RTX subsidiary BBN Technologies has demonstrated a new self-healing communications system designed to keep military aircraft and ground forces connected even when networks are jammed or disrupted.

The system, called PACE4ACE, automatically switches between satellite, radio, and other communication links without operator input, maintaining secure data flow and battlefield awareness during contested operations. The technology supports the US Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment strategy, which focuses on dispersed operations in high-threat environments.

Funded by the Air Force Research Laboratory, the demonstration showed the network could instantly reroute communications when primary links were jammed, helping maintain mission coordination and real-time situational awareness.