U.S. Air Force Enhances Nuclear Operations with $7 Million WaRTAK Upgrade
On February 10, 2026, Persistent Systems, LLC, a leading provider of mobile ad hoc networking solutions, announced a significant contract awarded by the U.S. Air Force. This $7 million contract aims to upgrade the Wave Relay® Tactical Assault Kit (WaRTAK) program, which plays a vital role in securing convoys tasked with transporting strategic nuclear assets.
As global nuclear capabilities expand, it is crucial for the United States to enhance its protective measures for nuclear assets. The upgraded WaRTAK system will see approximately 100 MPU5 devices deployed across convoys that move between Air Force bases and missile fields. This upgrade will leverage both the Wave Relay® Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) and Cloud Relay™ technology to maintain beyond-line-of-sight communication capabilities.
The 20th Air Force is set to utilize these MPU5s along with additional equipment to create a uniform digital mapping system. This system will facilitate seamless communication between the moving vehicles, personnel, and command centers, ensuring that critical information flows without interruption. Ed Topps, Vice President of Business Development at Persistent Systems, highlighted the importance of advanced networking technology in this context, stating, "Nuclear assets are on alert 24/7/365 for strategic deterrence, and airmen and women require the most advanced networking technology to secure these critical assets."
The WaRTAK system, initially rolled out in 2016 with older-generation MPU4 devices, is making a transition to the MPU5 units. These new devices promise improved scalability, mobility, increased bandwidth, enhanced security, and superior data fusion capabilities. This move follows a prior WaRTAK upgrade valued at $14.6 million in 2020, signaling an ongoing commitment to improving communications technology within the military.
In addition, Persistent Systems will be extending support to the Global Strike Command by implementing a 25,000 square mile MANET across three Air Force bases. This initiative is part of the Regional Operation Picture (ROP) program, for which Persistent secured a $75.5 million contract in 2023 to enhance network capabilities for security personnel stationed in missile fields.
Persistent Systems, established in 2007, specializes in providing advanced mobile networking solutions that cater to military, first responder, government, and commercial markets. Their Wave Relay® MANET and Cloud Relay™ technologies are crafted to deliver effective voice, video, and situational awareness even under challenging conditions. By fostering a unified network through the Wave Relay® Ecosystem, Persistent integrates warfighters, unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), sensors, cameras, and various devices into a common digital landscape.
With this latest contract, Persistent Systems reinforces its reputation as a key partner in defense technology, responding to the urgent need for robust and secure communication systems essential for national security. The WaRTAK upgrade not only demonstrates the U.S. Air Force's commitment to modernizing its fleet's operational capabilities but also reflects an ongoing reliance on cutting-edge technological solutions to maintain strategic deterrence across global regions.
As global nuclear capabilities expand, it is crucial for the United States to enhance its protective measures for nuclear assets. The upgraded WaRTAK system will see approximately 100 MPU5 devices deployed across convoys that move between Air Force bases and missile fields. This upgrade will leverage both the Wave Relay® Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) and Cloud Relay™ technology to maintain beyond-line-of-sight communication capabilities.
The 20th Air Force is set to utilize these MPU5s along with additional equipment to create a uniform digital mapping system. This system will facilitate seamless communication between the moving vehicles, personnel, and command centers, ensuring that critical information flows without interruption. Ed Topps, Vice President of Business Development at Persistent Systems, highlighted the importance of advanced networking technology in this context, stating, "Nuclear assets are on alert 24/7/365 for strategic deterrence, and airmen and women require the most advanced networking technology to secure these critical assets."
The WaRTAK system, initially rolled out in 2016 with older-generation MPU4 devices, is making a transition to the MPU5 units. These new devices promise improved scalability, mobility, increased bandwidth, enhanced security, and superior data fusion capabilities. This move follows a prior WaRTAK upgrade valued at $14.6 million in 2020, signaling an ongoing commitment to improving communications technology within the military.
In addition, Persistent Systems will be extending support to the Global Strike Command by implementing a 25,000 square mile MANET across three Air Force bases. This initiative is part of the Regional Operation Picture (ROP) program, for which Persistent secured a $75.5 million contract in 2023 to enhance network capabilities for security personnel stationed in missile fields.
Persistent Systems, established in 2007, specializes in providing advanced mobile networking solutions that cater to military, first responder, government, and commercial markets. Their Wave Relay® MANET and Cloud Relay™ technologies are crafted to deliver effective voice, video, and situational awareness even under challenging conditions. By fostering a unified network through the Wave Relay® Ecosystem, Persistent integrates warfighters, unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), sensors, cameras, and various devices into a common digital landscape.
With this latest contract, Persistent Systems reinforces its reputation as a key partner in defense technology, responding to the urgent need for robust and secure communication systems essential for national security. The WaRTAK upgrade not only demonstrates the U.S. Air Force's commitment to modernizing its fleet's operational capabilities but also reflects an ongoing reliance on cutting-edge technological solutions to maintain strategic deterrence across global regions.
Topics Other）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.