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Defdex

Capability · Command, control and communications

Tactical networking

Resilient radio and mesh networks for contested and disconnected environments.

FieldedPart of Command, control and communications
Builder links
5
Here and in 2 below
Products
3
Here and in 2 below
Input links
3
Here and in 2 below
Sources
4
Cited on this page
News
2
Here and in 2 below

Assessment

Case for · why it matters

Every distributed concept, from drone teams to division-level C2, depends on links that survive jamming and detection. Self-forming MANET radios that mitigate jamming and minimize interception are now strategic assets: Motorola Solutions agreed to pay $4.4 billion up front for Silvus Technologies in 2025.

Case against · the skeptic’s view

Adversary electronic warfare is effective in practice: GAO notes Russian EW forces have succeeded against U.S. and foreign militaries, and Ukrainian drone operators under heavy jamming often cannot tell where their drones are. Adding more networks and bearers also adds integration and security burden rather than removing it.

Who builds it1

Tactical networking: organizations by maturity

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  2. Limited fielding0

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  3. Prototype1

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  6. Concept0

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Placed by each organization's own maturity for this technology; TRL is self-reported or estimated, see confidence.

Breakdown2

Products3

CONDUIT

Revere

Software-defined networking stack (Android, container/API and server) that unifies SATCOM, MANET, cellular and WHISPER links, with mesh routing, end-to-end encryption and protocol-aware compression.

Prototype

WHISPER

Revere

Low-power burst RF modem built from commercial parts that transmits in short bursts to cut detectability; no cryptographic keys stored on the device. TRL as stated by Revere.

Prototype

Inputs it depends on1

Criticality is how much a shortage would constrain production; open an input for producers, concentration and trade controls.

News1

Open in the news feed →

Sources4

Profile3

  1. 1
    CompanyMotorola Solutions to Acquire Silvus Technologies, a Global Leader in Mission-Critical Mobile Ad-hoc Networks

    Motorola Solutions · May 27, 2025 · Supports Technology

    “maximize throughput and connected nodes, mitigate jamming, and minimize detection and interception”
  2. 2
    Government recordElectromagnetic Spectrum Operations: DOD Needs to Take Action to Help Ensure Superiority

    U.S. Government Accountability Office · Mar 19, 2021 · Supports Technology

    “Russian electromagnetic warfare forces, described by the Defense Intelligence Agency as "world class," have demonstrated effectiveness in real-world applications against U.S. and foreign militaries.”
  3. 3
    NewsUkrainian drone pilots often use 'weird-looking buildings' as guides to fly their drones through heavy Russian GPS jamming

    Business Insider · Supports Technology

    “Ukrainian drone operators flying their uncrewed aircraft against the threat of Russian jamming are often unsure where their drones actually are”

Technologies1

  1. 4
    OtherBlack Flag 100.2

    Black Flag · Supports Organization technology

    “Revere builds low-signature mesh communication systems for decentralized command and control at scale”

Each fact on this page is attached to the sources that support it. Archived copies are linked when we keep one.