A new personal wireless communications system for the next generation of British troops is being developed at Queen’s University Belfast Centre for Secure Information Technology (CSIT).

The helmet-mounted communication system allows individual troops to communicate real-time information including pictures, videos and texts to each other in the battlefield.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

The design of the system will form the basis of a body area network (BAN), which transmits real-time data and battle tactics between soldiers over a distance of 40m.

The CSIT-developed personal wireless communication system is based on the 60GHz radio frequency waveband that provides enough signal bandwidth for soldiers to communicate in real time.

Belfast CSIT post-doctoral research member Simon Cotton said they were testing an intelligent antennae that focus beams of energy and provides information to a visor system.

The wireless communication technology is being developed by CSIT while the partner developers are working on the chipsets for the helmet visors and other parts of the overall system.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

The system will overcome previous issues seen with constantly mobile soldiers working in terrains that can interfere with the relay of messages.

It could be another ten years, however, until the system prototype enters the battlefield as part of the British Army’s future integrated soldier technology (Fist) programme.

Army Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Army Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact across the defence sector.

Excellence in Action
SignalGeneriX has won the Autonomous Technology Innovation Award for its LOTUS AI Mission Computer -a compact, rugged edge AI platform delivering up to 100 TOPS for ISR, EW, robotics and autonomous systems. Discover how LOTUS is redefining real-time decision-making and autonomy across demanding defence missions.

Discover the Impact