GMRE is highlighting its Modular Expandable Laboratory System (MELS™) as a rugged, scalable solution for defense partners seeking adaptable communications capabilities during the SATURN transition and other modernization efforts. With demonstrated success supporting NATO interoperability initiatives and increasing engagement from international stakeholders, MELS™ is emerging as a key player in the evolving secure tactical communications landscape.
The MELS™ kit — derived from GMRE’s ARC-210 portable test set — enables research, analysis, design, and testing of communication and situational awareness systems in a variety of operational contexts. MELS™ is equally at home in a ground-based lab environment or installed in an aircraft, offering defense engineering teams a rapid, self-contained platform to test software updates, evaluate integration designs, and conduct live operations. With all the required power, mounting, RF, and data interfaces onboard, it supports seamless ARC-210 radio integration whether on the bench or in the air.
“We’ve had productive discussions with key international partners on how MELS™ could accelerate capability fielding during critical technology transitions,” said Andrea Westerhof, Vice President of Integration & Sustainment at GMRE. “The system is purpose-built for teams who need rapid integration options while maintaining operational rigor.”
MELS™ recently supported the U.S. Navy PMA-209 at the Tactical Secure Voice (TSV) Allied Stakeholder Event in Malvern, United Kingdom. This event, co-led by the UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA), aimed to advance international collaboration on secure communications adoption and modernization.
During the event, GMRE delivered a live demonstration of the MELS™ platform to a joint NATO audience, showcasing its ability to integrate with existing systems and support ARC-210 radio operation in complex environments. Following the demo, NSA’s TSVCIS Program Office emphasized the significance of this contribution:
“We believe that the US Navy PMA-209 participation in this event was extremely beneficial to the TSV program and the overall US cryptologic ecosystem… Partner nation sponsors were ecstatic to hear updates about the AN/ARC-210, and the ability to see one in operation made this a mission-critical achievement.”
As the SATURN implementation deadline has come and gone, many allied partners continue to seek modern, jam-resistant solutions that meet emerging interoperability standards. MELS™ provides a practical, field-ready answer for organizations in need of a reliable interim solution that enables meaningful system validation without waiting for permanent upgrades.
Key MELS™ Features
- Scalable radio integration platform supporting 1-to-n ARC-210 radios
- Utilizes existing platform communications infrastructure (antennas, e.g.)
- Works with any ARC-210-compatible full-size control head
- Includes mounts, power, RF, and data interfaces for aircraft installation
- Easily deployable in labs for software and integration testing
- Can be integrated with existing System Integration Labs (SILs)
- Fielded with optional MELS™ antenna kit or user-owned systems
- Designed to meet MIL-STD 810G environmental and MIL-STD 704 electrical standards
As GMRE continues strategic conversations with allied nations and defense industry partners, MELS™ remains a proven, flexible solution for enabling rapid integration and field-based testing. With demonstrated success in coalition demonstrations and growing interest abroad, MELS™ is well-positioned to support evolving mission requirements worldwide.
