Thales reveals new vehicular version of SquadNet radio
The Thales Vehicle Mounted SquadNet Radio (right) with the handheld version (left) and a display running the ATAK tactical awareness application displayed in March 2025 at the Future Soldier Technology Conference in London. (Giles Ebbutt)
Thales UK has released a vehicular version of its SquadNet dismounted soldier radio called the Vehicle Mounted SquadNet Radio (VMSR), for which it has an unspecified NATO member launch customer.
Speaking at the product launch on 12 March at SAE Media's Future Soldier Technology Conference in London, Ciaran McCloskey, product line manager, tactical products for Thales UK, said that the radio provides seamless integration of secure voice and data between dismounted troops and the vehicle platform.
Like the handheld (HH) version of the radio, which measures 20×10×6 cm and weighs 250 g, the VMSR operates in the 431–470 MHz and 865–880 MHz frequency bands and has an output power of 250 mW. A mobile ad hoc network (MANET) radio, it utilises a standard waveform with automatic 3-hop networking, providing simultaneous voice and data services. It also runs the same waveforms as the HH SquadNet including low probability of detection, anti-jam frequency hopping, multipole voice mode (four simultaneous voice nets), full duplex, and dual voice net.
McCloskey said that the VMSR form factor has been specifically designed to enable fitting in as wide a range of vehicles as possible, both traditional military platforms and commercial vehicles. It can be dashboard, bulkhead, or seatback mounted.
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