BATTLEFIELD INFO-SHARING GOES DIGITAL

Exchanging information in the battlefield can now be done up to 17 times faster with the Army's souped-up communications capabilities.

The Army's upgraded Wide Area Communications (WAC) system, which was unveiled at a commissioning ceremony at Stagmont Camp on 10 May, allows information to flow faster and in larger quantities between forces at the front lines and their command headquarters. This translates to increased situational awareness and more effective command and control.

Senior Minister of State for Defence Chan Chun Sing, who officiated at the ceremony, noted that the 3rd Generation WAC system is one of the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF's) many efforts to realise a networked and knowledge-enabled force.

He said: "This powerful and responsive system will form the vital backbone of the 3rd Generation Army, enabling the development of a networked fighting force that is capable of a full spectrum of operations."

Jointly developed by the Signal Formation, Defence Science & Technology Agency and Singapore Technologies Electronics Limited, the upgraded WAC system comprises the Digitised Trunk Communications System (D-TCS) and the Ku-Band Satellite Communications (SATCOM) system.

The D-TCS connects assets and troops to the command headquarters via a data network with a high-speed bandwidth of 34 megabits per second (Mbps). Its predecessor, the analogue TCS, that was in operation from 1991, has a bandwidth of only 2Mbps. This 17-fold increase in bandwidth makes it possible for troops to engage in video-conferencing, transmit high-resolution videos and photos, as well as share data and files in real-time.

The digitised version is also able to connect various platforms in a single network. These platforms include the Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicles, Leopard Main Battle Tanks, Apache Attack Helicopters, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and soldiers equipped with Advanced Combat Man Systems (ACMS).

Chief Signal Officer Colonel (COL) Foo Khee Loon explained how the D-TCS enhances military operations: "Because of the high bandwidth network that the D-TCS provides, the ACMS that our soldiers on the ground wear is able to send much of the information from the edge of the battlefield, over a wide area, back to the command post.

"So we have better situational awareness of the battlefield, and we're able to effect a faster and more precise response."

While the D-TCS is used in both conventional operations and training exercises, the Ku-Band SATCOM system is used for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, Peace Support Operations, and training safety and administrative purposes. It transfers data at 2Mbps, up from the 1Mbps provided by the previous C-Band SATCOM system used by the SAF.

Besides the improved bandwidth, these systems are also easy to operate, according to Company Sergeant Major in 17th Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence Battalion (C4I Bn) 3rd Warrant Officer Sarvjit Singh.

He compared his experience training troops on the new D-TCS with his prior operational experience with the analogue TCS: "The old system didn't use off-the-shelf equipment, but for the new system, we're using things like routers and switches, which are readily available outside (the military).

"Most (trainee signallers) already understand the concept of how routers and switches work, so it's easier for them to pick up the knowledge of how to operate the new system."

Platoon Commander in 17 C4I Bn Lieutenant Jeremy Kwek agreed: "Being a technology-savvy person, together with my knowledge from my Diploma in Financial Informatics, I learnt how to use the (D-TCS) very efficiently."

Besides Mr Chan, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence and National Development Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Chief of Army Major-General (MG) Ravinder Singh and other senior SAF officers also attended the ceremony.