US-based firm Ultra Intelligence & Communications (Ultra I&C) will supply its Archer troposcatter communication system for operational trials with the Canadian Armed Forces.
The technology is intended for Arctic and European deployments, where forces often operate across remote areas with limited communications infrastructure.
The effort aligns with Canada’s defense industrial priorities, which emphasize Arctic capability, operational autonomy, and interoperability with allied forces, the company said.
As part of the initiative, the trials will assess the system’s ability to provide beyond-the-horizon communications without relying on satellites.
Troposcatter technology works by reflecting signals off the lower atmosphere, allowing long-range links in areas where conventional networks are unavailable.
This is particularly relevant in the Arctic, where vast distances and difficult terrain limit the reach of traditional infrastructure, Ultra I&C emphasized.
Beyond the limits of satellite communications, most remote areas lack fiber networks, have few fixed towers, and face constraints on line-of-sight systems due to environmental conditions and distance.
Archer System
Archer is designed to streamline field use through an automated interface that handles setup and alignment, allowing operators to establish communications rapidly without specialized technical support.
The system supports long-range links of up to 200 kilometers (124 miles) and integrates encryption and anti-jamming measures to maintain secure connectivity.
It uses a modular design, enabling flexible antenna configurations and adapting performance to maintain stable data transmission.
“Archer extends network reach into remote environments where connectivity means the difference between mission success and isolation,” said Faith Rhodes, VP of programs at Ultra I&C.
“We’ve taken troposcatter technology — which has been around for decades — and engineered it for 21st century warfare that is expeditionary, resilient, and deployable in under 15 minutes.”
