- Groundbreaking Communication Technology to Enhance Ireland’s Strategic and Tactical Capabilities
Spectra Group (UK) Ltd, a specialist provider of secure voice, data, and satellite communication systems, has announced a landmark contract with the Irish Defence Forces to supply Comtech’s Troposcatter Compact Over-the-Horizon Mobile Expeditionary Terminal (COMET). This procurement marks a significant advancement in Ireland’s military communication infrastructure, providing resilient, high-bandwidth, and satellite-independent connectivity.
The contract is part of Spectra Group’s recent global distribution agreement with Comtech, signed in February 2024, which allows Spectra to supply the Troposcatter Family of Systems (FoS) outside of North America. Ireland is one of the latest international customers to invest in this cutting-edge technology, with plans for additional system acquisitions, training programs, and future deployment of the advanced Troposcatter on the Move (TOTM) enhancement.
Troposcatter technology is an innovative communications solution that enables long-range, high-bandwidth connectivity without reliance on satellites or traditional terrestrial infrastructure. It operates by bouncing radio signals off the Earth’s troposphere, the atmospheric layer up to 13km in altitude. This capability ensures reliable, low-latency data transfer even in GPS/GNSS-denied environments—critical for modern warfare scenarios, including peer-on-peer conflicts and Multi-Domain Integration (MDI).
Historically, Troposcatter systems were bulky, power-intensive, and impractical for expeditionary or maneuver warfare. However, Comtech’s advancements in miniaturization and power efficiency have revolutionized the technology, making it an ideal solution for modern military forces.
Michael Davies, Business Development Manager at Spectra Group, emphasized the importance of this acquisition:
“This is a continuation of what we hope to be many procurements under our Troposcatter global distribution agreement with Comtech. We have been working closely with the Irish Defence Forces to identify solutions that meet their strategic communication needs and national defense commitments. COMET offers reliability, capacity, deployability, and interoperability, making it an ideal solution for both land-based operations and maritime applications.”
The COMET system is designed specifically for rapid deployment and mobile operations, addressing key challenges faced by military forces operating in contested environments:
High Bandwidth & Long Range: Capable of delivering 5-60 Mbps connectivity over distances exceeding 70km.
Low Power Consumption: Operates efficiently with just 10 Watts of power, making it the only low-power Troposcatter system currently available.
Compact & Portable: The system consists of a single 1-meter dish and a Comtech CS67Plus modem, all packed into two cases weighing 25kg each. It is man-portable and can be transported on civilian aircraft if necessary.
Quick Deployment: Can be set up and operational within 15 minutes, offering rapid and reliable communications in field conditions.
Satellite Independence: Eliminates reliance on vulnerable and costly satellite networks, ensuring operational continuity in disrupted environments.
Advanced Modem & Frequency Diversity: The Comtech CS67Plus modem enables data rates up to 210 Mbps, with dual frequency/polarization diversity to mitigate signal fading and multipath effects.
Given its capabilities, COMET is particularly suited for command and control (C2) operations at both strategic and tactical headquarters, where uninterrupted high-bandwidth communication is essential for mission success.
The Irish Defence Forces have been steadily modernizing their military infrastructure to enhance operational effectiveness and interoperability with allied forces, including NATO members. This latest acquisition reflects Ireland’s commitment to strengthening its strategic communications capabilities, ensuring robust and secure connectivity for both domestic and overseas deployments.
The investment in COMET aligns with Ireland’s broader defense objectives:
Improved Cyber and Electronic Warfare Resilience: The ability to operate in GPS/GNSS-denied environments is crucial for modern conflict scenarios, where electronic warfare threats are prevalent.
Enhanced Interoperability with NATO Partners: Many NATO countries have already integrated Troposcatter systems into their communications infrastructure. Ireland’s adoption of COMET ensures seamless coordination in joint operations and multinational exercises.
Maritime & Land-Based Applications: COMET’s adaptability makes it an ideal solution for both land and naval operations, improving secure communication links between strategic command centers and deployed forces.
While the initial procurement involves a limited number of COMET systems, discussions are already underway for additional units, training programs, and the eventual deployment of the Troposcatter on the Move (TOTM) enhancement.
Spectra Group is currently exhibiting at Enforce Tac 2025 at Booth 7-360, where they are showcasing their latest communication technologies, including GENSS and COMET. Additionally, COMET is being displayed at the JK Defence booth (10-521), offering attendees a firsthand look at its capabilities and operational advantages.
Enforce Tac, one of Europe’s premier defense and security trade shows, provides a platform for industry leaders, military professionals, and defense procurement officials to explore the latest innovations in secure communications, tactical equipment, and defense technologies. Spectra Group’s participation underscores its commitment to advancing military communication solutions and expanding its presence in global defense markets.
With the increasing reliance on resilient and autonomous communication networks, the demand for Troposcatter technology is expected to grow significantly. Spectra Group’s partnership with Comtech positions the company at the forefront of this evolving landscape, offering cutting-edge solutions that address the challenges of modern warfare.
Future developments, including the anticipated rollout of the Troposcatter on the Move (TOTM) enhancement, promise even greater flexibility and operational capability. This advancement will enable continuous communication while in transit, further enhancing mobility and responsiveness for deployed forces.
As more military forces recognize the strategic advantages of Troposcatter technology, Spectra Group’s expertise and global distribution rights make it a key player in shaping the future of military communications.
The Irish Defence Forces’ acquisition of COMET represents a significant step toward modernizing their strategic and tactical communications infrastructure. With its unparalleled combination of high bandwidth, low power consumption, and rapid deployability, COMET is set to become a cornerstone of Ireland’s defense communications network.
As Spectra Group continues to expand its global footprint in secure communication solutions, this contract marks yet another milestone in its mission to equip military forces with the most advanced, reliable, and effective communications technology available.
