marines operate a radio

PacStar has received a Expeditionary Command and Control Suite (ECCS) programme-of-record contract to provide multi-network PacStar 4100 kits.

Under the contract, PacStar will supply the PS4100 rapid response kit (RRK), PS4100 commander’s kit (CK) and PS4100 sensitive compartmentalised information kit (SCIK) to the US Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM).

The PacStar 4100 rapid deployable solution has been designed to provide voice, video and data to early entry forward command elements until larger C2 elements arrive through secure internet protocol router network (SIPRNet) and the non-secure internet protocol router network (NIPRNet).

The Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) and US Navy-certified PacStar 4100 portable communications package is designed with Cisco technology and is operated by PacStar IQ-Core software.

PacStar chief executive officer, Bob Dunn, said: "PacStar’s IQ-Core software continues to demonstrate its value and benefits throughout the marine corps and we are pleased to expand our presence as the programme-of-record deployable communications solution."

"It has been designed to provide voice, video and data to early entry forward command elements."

The PacStar 4100 has been selected by the MARCORSYSCOM ECCS programme office due to its mobile communication mission support for the US Department of Defense as well as its extensive accreditations for simultaneous SIPRnet, NIPRnet, CENTRIXS and JWICS connectivity.

In addition, the package offers satellite connectivity to the internet and the Defense Information Systems Network (DISN).

The contract includes options and is valued at more than $8.4m, while the kits will be delivered over the next six months.

Meanwhile, the US Marine Corps (USMC) has also awarded $80m contract to 3M to supply 77,000 enhanced combat helmets and associated spare parts, as part of the joint procurement programme led by the USMC and the US Army to enhance head protection for marines and soldiers.


Image: US marines operate a radio during a mission. Photo: courtesy of Hector R. Alejandro.

Defence Technology