Fortify Teams with University of Notre Dame for Army's Latest Tech Contract
Fortify, an innovator in Radio Frequency (RF) and Microwave (MW) devices, has teamed up with the University of Notre Dame and defense contractor RTX to advance Command and Control (C2) systems for the U.S. Army. This strategic collaboration aims to utilize cutting-edge 5G technologies to enhance military operations.
The Vision Behind the Collaboration
On April 9, 2025, it was announced that Fortify was awarded a contract by the U.S. Army Command, Control, Communication, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center. The mission is to create significant improvements in C2 systems to meet essential bandwidth, latency, and resiliency requirements. This initiative allows Fortify to showcase its innovative GRadient-INdex (GRIN) lens antenna technology to significantly enhance communication systems supporting military personnel.
This collaboration brings to the forefront the need for delivering a revolutionary prototype GRIN lens antenna designed specifically for tactical 5G networks. The prototype will be rigorously tested in field conditions under the guidance of the U.S. Army's C5ISR Center, an entity focused on fulfilling the military's communication and radio frequency requirements.
Innovating Tactical Communications
Current C2 systems heavily depend on traditional wired networks, limiting mobility and the flexibility needed in dynamic environments. The wireless solutions being developed by Fortify and its partners will potentially reshape tactical operations, overcoming the longstanding bandwidth and latency challenges presented by conventional technologies. By utilizing passive lensing technology, these improvements are set to align with the rigorous performance and reliability standards of the U.S. Army.
Karlo Delos Reyes, Chief Customer Officer and Co-Founder of Fortify, expressed the excitement surrounding this opportunity. He noted, "This contract presents a significant opportunity for Fortify to demonstrate the disruptive potential of our GRIN lens technology. By leveraging our expertise in dielectric lensing, we are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in tactical communications, ensuring more resilient and high-performance solutions for the warfighter."
As an educator with extensive experience in Department of Defense research, Dr. Patrick Fay and Dr. Jonathan Chisum, professors at Notre Dame, have partnered with Fortify on this groundbreaking project due to the company's established expertise in dielectric lensing and successful previous collaborations.
Expected Outcomes and Future Implications
Josh Martin, CEO and Co-Founder of Fortify, expressed his optimism about the partnership, noting, "We're thrilled to be working alongside Notre Dame and RTX to bring next-generation tactical communication systems to life. This effort reinforces our commitment to supporting the warfighter with technology that enhances both mission effectiveness and survivability."
The eventual goal of this initiative is to lead the way in developing next-generation communications systems that are vital for enhancing the efficacy of military operations. The combination of Fortify's innovative approaches to manufacturing and antenna technology, in partnership with academic and defense research, promises a leap forward in how the Army will approach communications in the future.
Conclusion
As Fortify and its partners embark on this journey, the commitment to leveraging advanced technology such as 5G underscores a larger trend within military communications. The implications of this contract will not only ensure better service delivery for the Army but also set a new standard in tactical operations. Fortify continues to express its dedication towards improving technological capabilities, ensuring a safer and more effective environment for the warfighters on the ground. For more information about Fortify, visit
www.3dfortify.com.