Miles Jamison 
- USSOCOM has selected Marconi Technologies to supply Orion X604 tactical radios
- The X604 is designed to maintain communications under electronic warfare pressure
- Deliveries to a special operations unit are expected to begin in late 2026
Marconi Technologies has received an initial contract from the U.S. Special Operations Command to procure Orion X604 tactical radios, according to a press release the company sent to ExecutiveBiz Friday.
How Will the Orion X604 Support Special Operations?
The Orion X604 is designed to help operators receive sensor data from autonomous systems and maintain links with allied forces using shared tactical networks. The newest model in Marconi’s software-defined Orion radio family, the X604 features the X650’s frequency agility, reconfigurable dual-channel operation and waveforms. Its compact form allows it to be attached to or packed with highly mobile platforms operating under size, weight and power constraints.
Marconi plans to begin delivering the radios to a U.S. special operations unit in late 2026.
What Capabilities Does the Tactical Radio Offer?
The X604 supports high-volume sensor data transfers and remote control of robotic systems over long distances. The company said the radio is designed to maintain communications in environments affected by electronic warfare.
Marconi Technologies CEO Alain Cohen said special operations teams increasingly rely on drones and robotic systems to extend their reach while operating in remote, challenging environments.
“The X604 gives them higher capacity and lower latency to control those systems, move the sensor data and stay on the network in extremely austere environments,” Cohen said.
What Other Military Contract Has Marconi Secured?
Marconi Technologies’ latest award follows an earlier selection involving its Orion radio family. In June, the company and Polish defense integrator Enamor International were chosen to supply Orion X650 tactical radios to Poland’s military under the European Union’s Security Action for Europe, or SAFE, instrument. The multiyear deliveries, scheduled to begin later in 2026, are intended to provide mobile, resilient communications supporting 5G connectivity along the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s eastern flank.
