Rafael sells BNET-AR to Asian air force
BNET-AR software-defined radio. (Photo: Rafael)
The BNET-AR software-defined communication solution from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will be installed on a fleet of aircraft belonging to the air force of an unnamed Asian country, the Israeli company announced on 15 June.
BNET-AR is a modular multiband software-defined radio (SDR) for airborne platforms, integrated on fighters and helicopters as well as Ground Control Stations, enabling network-centric operations and real-time situation awareness.
‘This new contract strengthens our position as a major supplier of aerial communication systems,’ claimed Yoav Wermuth, Rafael VP and head of C3I.
While the Israeli company did not divulge the name of the customer, Shephard reported in February 2017 that India was ordering about 1,000 of the SDRs for its Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Jaguar and airborne early warning aircraft fleets.
BNET technology is available in several configurations: BNET Hand Held for soldiers in the field; BNET Vehicular for operation on combat vehicles; and BNET Airborne for aircraft.
The dual-band software-defined radio family provides jam-resistant, high-speed data and voice (analogue and VoIP) for use in combat communications, Shephard Defence Insight notes.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
Dassault considers boosting Indian presence to support future Rafale production
Discussion of any new production line in India would reportedly be for the F5 jet, although India is also closing in on cementing a deal for 26 Rafale-M aircraft for its Navy.
-
US Navy Next-Generation Jammer approaches full-rate production
Raytheon is currently finalising the production of NGJ-MB lot 5 while working with the US Navy on contract requirements over multiple years.
-
Australian Army aviation veers heavily towards the US
Sikorsky’s UH-60M Black Hawk and Boeing’s AH-46 Apache will soon form the bedrock of the Australian Army’s rotorcraft capabilities, as the army awaits further delivery of both types.
-
Lockheed Martin “bullish” on future of its F-16 programme
The company foresees demand for around 300 Block 70/72 F-16s from customers across the globe and is targeting around a 23 to 26 aircraft delivery total for 2025.
-
Boeing secures $569 million contract to support Royal Australian Air Force’s E-7 Wedgetail
The fleet of six E-7A Wedgetail aircraft is based at RAAF Base Williamtown and will reportedly support up to 170 jobs in the region.
-
Anduril to supply loitering munitions to Ukraine with UK funding
Since July 2024, the UK Government has provided more than £5.26 billion in support to Ukraine, including £3 billion in annual military aid and a £2.26 billion loan for defence spending. The latest deal will see Anduril supply Altius-600M and Altius-700M loitering munitions.