# List of communications and reconnaissance equipment of the British Army

This is a list of communications and reconnaissance equipment in use with the British Army (and in some cases, shared with other branches of the British Armed Forces).
For more equipment in use with the British Army, see Modern equipment of the British Army.

## Bowman

Bowman is the tactical C4I system in service with British forces, replacing the Clansman system introduced in the 1970s. Designed to provide an integrated digital communications network interfacing with higher level systems and networks such as ISDN, Skynet V, Cormorant and FALCON. Commanders at all levels are given secure voice and data communications as well as an integrated Global Positioning System.

## GEOINT

A deployable geospatial intelligence unit, this allows for situational awareness on a wide scale. With GEOINT exploitation and map production capabilities from strategic to tactical levels, it can update frontline troops with digital map updates for cohesive intelligence across the entire battlefront. Mounted on MOWAG Duro II trucks, the British Army has taken delivery of 11 GEOINT Stations with 3 vehicle-mounted tactical distribution systems.

## Surveillance System and Range Finder

This system allows a soldier to quickly establish the location and distance of enemy forces and gives the soldier advice as to the most appropriate mortar or artillery firepower to use in response. The system is all-weather, day and night system has built-in GPS. 707 have been purchased for use, with deliveries complete in 2011, ahead of schedule.

## Falcon Secure Trunk Communication System

The Falcon Secure Trunk Communication System provides secure meshed communications infrastructure based on the Internet protocol suite for deployed formations and operating bases. It helps to deliver an information infrastructure that will provide the UK Armed Forces with the network enabled capability required in the 21st century. It is designed to operate with other communication and information systems such as Bowman, Cormorant and Skynet 5, and will be compatible with other NATO systems. The system provides the telephones and data distribution when deployed. Procurement started about 2005, with an intention to enter service in 2009. Testing and field trials were completed in 2012, with delivery through to mid-2013.

## Defence Information Infrastructure

Defence Information Infrastructure (DII(F)) is one of the largest information infrastructure programmes in Europe. It will provide a computing infrastructure and services that will enable sharing of information and collaborative working to a variety of groups and individuals including those that currently have limited or no connectivity. Ultimately it will provide around 300,000 user accounts on approximately 150,000 terminals across about 2,000 MoD sites worldwide. DII will be central to transforming the capability of the Armed Forces by providing Network Enabled Capability through a single network of information. It will extend into the operational arena, interface with battlespace systems and improve shared information between headquarters, battlefield support and the front line, allowing greater interoperability between the MoD and its allies.
DII is being delivered in Increments. Increment 1 will provide DII(F) to around 70,000 desktops and 200,000 user accounts. Increment 2 looks at Deployed services and services to the Above Secret environment. The service ranges geographically from the office environment in headquarters to forward deployed units anywhere in the world.

## Satellite communications
### Skynet (Satellite network)

Skynet is a family of military satellites, which provide strategic communication services to the three branches of the British Armed Forces and to NATO forces engaged in coalition tasks.
In 2013, new types of Skynet terminals were delivered, utilising Skynet's new Internet Protocol (IP) based modular infrastructure. Vislink Mantis terminals and Snapper baseband equipment for land forces, SCOTPatrol terminals for small vessels, and transportable IP Domain nodes for large land forces or air bases. In 2020 further units were purchased along with Vislink NewSwift ground terminals.

### Small SATCOM

Small SATCOM capability consists of a SWE-DISH CCT-120 satellite ground terminal owned by Paradigm Secure Communications. The ground terminal uses the Skynet 5 network. This provides a service to users on operations worldwide. The satellite ground terminal is lightweight, easily air transportable and can be set up by a single trained operator in less than 30 minutes.

### Reacher Satellite Ground Terminal

Reacher is a mobile X-Band Satellite Ground Terminal (SGT) providing services through Skynet 5 satellites. It comes in three variants:
* Reacher Large, mounted on a MOWAG Duro III
* Reacher Medium, mounted on a MOWAG Duro III
* Reacher RM, mounted on a BV206 vehicles (2 in service for use by the Royal Marines)