Thales demonstrates HF radio to Malaysia

The HF XL radio – seen here in the Malaysian demonstration – incorporates a cognitive engine that selects frequencies to sustain communications in contested environments. (Thales)

Thales has demonstrated a high-frequency (HF) radio system to the Malaysian Armed Forces in partnership with Kuala Lumpur-based Advanced Defence Systems (ADS).

The companies announced on 10 April that the demonstration showcased the long-range communications performance of the Thales HF XL radio, which is due to enter service with the Malaysian Army.

According to the companies, the HF XL radio is designed to provide stable beyond-line-of-sight communications in challenging terrain and weather conditions and to act as a back-up to satellite communications (satcom).

During the demonstration, the radio facilitated stable voice and data transmissions, with the companies stating that the system can also support live video streaming.

The demonstration was conducted across three locations in Malaysia, comprising a 400W HF XL radio in Kuala Lumpur, a second 400W HF XL in Kota Kinabalu in the north-eastern state of Sabah, and a 125W HF XL system in Lumut, in the north-western state of Perak.

Thales unveiled the HF XL radio at the Eurosatory defence exhibition held in Paris in June 2024. According to the company, the radio offers data rates of up to 150 kbps, with the 400W variant supporting communications over distances of 5,000 km.

Thales has previously said that the HF XL radio incorporates a cognitive engine that automatically selects operating frequencies to maintain communications in contested environments by identifying and avoiding jammed frequencies.