Soldiers get new tactical military communications under £89m contract to boost battlefield internet connectivity

Soldiers are to get access to highly secure and state-of-the-art internet capability on the battlefield as part of an £89 million contract to enhance tactical military communications.

The contract aims to provide military personnel with 'world-leading communications capabilities'.

Known as 'TRINITY', a deployable tactical Wide Area Network (WAN) will be developed over the next five years by BAE Systems that aims to link soldiers to the internet without compromising security.

The 'TRINITY' contract would replace the existing Falcon network which is due to retire in 2026.

• Take a look inside the BAE Systems factory making munitions for the military
• UK defence giant BAE Systems reports record orders in 2022 amid Ukraine war
• New £161m contract for F-35 maintenance and training to support UK's fleet until 2027

Minister for the Armed Forces, James Heappey said: "In this continually evolving, multi-domain environment it is vital that our personnel have access to world-leading communications capabilities while on operations.

"We remain committed to working closely with the best of British industry as they support our endeavour to better connect with our allies and their assets in theatre."

The new system is one part of the Land Environment Tactical Communications and Information Systems (LE TacCIS) programme, which is working to provide the next generation of tactical military communications in the land environment.

The 'TRINITY' system is made up of a series of nodes, each able to add, access and move data in a secure network.

If a number of nodes are damaged in warfare, the rest automatically re-route to maintain optimum network speed and flow of information, making it highly effective.

It is hoped that 'TRINITY' will ensure UK Armed Forces on land can interact faster with allies, whether operating as a single nation or as part of an international coalition.

The £89m will be dedicated to the research and development phase of the programme, with 'TRINITY' due to be delivered in December 2025.

Group Managing Director at BAE Systems' Digital Intelligence business, David Armstrong said: "In an increasingly complex and fast-paced threat landscape, 'TRINITY' will empower the UK Armed Forces with a greater and more efficient view of what is happening, enabling them to make swift, informed decisions when and where it matters most.

"By providing this advantage to front-line decision makers, 'TRINITY' reinforces our commitment to equipping the UK Armed Forces with the right tools to stay ahead in the ever-evolving battlespace.