#USA #McLean #Iridium #Snapdragon #Qualcomm

Iridium and Qualcomm Collaborate to Transform Tactical Communications

In a groundbreaking partnership, Iridium Communications Inc. and Qualcomm Technologies Inc. have successfully integrated Iridium's satellite data services into Qualcomm's Snapdragon Mission Tactical Radio (MTR). This collaboration is poised to provide advanced communication capabilities for U.S. government users and approved allied forces, enabling them to operate effectively in environments where conventional networks are either overloaded or absent.

The Need for Enhanced Communication

The expanding nature of modern military operations highlights the crucial need for efficient and secure communication tools. Challenges such as natural disasters, remote location deployments, and threats to terrestrial network integrity necessitate alternative solutions that ensure reliability and accessibility. Iridium stands out in this field as the sole global mobile voice and data satellite communication network, making it an essential partner in enhancing military communication capabilities.

Key Features of Snapdragon MTR

The Snapdragon MTR, integrated with Iridium's data services, can support a range of devices from handheld radios to autonomous vehicles. This adaptability allows for flexible deployments tailored to various mission needs. Key features include:

• - Short Burst Data® (SBD®): A low-latency messaging and telemetry solution facilitating rapid communication across military units.
• - Iridium Burst®: This feature enables simultaneous broadcasts to a limitless number of devices, enhancing information dissemination.

The partnership also integrates Iridium’s specialized waveform technology along with Qualcomm's expertise in commercial wireless capabilities, covering cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GNSS. This combination delivers powerful global connectivity while accommodating strict size, weight, power, and cost demands (often referred to as SWaP-C).

Enhancing Warfighter Solutions

According to Scott Scheimreif, Executive Vice President of Government Programs at Iridium, the integration of Iridium services positions both companies at the forefront of next-generation communication architectures crucial for empowering warfighters and allied partners. The expectation is for QTI-powered devices integrated with these services to roll out shortly, subject to concluding commercial arrangements with relevant original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

The introduction of enhanced Mobile Satellite Services (EMSS) means that approved users will gain secure access to satellite communications, facilitating continuous connectivity necessary for today’s operations.

Future Developments

Iridium and Qualcomm are also taking strides to make their satellite services available through the upcoming Snapdragon X75 5G Modem-RF System, which is expected to be released as an M.2 modem module. This innovation aims to provide government partners with unique solutions for satellite connectivity that best meet their operational requirements.

During the AUSA annual convention held on October 13-15, 2025, in Washington, D.C., demonstrations of Snapdragon MTR capabilities will be showcased. This event will underscore the collaborative advancements being made in the field of military communications.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Iridium and Qualcomm signifies a major leap forward in providing resilient communication solutions in challenging scenarios. By integrating advanced satellite services into tactical radios, these companies not only bolster military operational capabilities but also contribute to the safety and effectiveness of troops engaged in critical missions.

For more insights on Iridium's Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services program, further information is available at Iridium's official website.