The US National Security Agency (NSA) has granted certification to L3Harris Technologies for its upgraded Rover intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) radio terminals, enabling their secure use by approved allied forces. This significant clearance encompasses the innovative Rover 6Sc transreceiver and Tactical Network Rover 2c handheld terminal, facilitating direct access for up to 50 coalition partners endorsed by the US Department of State. These partners can now procure the systems through the Foreign Military Sales program.
This development marks a crucial advancement in military interoperability, allowing international partners to share data seamlessly with American troops operating within NSA-encrypted networks. Previously, international customers were restricted to purchasing only the exportable Rover “i” variants, which were incompatible with U.S. high-assurance communications. The newfound capability reflects a major step forward in fostering enhanced collaboration between allied forces.
Byron Anderson, the director of product line management at L3Harris, emphasized the importance of the partnership with the NSA, stating that the expedited approval process made this achievement possible. He noted that the Rover 6Sc and Tactical Network Rover 2c are the first products to be validated through this streamlined concept, and efforts are underway to secure similar approvals for additional video datalink products, including the CMDL 2c, pending certification of their U.S. domestic counterparts.
The Rover family of ISR terminals plays a pivotal role in modern military operations across air, ground, and maritime domains. These terminals are designed to deliver real-time video and data, enhancing situational awareness, aiding in targeting, tracking, and conducting battle damage assessments. Additionally, they support crucial missions such as relay and convoy monitoring.
Notably, the latest Rover variants incorporate smart frequency-switching technology, ensuring reliable connections that can withstand various forms of interference, obstacles, or signal blockages. Their expansive waveform set enables communication with a diverse range of platforms, including large aircraft, unmanned aerial systems, and targeting pods currently operational within the military.
Overall, this certification not only solidifies the capabilities of L3Harris Technologies’ products but also strengthens the operational readiness of allied forces in collaborative missions.
