Bittium expands Croatia’s tactical communications network with a €1.9 million Air Force upgrade, strengthening joint military operations.

The Croatian Armed Forces expand by taking a major step in modernizing military communications with Bittium tactical communications network to support the ground-based operations of the Croatian Air Force. The expansion announced on May 11, 2026, is valued at approximately EUR 1.9 million and forms part of a wider military modernization program launched in 2022. The initiative is being carried out together with IntellByte INFO, Bittium’s Croatian technology partner.

A unified military network

The project aims to create a seamless IP-based communications network connecting Croatia’s Army, Navy and Air Force under a single tactical backbone. By extending the system to the Air Force, the Croatian military hopes to improve coordination, speed of communication, and real-time situational awareness during joint operations. The expansion builds on the successful deployment of Bittium’s communication systems within the Croatian Navy and Land Forces over the past few years.

According to the company, the new expansion strategy allows the armed forces to gradually add new capabilities without interrupting operational readiness or affecting compatibility with existing systems.

What technologies are being deployed

As part of the expansion, Bittium will provide a range of tactical communication technologies, including:

  • Bittium Tactical Wireless IP Network™ (TAC WIN)

  • Bittium Tough SDR™ Vehicular radios

  • Waveform software for different communication needs

  • Device management software

  • Accessories and lifecycle support services

The company said these technologies are designed to deliver secure, resilient, and interoperable communications across land, sea, and air operations.

Can modern warfare depend on disconnected systems

Military operations today increasingly rely on fast and secure data sharing between different branches of the armed forces. Fragmented communication systems can slow coordination and reduce operational efficiency during critical missions. Bittium believes its TAC WIN platform addresses this challenge by enabling mobile ad hoc networks, wireless links, and fixed communication systems to operate together as one unified IP network. The software-defined system is also compatible with existing infrastructure, making upgrades easier and more cost-effective over time.

Tommi Kangas, Senior Vice President of Bittium’s Defence & Security business segment, said the Air Force expansion reflects growing confidence in the company’s technology. He added that the project demonstrates how a unified IP-based network can support modern joint military operations across multiple operational domains.

NATO-compatible communication capabilities

Bittium also noted that its Tough SDR radio family supports multiple waveforms, including NATO-standardized ESSOR High Data Rate Waveform communications used in multinational operations. This could improve interoperability between Croatian forces and allied military units during joint missions. The latest deployment falls under a four-year framework agreement between IntellByte INFO and the Croatian Ministry of Defence for the supply and integration of tactical communication systems across different branches of the armed forces.

With the Air Force now being integrated into the tactical communications network, Business Fortune observes that Croatia is moving closer to building a fully connected command-and-control system across all military domains. As defence forces worldwide focus on faster data exchange and interoperable battlefield communication, projects like this become essential in shaping the next generation of military operations.