Revolutionising Tactical Communications Security in Defence
Source: gov.uk (2025-01-30)

Funded by DASA, PhoenixC4i, delivers game-changing antenna technology that reduces radio frequency (RF) footprint to enhance stealth and safety

- Innovative clip-on antenna technology reduces RF footprint by up to 80%, enhancing operational security
- Successfully deployed with over 75 units purchased by the British Army for evaluation
- Cost-effective solution providing significant tactical advantage in electronic warfare environments
Picture this scenario: armoured vehicles move through contested terrain. The mission is complex, with multiple units coordinating across a battlefield that spans tens of miles. But there’s a catch: every radio transmission needed to coordinate these forces could become a beacon for enemy targeting systems. Units face a difficult challenge between maintaining communications with one another and potentially revealing their positions to the adversaries hunting them, particularly when static.

Stealth by design: DarkSky Clip-On Antenna

From individual soldier radios to armoured vehicles and headquarters command posts, military forces rely on tactical Ultra High Frequency (UHF) antennas for communications. But these systems broadcast signals in all directions, making them easier to detect. Recent conflicts have provided stark evidence of how devastating electronic warfare can be, with forces suffering significant losses when their communications are detected and targeted.

PhoenixC4i’s (https://www.phoenixc4i.com/) DASA-funded solution is elegantly simple: a clip-on antenna that directs radio signals only where needed, like a spotlight rather than a floodlight. This not only makes communications harder to detect but also improves signal quality. Whether mounted on vehicles, command posts, or carried by soldiers, the system improves survivability with minimal training required.

DarkSky in action

“We developed the DarkSky Clip-On Antenna after realising that existing systems were unable to effectively reduce the detectable signal,” explains Douglas Celerier, founder of PhoenixC4i. “Our solution needed to be ultra-portable, easy to train and versatile enough to be deployed on different platforms, such as vehicles, masts or soldier platforms.”

Revolutionising Tactical Communications Security in Defence (https://youtu.be/qAA5YZc8dUE)

Benefits for Defence:
- improve link quality for robust HQ-to-HQ communications
- doubling the baseline communication range
- extending links within the network, particularly to isolated nodes
- vulnerability of intercept
- susceptibility to disruption from jamming or co-site interference
- easily retrofitting to existing UHF comms systems with low system and network impact
Impact and implementation

On completion of their DASA project, the British Army purchased 75 DarkSky Clip-On Antennas for evaluation. The PhoenixC4i innovation offers a cost-effective solution for protecting static vehicles, headquarters, and infantry radio communications.

Beyond the British Army’s purchase, PhoenixC4i also secured significant contracts, including several units for UK MOD specialist users. The system has proven its worth in multiple trials, including WESSEX Storm and MARWORKS, and is being considered for frameworks such as SERAPIS (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dstl-science-and-technology-procurement-frameworks/serapis-framework) and humanitarian support to Ukraine.

“When the tactical antenna system was first designed, it was based on a mesh network where the signals all supported each other,” says Celerier. “However, in reality, it doesn’t work like that – small groups go out with long links between organisational units. The DarkSky Clip-On Antenna supports actual operational requirements while keeping users covert.”

DASA and PhoenixC4i: On the same wavelength

The journey from innovative idea to battlefield-ready technology requires more than just engineering talent - it needs the right support. Since 2020, DASA’s expertise has transformed PhoenixC4i’s initial concept into a field-tested reality.

“Working with DASA has provided multiple advantages,” notes Celerier. “The DASA team are always available to assist with everything from admin, commercial, technical direction or helping to open doors to the right customers for our technology. Their support has allowed PhoenixC4i to expand and employ additional personnel.”

The results speak for themselves. What began as antenna modelling in a workshop in Gloucester has evolved into technology tested by British forces, with PhoenixC4i expanding both their team and their ambitions.

“We’ve created something that’s not only innovative but also practical and affordable,” says Celerier.

A growing defence portfolio

The DarkSky Clip-On Antenna is just one part of PhoenixC4i’s growing defence innovation portfolio. Through continued DASA support, the company has been funded to develop technologies including:

SPARTACUS: Tactical Deception Made Simple

This electronic warfare system creates convincing radio signatures that protect forces by generating digital ‘decoys’. The system can simulate various military assets while remaining simple enough for rapid deployment.

Infrared Heat-Mat: Digital Camouflage Evolution

Using advanced materials including silicone and graphene, these heat mats replicate thermal signatures of vehicles and personnel to add clutter and degrade adversary sensor capabilities.

Clever Clutter: Small Units, Big Impact

Available in portable and larger variants, these units create confusion across infrared, visual, and audio spectrums. The technology is cost-effective and requires minimal training, making it ideal for rapid deployment.

D-DIAB: Integrated Deception at the Push of a Button

The ‘Digital Deception in a Box’ combines radio frequency and infrared deception in a single, trailer-mounted unit. It can simulate an entire headquarters location while keeping personnel safely away from harm.

DarkSky, bright future

Building on the success of the DarkSky Clip-On Antenna, PhoenixC4i continues to work with DASA on other electronic warfare solutions, including the SPARTACUS RF deception system and IR heatmat capabilities. These developments demonstrate the ongoing value of DASA’s support in bringing innovative defence solutions to market.

The success of the DarkSky Clip-On Antenna proves that innovative SMEs, with the right support, can deliver critical capabilities to defence users. As electronic warfare continues to evolve, solutions like the DarkSky Clip-On Antenna can play an important role in protecting military communications and ensuring operational success.