Brazilian Navy and Motorola Solutions will test a mesh network linking ships and drones

The Brazilian Navy and Motorola Solutions have signed a memorandum of understanding to set requirements for, and test, a wireless mesh network for naval operations and for communication with uncrewed vehicles. The agreement runs for up to five years.

In a mesh network each device passes data on to the others, so the network does not depend on a central station. The tests will cover voice, images, video and data, range, speed, bandwidth and links over several hops, and whether the network works with the navy's command and control systems, including positions and sensor images sent by uncrewed vehicles.

A proof of concept at sea is planned, with tests before and during ARAMUSS-2027, an exercise of uncrewed maritime systems and dual-use technology. No start date has been given.

Rear Admiral João Candido Marques Dias, director of the navy's communications and IT directorate, said connectivity is essential for command and control of drones.