Operational Communication has the primary mission of influencing the behavior and attitudes of various target groups, such as hostile armed forces, parties in conflict, or foreign civilian populations, using communicative means to support its own military operations. For these purposes, in addition to digital media, radio broadcasting is also used. Additionally, the radio broadcasting facilities of Operational Communication can be used domestically in disaster situations, for example when important civilian transmission facilities fail due to severe weather conditions.
In short: Even in the digital age, radio retains its importance for the Bundeswehr. This capability of the Bundeswehr is to be preserved and expanded in the coming years. To this end, the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Use of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) has commissioned the Bremen-based company FHF Flurfördergeräte GmbH with a comprehensive modernization of the transmission cabins of the Center for Operational Communication.
New Capabilities: DAB+, Mobile and Satellite Reception
The Bundeswehr’s mobile radio transmitters consist of transmission cabins, equipment teams, power generators, and a mobile 25-meter antenna. As early as 2019, the equipment teams, which serve to collect and transport all accessories, were brought up to the latest standards. At the same time, they were mounted in 20-foot containers to ensure easier handling during loading. In the coming years, the aging transmission cabins will also be renewed and will also find their place in containers.
In the course of the renewal, not only will transmissions occur in the FM frequency range, but digital transmission and the more efficient Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB+) will also be used for information transfer. In the area of playout technology (“how does the radio signal get to the transmitter?”) the new systems will be equipped with several independent options. Among other things, the audio signal is to be received via a mobile network or a satellite connection, which means the transmitter in remote operation will no longer depend on a telecommunication or network infrastructure.
Eight Transmission Containers for Operational Communication
The required power generator, which in the previous FM transmitter was pulled on a trailer, is now integrated into the 20-foot container, thereby further increasing mobility. For this, project leader Lieutenant Colonel Christoph H. stated: “With this regeneration we are making the leap into the present and are better prepared for future scenarios. In addition to the technical modernization of broadcasting and playout, the switch to a container solution with its own power supply enables the troops to use it more flexibly.”
In several milestones, the eight required FM/DAB+ transmission containers are to be produced. By the end of this year a prototype will be built. After its successful testing and acceptance, seven more transmission containers will follow in 2027/2028, so that the regeneration of the transmission systems is expected to be completed by mid-2028. In this way, the Bundeswehr will continue to have the unrestricted ability to broadcast audience-targeted radio programs, which is of great value for national and alliance defense as well as for disaster situations.
