Vigilance can authoritatively report that the Armed Forces are operating a new satellite which is providing extra communication channels on the frontline in Afghanistan.
Our source at the MoD says the NATO satellite will be used to provide two extra Ultra High Frequency (UHF) tactical communication channels that can be used in Afghanistan. According to the source this additional satellite adds to the MOD’s three existing Skynet 5 series satellites which provide a worldwide satellite communication service.
It is said the satellite technology gives commanders on the ground an efficient and secure means of communication - including with operations centres that coordinate vital air support as well as with other units.
Flight Lieutenant Damien Handley, 26 from Worksop, is a Joint Tactical Air Controller in Afghanistan. He uses satellite communications on the frontline in his role co-ordinating air support for ground troops. He said: “I can use these satellite communications to talk from Afghanistan directly to operations centres and headquarters around the world. They are vital in the fight against insurgents, particularly to task aircraft in support of our frontline troops. In the thick of battle we rely on good communications and more satellite channels will be a great boost.”
Vigilance learnt that following an agreement with NATO, the MOD’s Defence Equipment and Support team secured ownership of the satellite earlier this year at no extra cost to the MOD. Control of the satellite and running of the two UHF channels has been incorporated into the MOD’s Skynet 5 Private Finance Initiative contract and is managed by communications company Paradigm.
Commander Andy Titcomb, from the MOD Defence Equipment and Support throws more light: “Ultra High Frequency (UHF) satellite communications are a valuable resource and when it became known that NATO was about to fire this satellite into a graveyard orbit, we jumped at the chance to see whether we could take ownership of this valuable asset and use it to support our troops in Afghanistan.”
Cmdr Titcomb added: “This is an example of MOD personnel identifying and seizing an opportunity to deliver an additional vital resource to our troops on the ground at zero capital cost.”