IDF satellite station makes life easier for non-techie chiefs
Israel army gives commanders new user-friendly satellite gadget to help them get crucial info fast
Shoshanna Solomon was The Times of Israel's Startups and Business reporter
When army commanders are out in the field, communication with the central command and databases about unfolding events is not always easy to get, because of technology and band width limitations.
Now, however, the Israeli army is giving the commanders of the various districts a new gadget that makes use of satellite communication to help them keep in touch with the various data centers they need to access, at faster speeds and in an easy and user friendly manner than they have been able to use before now.
“The new terminal works at higher speeds than the technologies used today and enables commanders to access all of the information they need from all of the various arenas in real time, so they can make more informed decisions, wherever and whenever they need, at an almost 100 percent availability,” said Captain David Khesin in the project department of the Satellite Communication Branch of the IDF, in charge of the project.
The new terminal — which looks like a trailer that can be attached to the back of a vehicle — has a satellite antenna and apps that allow even not-tech-savvy commanders to access databases for crucial information they need, while in the field, at the tap of a button. The terminal combines video images and communication capabilities, both voice and text, and will replace the existing satellite technology in use today that is both slower and more difficult to deploy logistically than the new technology, as well as requiring expert teams of people to operate, Khesin said.
The technology, which is being deployed at the various IDF command units, for use by just a few select generals, was developed by the IDF’s C4I communications unit. It is based on existing civilian satellite technology, but has been changed and adapted to the needs of the IDF, Khesin said. “This is a step up,” he said. “We have adapted the product to meet the standards required by the army.”
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