The world’s most advanced tactical communications capability is now within the grasp of the Australian Defence Force as a sovereign capability. Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANET) are the leading solution for dismounted, mounted and unmanned communications requirements and are being deployed by elite military forces around the world. Thanks to Codan’s acquisition of MANET world leader Domo Tactical Communications (DTC), Australia now has a sovereign capability that includes design, research and manufacturing capability.

A MANET is a decentralised wireless network that operates independently of the need for infrastructure such as radio towers and where each node of the network also acts a router and host at the same time. It is sought after by elite militaries for its mobility, rapid deployment capability, security and robustness, even in the most challenging of battlegrounds. As a wireless ad-hoc IP centric network it presents as a fluid, self-forming, self-healing ‘mesh’ characterised by genuine non-line of sight coverage, superb penetration and wide bandwidth.

President of Codan Tactical Communications Paul Sangster said that Codan’s acquisition represents a quantum leap in sovereign capability for the Commonwealth.

“DTC’s MANET technology provides market leading performance and SWaP,” explained Mr. Sangster. “These systems offer unrivalled performance and strong immunity to jamming in contested environments, which are priorities for all militaries, including ours.”

Codan confirmed its acquisition of world-leading tactical comms solutions provider DTC on May 14th, which comprised an upfront cash payment of USD$88 million (approximately AUD$114 million).

Codan’s acquisition of DTC not only enables cutting-edge sovereign tactical communications capability but also overcomes the restrictions and risks associated with the ITAR agreements that currently govern the ADF’s tactical comm capability.

Codan is keen to display its products and services to military decision-makers at the 2021 Land Forces Exposition where it will be exhibiting for the first time as a full systems and solutions provider (HF, VHF, Interoperability, MANET, MIMO / MESH).