Bridging the Gap: Real-Time Video Connectivity - Exercise Hedgehog in Estonia
Overview
Videosoft Global took part in the multi-national Exercise HEDGEHOG, working alongside many key industry partners: Teleplan Forsberg, Shield AI, Griff Aviation, UAV Aerosystems, C3IA Solutions and Glenair. Together, we supported the UK Joint Aviation Command and NATO Forces, demonstrating the power of innovation and teamwork.
Our technology showcased how advanced video streaming capabilities can underpin critical military operations, particularly in complex environments that demand seamless coordination between crewed and uncrewed platforms.
By acting as the video delivery solution, ensuring critical, resilient, and real-time video, Videosoft provided a shared operational picture, supporting faster and more informed decision-making, as well as shortening the kill chain, thereby improving the military effect. This real-time visibility extended beyond local assets, providing a Global oversight of all elements in play across the exercise.
Operational Challenge
Exercise Hedgehog highlighted communication challenges, including limited bandwidth, fast-changing conditions, and electronic warfare interference. With a high number of connected assets and the requirement to transmit multiple concurrent video streams in NATO STANAG 4609 format, traditional systems can often struggle to deliver all the necessary data reliably.
Videosoft’s Solution
This is where Videosoft made the difference; our adaptive compression technology reduced the data load, enabling real-time video transmission even when bandwidth was heavily constrained.
Our software operates across a wide range of networks, including 4G/5G, tactical radio, satellite, and mesh systems, making it ideally suited for exercises like HEDGEHOG where connectivity can vary between platforms and locations.
By compressing video streams in real time, we reduce the data load while preserving the critical detail needed for effective targeting and coordination. This ensures that operators receive STANAG 4609-compliant video, crucial for Digitally Aided Close Air Support (DACAS), without any loss in the information required to execute their mission. Maintaining this level of video integrity directly supports operational effectiveness, allowing crews and command teams to monitor, assess, and respond.
Key highlights of Videosoft’s contribution:
- STANAG 4609 Compliance: Fully compliant video encoding ensuring operational interoperability and enhanced targeting accuracy.
- Ultra-Low Bandwidth Video Transmission from 1Kbps: Adaptive compression techniques enabled reliable video delivery despite bandwidth restrictions and electronic warfare interference.
- Real-Time Situational Awareness: Ensured continuous, live video feeds allowing commanders to make informed targeting decisions considering friendly forces and collateral damage risks.
Results and Impact
The deployment of Videosoft’s solution enabled successful crewed and uncrewed teaming (CUCT) across multiple aerial assets, including Shield AI’s VBAT, Griff Aviation’s Griff 60, and UAV Aerosystems’ PROVIDENCE UAV. This integration demonstrated exceptional speed and efficiency, significantly enhancing the effectiveness and interoperability of multinational joint forces.
“The work being conducted here is cutting edge, not just in the context of the UK Military but across any fighting force.”
Brigadier Nick English MBE, Commander 1st Aviation Brigade.
Videosoft’s real-time video solution played a pivotal role in achieving this operational excellence.
Conclusion
Videosoft Global’s involvement in Exercise Hedgehog clearly demonstrated the operational advantage provided by its technology in real-world NATO joint-force environments. The ability to deliver compliant, real-time video streaming under challenging bandwidth and electronic interference conditions significantly enhanced situational awareness, decision-making accuracy, and overall mission effectiveness.
Through strategic partnerships, such as the collaboration with Teleplan Forsberg, Videosoft continues to support NATO and allied forces in deploying innovative solutions for the modern battlefield.
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