Northrop Grumman Secures AFRL Contract for Satcom-Based Freedom Radios

The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory has awarded Northrop Grumman an expanded scope of work contract to develop a satellite communications-enabled, open architecture-based Freedom Radio.

Northrop Grumman will demonstrate a satcom-enabled version of the Freedom Radio to see if it can provide secure and resilient data management and delivery in near real-time. A satellite-based Freedom Radio could allow warfighters to analyze information, enhance situational awareness and help the Department of Defense create its Joint All-Domain Command and Control network.

A proof-of-concept demonstration for the anticipated solution will be performed before the end of 2021, Northrop said.

The anticipated communications offering was designed using the contractor’s Integrated Communications, Navigation and Identification system and Software Development Kit to implement open architecture capabilities. The additions would allow users to integrate new capabilities, including solutions from third-party providers.

Jenna Paukstis, vice president of communications solutions at the San Diego-based company, said the contract will allow Northrop to mature its Freedom Radio solution and allow space assets to send information to ground-based receivers. The official added that the offering could create an interconnected network architecture that would benefit the sea, land, air and space domains.

Northrop’s portfolio of Freedom Radios is currently used on multiple military platforms. The radios give servicemen the ability to securely communicate and share information across multiple domains.