NATO forces in Afghanistan will soon benefit from enhanced communications following a contract award to Cogent Defence and Security Networks, the UK operating company of EADS Defence and Communications Systems Group. Under the contract the company will install a secure, trunked Tetrapol ISAF Command Network to provide command communications coverage for the NATO Area of Responsibility in the Kabul region.
The Tetrapol secure voice and data network system trunking is provided through five Harris high capacity Line of Sight radio links between three multi-channel EADS Tetrapol base stations. These wide band links also provide channels to carry other NATO voice and data systems between the NATO static facilities, while Automated Vehicle Location capability provides a further enhancement to the system. Cogent has installed and commissioned an Initial Operational Capability to meet NATO’s immediate requirement for a secure command system, while full operational capability in Kabul is scheduled for August 2004.