Frag Out! Magazine

THE ARTICLE BY WB GROUP C ommunication remains the key element in the development of civilization, as it remains the only tool that can be used to ma- nage large groups of people. This is why it has always been a part of the military operations. First, as visual signals (flags, bonfires, torches, and lamps), audio signals (whistles, trumpets, drums, and other instruments), ropes, wires, and cables, then a true revolution emerged in the long-distance department, with long-range radio signals. First, solely audio was being sent through that channel. Nowadays, pri- marily - data of any kind. MILITARY RADIO-CENTRISM The rise of digital and data transmission technologies paved new paths in both civil, and military communications. In a sense, the former has taken over the latter, but it is still suffering from limitations stemming from being tied to stationary infrastructure: antenna masts or fiber-opti- cal lines. The Armed Forces need to retain the ability to communicate regardless of circumstances: when on the move, in combat, and, above all, when the mobile network antennas may no longer function. Thus, the Armed For- ces would always remain radio-centric - as systems as such are the only ones that are entirely independent of infrastructure of any kind. At the same time, the Armed Forces want to make use of smartphone-like functions - used by everyone now. One may even be under the impression that living without a smartphone in modern society is an impossible feat. LIMITATIONS Military communications have numerous limitations imposed on them. They need to be reliable and secure, even in challenging conditions. One cannot make it possible for the adversary to access the transmitted data or voice. The sensitive information needs to be protected. Poland is friendly to- wards virtually anyone, but it also needs to have a right to effectively protect state secrets. This is the reason why almost all nations engage in the development of proprietary cryptographic systems. This matter sho- uld not depend even on the best, geopolitical friends. The level of security and complication in the encryption systems depends largely on the importance and time-sensitive nature of the transferred information. Any encrypted data can be encrypted as the time goes by. But getting to know the orders for a platoon or company after a few days would be useless for the potential adversary. The military-grade systems need to be resistant to damage and environmental factors. And the levels of resilience need to be high, as many things may happen during real combat. We are observing this daily, following the conflict-related news reports, with atrocities taking place right across our border. POLISH MILITARY COMMS REVOLUTION The Polish Armed Forces are facing the prospect of a digital revolution, tied to the introduction of broad- and SDR narrow-band PERAD and COMP@N personal and vehicular radios. The WB Group's systems mentioned here would be the first, mass-produced devices featuring Polish cryptographic mechanisms. They would replace radios operated currently, often delivered by foreign businesses, without certified, national encryption systems. 19 www.fragoutmag.com DEFENSE INDUSTRY

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