data Rata Waveform (HDRWF) is the most mature product in the ESSOR Programme’s portfolio. As for the 4aESSOR consortium, besides Bittium, Indra, Leonardo, Radmor S.A., Rohde & Schwarz, and Thales Communications & Security are part of it.
