HCB test points the way to JADC2
High Capacity Backbone-enabled gateway solutions are designed to provide high-speed, secure, open and platform-agnostic communications capabilities to help the DoD implement JADC2. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
Northrop Grumman announced on 17 August that it has successfully integrated and demonstrated a new High Capacity Backbone (HCB) capability from L3Harris with a Northrop Grumman platform-agnostic gateway system.
A live over-the-air test of next-generation HCB gateway capabilities featured an L3Harris HCB system using AESA apertures supporting 600Mbps.
The planned ultimate outcome is ‘data flow 300 times faster than the speeds previously available’, Northrop Grumman claimed, which would help to unlock the advanced open network architecture required by the DoD Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) programme.
By gathering information from multiple platforms using beyond line-of-sight, line-of-sight voice and data networks—including 5th generation networks—Northrop Grumman hopes its HCB-enabled gateway systems will significantly enhance situational awareness in JADC2 environments.
More from Defence Notes
-
UK Parliament told that Europe needs to do more within NATO and undertake reforms
Speaking before a committee on European affairs, the speakers addressed recent developments following an eventful few days. During this period, the UK pushed for increased support for Ukraine, while the EU eased budget constraints to allow for greater defence spending. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, US President Donald Trump introduced tariffs that could impact the defence industry.
-
What does the US decision to pause Ukraine support mean for the war and the stock markets?
NATO and other Western countries had been singing from the same song sheet since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia three years ago but the alliance has been weakened as the new US administration under President Donald Trump pauses military aid to Ukraine.
-
Ireland begins work on buying fighter jets and doubling the naval fleet
Since the release of Ireland’s Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) report two years ago there have been whisperings about the potential of Ireland buying fighter jets, one of the most ambitious recommendations. The prospect has now inched closer.
-
UK defence budget increased to 2.5% by 2027 as geopolitical landscape darkens
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer raises defence spending, while both NATO and President Trump demand significant further increases.
-
Ukraine leads the way on battlefield use of directed energy weapons
Increased drone use in Ukraine and in Middle Eastern conflicts has created a strong impetus to develop laser and radio-frequency firepower as exploration of direct-energy technology intensifies.
-
Saudi Arabia eyes large procurement spend as it boosts 2025 defence budget to $78 billion
The new figure is an increase from US$75.8 billion in 2024 and showcases the country’s focus on its Saudi Vision 2030 to achieve a diversified and sustainable economy, reducing the Kingdom’s dependency on oil.