The UK Defence Communications Services Agency (DCSA) has awarded BAE Systems C4ISR a contract for the supply of an additional two Dagger vehicle-borne and two Talon man-portable high capacity satellite communications systems to support British Forces' network enabled capabilities (NEC) during field operations. This will mean that following delivery of this equipment this month (March 2003), some nine Dagger and 19 Talon systems will be in service with UK and NATO forces.
Dagger is a Land Rover-mounted modular military and civil band satellite communications system designed for rapid deployment and ease of use in difficult operational domains with minimal manpower requirements. It is available in a number of variants to meet differing roles. These include serving the needs of tactical military headquarters, civil disaster relief operations and as a GSM network hub.
Whereas Talon is a man-portable system embodying similar commercial off-the-shelf technology as Dagger, conceived as a lightweight deployable terminal to fulfill both tactical and strategic deployments, each of the cases containing the Talon terminal is man-portable, being within a two-man lift capability. It can operate in any of the C-, X-, Ku- or Ka-bands, with a simple change of the feed arm and some key electronic components to effect the transition.
Commenting on being awarded the contract, Paul Laity, managing director of the UK-based Communications and Defence Infrastructure Division, said, "This reflects the capability of BAE Systems C4ISR to deliver remote satellite-based terminal equipment and NEC services to military users seeking robust communications solutions. It also demonstrates our ability to supply front-line users with cost-effective proven products in very short timescales to support the UK's international defense commitments."