Thales has announced the successful acquisition of its first international export contract for land-based High-Frequency XL (HF XL) TRC 3900 radio systems in collaboration with Advanced Defence Systems, a Malaysian partner. This deal marks a significant milestone as it involves the delivery of over 100 vehicle-mounted HF XL TRC 3900 stations, which include essential components such as radios, amplifiers, and antennas.
The new HF XL systems are engineered to provide robust and high-data-rate communications, greatly enhancing Malaysia’s defense capabilities across both urban and remote environments. Thales has a longstanding partnership with the Malaysian Army, having supplied more than 10,000 radios over the past 25 years, which underscores the trust and reliability the company has established in the region.
Christophe Groshenry, Vice President of the Business Line Radiocommunications Products at Thales, emphasized the significance of this contract, stating, “This first export success confirms the relevance of HF XL in meeting the needs of armed forces operating in constrained environments.” He further highlighted the combination of innovation and interoperability with existing fleets offered by Thales, which provides a comprehensive, high-performance solution for military communications.
The HF XL system is touted for its capability to deliver approximately ten times the data rate compared to current HF radios, making it particularly suitable for long-range communications in challenging conditions, such as those found in Malaysia’s tropical terrain. The system supports secure transmissions and boasts low operating costs, ensuring effective connectivity even in remote areas with limited satellite coverage.
One of the key advantages of the HF XL system is its resistance to jamming, alongside its ability to handle large data files, including images and video, which are essential for modern military operations. The TRC 3900 HF XL range features versatile options, including 20 W manpack radios designed for mobile units with a communication range of up to 1,000 kilometers (620 miles). Additionally, it includes more powerful 400 W and 1 kW radios that enable command posts to maintain communication with headquarters and other units over distances reaching up to 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles).
With this contract, Thales not only solidifies its foothold in the Malaysian defense sector but also positions itself as a leading provider of advanced communication technologies on an international scale.
