UK Connect’s Rapid Broadband Kit role in Operation Interflex

Challenge

Operation Interflex, a UK-led multinational initiative supporting the training of Ukrainian Armed Forces, took place across multiple remote and rugged locations throughout the United Kingdom. These sites often lacked reliable fixed-line broadband infrastructure, making traditional connectivity solutions impractical. The operation demanded secure, high-bandwidth communications to support operational oversight, real-time coordination, data sharing, while also ensuring welfare connectivity for individuals separated from home and loved ones.

The challenges were multifaceted: connectivity was limited or non-existent in many areas; environmental conditions were harsh and unsuitable for conventional networking equipment; and deployment timelines were tight, requiring instant setup with minimal technical overhead. Additionally, the operation needed a resilient solution that could maintain secure communications even in the event of infrastructure failure or network outages.

Solution

Between 2022 and 2023, UK Connect provided vital support to Operation Interflex through its Rapid Broadband Kit (RBK). The RBK is an ultra-rugged, battery-powered communications unit that integrates 5G, LEO satellite, and Ethernet-based routing into a single portable enclosure. Its plug-and-play design enabled teams to establish secure networks within minutes, without relying on local infrastructure or power sources.

The RBK was deployed across multiple training sites, delivering instant connectivity in even the most remote locations. It facilitated secure data exchange for mission briefings, logistics coordination, and personnel tracking. In cases of fixed-line outages, the RBK provided seamless WAN connectivity, ensuring uninterrupted operations. Its rugged build allowed it to perform reliably in harsh field conditions, maintaining high-bandwidth performance without compromise.

By reducing setup time from days to minutes and ensuring continuous, secure connectivity, UK Connect’s RBK significantly enhanced the agility and resilience of Operation Interflex. It proved to be more than just a communications tool—it was a strategic enabler that supported the success of one of the UK’s most important defence collaborations during a critical period.