IDF buys new handheld radios

New technology will make it more difficult for an enemy to eavesdrop on conversations between field commanders.

By YAAKOV KATZ
IDF handeheld radio 311 (photo credit: Elbit)
IDF handeheld radio 311
(photo credit: Elbit)
To improve protection over voice communication in a future conflict, the IDF is embarking on a multi-million dollar program to replace its tactical communication systems with encrypted devices that can also transfer data.
The new handheld and vehicular devices come with improved encryption as well as the ability to jump between frequencies, making it more difficult for an enemy to eavesdrop on conversations between field commanders, according to Col. Ronen Schneider, head of the IDF Army HQ’s C4I Division.
The new devices were purchased from Elbit and will be supplied to the IDF Ground Forces Command over a fouryear period. The IDF has also decided to outsource the maintenance of the devices to Elbit, which will provide the service for 20 years.
“The new devices will significantly boost our operational capabilities,” Schneider said, giving as an example the need to service the new systems after 3,000 hours of use as opposed to the current systems, which need to be serviced every 100 hours.
One of the new devices, the CNR-710, has built-in encryption and anti-jamming systems and the ability to hop between a wide range of frequencies.
The new device weighs less than a kilogram and can also transfer data and work together with the IDF’s Tzayad digital army program, which enables units to share information on the location of friendly and hostile forces.