Interoperability of tactical radios among members of NATO

The authors identify the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) requirements for standardization agreements concerning combat net radio interoperability. These agreements will replace the existing liaison procedures for providing cooperation and understanding between commanders and staffs of headquarters and forces that are working together. The design and operation of an interface unit that provides voice interoperability and the plan for an interface unit that will provide both voice and data interoperability are described. The key factor in each design is that NATO members can design and build their own portion of the interface units to be compatible with their particular systems. The only requirement is that the interconnecting cable and signals over the cable be in accordance with the standard. The cable for the voice-only interface unit is a shielded multiconductor metallic cable. A fiber-optic cable has been proposed for the voice and data interface.<>