Air domain supremacy redefined – New counter-UAS, space solutions and directional communications from Rohde & Schwarz debut at ILA.
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Press Release, Berlin, 08 June 2026: The air domain is under unprecedented pressure. Evolving threats, increasingly congested airspace and the need for rapid, trustworthy information exchange have turned control of the skies into a mission-critical priority.
In response, Rohde & Schwarz will unveil solutions spanning secure communications and counter-UAS designed to protect critical assets, preserve operational freedom and reinforce air sovereignty in contested environments at ILA 2026. Additionally, Rohde & Schwarz provides a complete suite of radio-frequency (RF) solutions that keep space missions connected, tested, monitored and operating reliably. At the company’s stand defence forces can explore a full suite of solutions ranging from advanced software-defined airborne connectivity to cutting-edge counter-UAS technology.
The new portfolio delivers high-end, encrypted radio communication that reliably bridges land, air and sea, ensuring mission-ready operations under the most demanding conditions. IP-based voice and data solutions for air-traffic-control provide certified separation of classified and encrypted traffic, guaranteeing safe and sovereign ATC operations. Hardened, encrypted command-and-control links enable faster, better-informed decisions across joint forces, while directional, secure communications give units across domains the basis for the precision and trust they need for decisive coordination.
ILA 2026 will also mark the debut of two flagship solutions. THORIS, a German-engineered, layered counter-UAS system, that is built to detect, identify and disrupt hostile drones while protecting convoys and manoeuvre elements on the move. NEMACS, the next-generation directional communications suite, offers ultra-low-probability-of-detection-and-interception links that provide reliable, encrypted data and voice communication across units in multi-domain operations.
Rohde & Schwarz’ space activities focus on satellite communications, RF test and measurement, and space-domain monitoring technologies, alongside SIGINT/EW from space. The company provides tools and systems for testing satellites, payloads, user terminals, ground stations, and 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN), helping manufacturers and operators validate performance from development through in-orbit operations. It also offers SATCOM monitoring and SIGINT/EW capabilities used for interference detection, secure communications, and intelligence applications in government, defence, and commercial satellite networks.
“Air sovereignty is no longer a static concept; it is a dynamic capability that depends on resilient, secure networks and instant cross-domain awareness,” said Christoph Pointner, Vice President, Strategic Programs, Rohde & Schwarz. “Our portfolio equips today’s forces with the tools they need for sovereign usage of the spectrum, defend against emerging drone threats and make faster, better-informed decisions across land, sea and air.”
Demonstrations at ILA will include live operation of THORIS in a simulated convoy environment, a hands-on experience of NEMACS directional links between airborne and ground nodes, and an end-to-end showcase of the secure ATC communication suite with classified-traffic separation.
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