Defence Online

Czech military adopts US communications technology

Land January 16, 2017

The Czech armed forces are to begin using the US-developed Wideband Global SATCOM system (WGS) their Defence Ministry has announced.

The satellite communication system was originally designed and developed for the US military and will be used during military exercises and foreign operations

The Defence Ministry signed a deal at the end of last year with a company to supply the required ground terminals to run the WGS system.

The terminals will be purchased from DataPath International AB company, INTV, at a cost of around £2.7M following their approval for use with the WGS system in October 2016.

The switch to the new system that runs on the US Air Force network, will allow for secure connections even in the most remote places where communication technology is not readily available.

Spokesperson for the Czech’s Defence Ministry, Jana Zechmeisterova, said: “This is supposed to be used during exercises both on the territory of the Czech Republic and abroad and for foreign operations. The connection to the system should be completed during this year.”

Last week, the Czech Minister of Defence, Martin Stropnicky, was presented with the keys to 26 Tatra T-810 flatbed trucks that will replace ageing vehicles and will be assigned to 20 military units.

Further trucks will be delivered over the coming months – 40 T-815 heavy and medium trucks with container loaders, and 41 T-815 trucks for transporting PRAM 120mm mortars.

Mr Stropnicky commented: “Taking into consideration the current security situation, this acquisition represents a key example of how we are continuing to support the Czech defence industry. Local manufacturing capabilities are strategically important to us, be it ministerial, state owned or certified contractors.”

If you would like to join our community and read more articles like this then please click here

Czech military US technology WGS Wideband Global SATCOM

Post written by: Matt Brown