The Royal Canadian Navy and Army are to receive communications equipment from Rockwell Collins under separate contracts, the company announced.

The navy is receiving 721S radios, which will complement platforms equipped with the company's SubNet Relay system. The army is to receive SWE-DISH CCT120 suitcase satellite terminals as part of the service's Land Forces Portable Satellite Terminal program.

The 721S is a software-defined radio. It replaces the legacy Rockwell Collins AN/GRC-171 communications system. It is a drop-in unit, takes five minutes to install and weighs 60 percent less than its predecessor, the company said.

Features of the radio include a remote control and the ability to provide four-times greater communications coverage compared to legacy radios.

"The Royal Canadian Navy is the latest in a series of international militaries to acquire the 721S radio for naval operations," said Lee Obst, managing director for Rockwell Collins in Canada. "The growing popularity of the 721S is largely driven by its proven ability to meet the speed and data needs of our customers."

No information was provided as to the value of the contract and the number of radios to be provided.

Rockwell Collins Canada said it will supply 30 SWE-DISH CCT120 satellite terminals to the Royal Canadian Army.

The system allows changes to the antenna system, transceiver, and a plug-in modem cartridge by operators to fit changing mission needs. Terminal modules support a variety of frequency bands, power levels and modem types.

"The CCT120 is the quickest-to-air terminal in the world, giving the Canadian army access to advanced satellite technology that can be operated by one person in the field," Obst said.