The Signals Brigade ensures communications during ‘Trident Juncture’

Over a thousand computers, 500 telephones, 20 servers and other devices, such as routers, switches, encryptors, key generators, fibre-optic cables, 13 satellite terminals, around 50 vehicles and 20 cargo containers have been required to ensure communications between the different command posts and the interoperability of command and control systems to the units deployed in the exercise Trident Juncture.

The Signals Brigade has used that equipment to establish tactical networks in the different locations of the exercise. Their planning, coordination, implementation and control have been the task of the 21st Signals Regiment, supported by personnel from the 1st and 2nd Signals Regiment.

In order to fulfil its assignment, the Regiment has sent signals detachments with last-generation equipment in the field of tactical communications to the locations in which the exercise is taking place: Stavanger (Norway), Sardinia (Italy), Santa Margarida (Portugal) as well as “San Gregorio” (Zaragoza) and “Chinchilla” (Albacete).

One of the main challenges has been connecting networks with different levels of security, which for the first time in the tactical field has been done using a data diode. The latter makes it possible to send information between networks with different classifications without compromising their security. These devices are normally used in critical infrastructures; their use in the deployments of a tactical exercise is extremely unusual.

The work of the Signals Brigade has been essential in the development of the command post phase of Trident Juncture, which has just ended (e.g. for videoconferences, an average of 14 per day). It will continue to be vital during the “live” phase, which starts this week and will continue until 6 November.

Tactical deployment of the Signals Centre (Photo: BRITANS)