SOF Week 2025: MCL Strengthens FalCom Partnership for Advanced Special Operations Communications

Marlborough Communications Limited (MCL) attended SOF Week 2025 in Tampa, Florida from 5-8 May, joining over 19,000 military professionals, defence contractors, and government representatives at the world’s premier Special Operations Forces conference.

Jointly sponsored by USSOCOM and the Global SOF Foundation, this year’s event theme “The Asymmetric Strategic Option for a Volatile World” aligned closely with MCL’s commitment to delivering innovative C4ISR solutions that provide operational advantage in complex threat environments.

Emerging Technologies in Special Operations

The four-day exhibition showcased cutting-edge capabilities across multiple domains critical to modern special operations. Key technology trends included advanced tactical communications systems with multi-channel audio management, next-generation hearing protection solutions that maintain situational awareness, counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) for force protection, electronic warfare and signals intelligence capabilities, and tactical unmanned systems providing enhanced ISR capabilities for dismounted operations.

With representatives from over 60 countries in attendance, the event featured keynote addresses from international senior defence leaders including King Abdullah Hussein of Jordan and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, alongside technical sessions exploring capability development and international collaboration.

MCL and FalCom Partnership: Integrated Tactical Audio Solutions

A key highlight of SOF Week 2025 was meeting with representatives from FalCom, MCL’s newest technology partner, to strengthen our collaborative relationship and discuss joint strategies for the UK and allied markets.

Built on the GN Group’s 150-year legacy in intelligent audio solutions, FalCom has established itself as a trusted provider of tactical audio systems to special operations and defence forces globally.”

This partnership enhances MCL’s ability to offer comprehensive solutions across the three critical pillars of tactical audio: hearing protection, communications, and situational awareness. MCL has previously been awarded hearing protection contracts with the British Armed Forces, including tri-service programmes serving the Royal Navy, Army, and RAF, and the addition of FalCom’s advanced technology portfolio strengthens our position as a leading UK provider of integrated tactical audio solutions.”

Strategic Engagement and Future Direction

Beyond the exhibition, SOF Week provided valuable opportunities for strategic engagement with the global special operations community. The conference’s opening day featured industry-focused programming on SOF acquisition processes, USSOCOM collaboration frameworks, and international partnership opportunities.

The insights gained from SOF Week 2025 highlighted several key trends in special operations technology, including increased demand for integrated communications and hearing protection solutions, the growing importance of situational awareness capabilities, and operator requirements for intuitive, easy-to-use systems in high-stress environments.”

MCL’s Commitment to Excellence

As a trusted supplier to the UK Ministry of Defence, MCL remains committed to delivering world-class communications, electronic warfare, unmanned systems, and hearing protection solutions.

Our partnership with FalCom exemplifies MCL’s strategic approach: identifying and partnering with world-leading technology providers, then leveraging our UK-based engineering expertise, security clearances, and understanding of UK military requirements to deliver tailored solutions with comprehensive through-life support.

With over 40 years of experience in defence and security markets, MCL combines the agility to respond rapidly to emerging requirements with the stability and resources of a publicly traded defence group through our parent company, Cohort plc. Our facilities at Perrywood Business Park in Surrey enable us to design, integrate, and support advanced technologies throughout their operational life.

MCL looks forward to continuing our engagement with the international special operations community and supporting the mission-critical needs of operators in the UK and allied nations.

Interested in learning more about MCL’s tactical audio and communications solutions? Contact our team or explore our capabilities portfolio.