Spectra Group receives first MoD order for GENSS

Image courtesy Spectra Group

The UK MoD becomes the GENSS launch customer with an initial order of 40 body-worn systems, 14 platform systems and a full-service wrap.

GENSS is an evergreen software-defined tactical communications system designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK, shaped by operational experience and built on UK sovereign engineering expertise. It delivers adaptable, efficient voice and data connectivity for distributed forces, with a system architecture designed to support capability evolution as operational requirements and technologies change.

Spectra Group has a long history of producing innovative satellite communication solutions and the UK MoD was also the first to adopt its award-winning SlingShot system, which enabled L-Band satellite access for existing tactical radios and has over 10,000 in operation with specialist and regular NATO forces globally.  

GENSS delivers tactical communications beyond traditional line-of-sight boundaries, providing secure voice and data connectivity using L-Band tactical satellite networking (L-TAC). GENSS builds on Spectra’s SlingShot heritage, delivering typical networking speeds of 64kbps at 25kHz and up to 90kbps in optimal conditions and the radio offers flexible bandwidth operations from 5-200kHz. GENSS initially supports three core operational roles: SlingShot capability, MANET / Data bridging beyond line-of-sight and efficient beyond-line-of-sight voice and data connectivity. 

By combining efficient bandwidth usage, adaptive coding and modulation and low-power transmission methods, GENSS enables resilient communications for mobile forces operating in contested or denied environments. It maintains reliable link performance in dynamic environments and inherently reduces the probability of detection and interception, using LPI-D techniques, AES encryption and anti-tamper protection, enhancing its security and operational effectiveness.

Built as a software-defined system with modular architecture, GENSS is designed to support continuous capability evolution through software development, new waveforms and system integrations. 

Simon Davies, Chief Executive at Spectra Group, said: “As a veteran and owner of a British business, it is extremely rewarding to have designed, engineered and manufactured GENSS to meet the complex and evolving communication demands of the modern soldier.

"Engineered with input from ex-serving military specialists to minimise operator burden and support effective use in demanding field conditions, GENSS is a lightweight, easy-to-use and highly adaptable communication system that provides assured connectivity in the most demanding of environments.

"We have worked closely with the UK MoD to ensure that GENSS meets their current and future requirements and I am very pleased that again the UK MoD is leading the way in adopting this new capability.” 

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “This government is backing British innovators and entrepreneurs, doing things differently to deliver for our forces.

"These are contracts, not words or promises and they mean that 13 British companies, many of them new to defence, are receiving real investment to develop the technology our Armed Forces need. This is defence delivering growth right across the country.”