Presented by CACI & AFCEA International
The Indo-Pacific theater presents one of the most complex communications challenges in the world. Defined by vast oceans, dispersed forces, and persistent threats across the electromagnetic spectrum, cyberspace, and space domains, this region requires a communications architecture that is resilient, secure, and adaptable under pressure. In a recent TechNet Trends interview, Major General Peter Gallagher, USA (Ret.), Senior Vice President for Programs, Support & Solutions at CACI, outlined how modern network technologies are transforming the way the Department of Defense approaches command, control, and long-haul connectivity in this critical region.
The “tyranny of distance” in INDOPACOM shapes every aspect of mission planning and execution. Nearly all communications in the theater require beyond-line-of-sight capabilities, making long-haul transport a foundational priority. Gallagher explains that commanders must be able to “fight and win in a contested environment,” and that begins with a transport layer capable of surviving interference, disruption, and attack.
Over the past several years, long-haul communications have undergone a dramatic shift. Commercial space innovation has introduced proliferated low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations—such as those from SpaceX, OneWeb, and Amazon Kuiper—that provide high-capacity, low-latency connectivity across massive distances. These capabilities complement mid-Earth orbit and traditional geosynchronous satellites, enabling multiple redundant paths for communications. This multi-orbit approach adds resiliency and ensures that warfighters have alternate routes for connectivity even when parts of the spectrum are contested or degraded.
But modernizing transport isn’t just about expanding available pathways—it's about intelligently integrating them. Gallagher emphasizes the importance of software-defined networking (SDN), smart routing, and automation to enable the military’s long-standing PACE model—Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency. In the past, shifting between PACE routes required operators to manually redirect traffic. Today, SDN and AI-driven routing can automatically detect disruptions and transition to alternate paths in real time. This self-healing capability ensures that command and control, fires, sustainment, and logistics remain uninterrupted.
Security is equally vital. With adversaries continuously probing for weaknesses, zero trust has become the standard architecture for protecting networks from the inside out. Gallagher notes that the greatest risks often stem not from malicious actors but from human error. Zero trust mitigates both by ensuring that users, devices, and applications are continuously authenticated and authorized. Attribute-based access controls, identity management, and micro-segmentation ensure that individuals can only access information relevant to their roles. This approach strengthens end-to-end data protection and reduces opportunities for lateral movement within the network.
The transport layer itself is evolving into a diverse ecosystem of tactical mesh radios, 5G and emerging 6G cellular capabilities, terrestrial fiber, microwave systems, and satellite pathways. Each plays a unique role, and together they create the resilient and survivable architecture that the Indo-Pacific demands. As Gallagher explains, the goal is a transport layer that not only connects distributed forces but can withstand and adapt to contested environments.
Cyber operations have also shifted from a reactive posture to a proactive one. Gallagher recalls earlier periods when cyber incidents required shutting down entire networks to isolate threats—a costly and disruptive response. Today, continuous monitoring platforms, advanced analytics, endpoint protections, and automated response tools allow defenders to detect anomalies early and mitigate threats before they spread. With the battlefield now saturated with sensors—from wearables to unmanned systems—the attack surface has expanded significantly. Proactive monitoring and automated defenses are now indispensable to maintaining operational continuity.
One of the most exciting advances Gallagher highlights is optical communications. Using laser-based transmission, optical links provide exceptionally high bandwidth and low latency across vast distances. In space, CACI is developing optical satellite crosslinks capable of transmitting across thousands of miles. These links also offer low probability of detection and interception, making them ideal for contested environments. While terrestrial optical communications can be affected by weather or obstructions, space-to-space and space-to-air optical pathways are proving to be transformational. Gallagher describes the throughput of optical communications as “amazing,” positioning it as a critical technology for the future of military networking.
Throughout the discussion, a central theme emerges: resilient, survivable, and secure communications are now as important to mission success as any weapon system. In an environment as contested and expansive as INDOPACOM, modernized networks must seamlessly integrate multi-orbit satellite systems, terrestrial pathways, advanced cybersecurity, and emerging technologies like optical communications. These capabilities form the backbone of command and control across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains.
Gallagher’s insights reflect both deep operational experience and clear-eyed recognition of the technological evolution underway. The future battlespace will depend on intelligent, adaptive, multi-path networks capable of operating despite adversary interference and environmental challenges. For the Indo-Pacific—and for the nation—investing in these resilient communications capabilities is essential to deterrence, readiness, and joint force effectiveness.
Key Takeaways
-
Multi-orbit and multi-path communications are essential to overcoming INDOPACOM’s vast distances and ensuring warfighters have reliable connectivity in contested environments.
-
Zero trust and proactive cyber defense technologies strengthen network survivability, reducing vulnerabilities caused by both adversaries and human error.
-
Optical communications are emerging as a breakthrough capability, offering high-bandwidth, low-detectability links that enhance resilience across space-based networks.