TALON (Tactical Adaptive Layer for Operational Nexus) is a secure, software-defined communications protocol purpose-built to enable resilient battlespace networking in disconnected, denied, intermittent, and limited (D-DIL) environments. Designed with direct input from senior leaders within U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), and the U.S. Air Force, TALON empowers tactical units to maintain secure, high-assurance communications when traditional infrastructure is compromised or unavailable.

At the heart of TALON is its post-quantum cryptographic architecture, fully aligned with NSA’s Commercial National Security Algorithm Suite 2.0. The protocol integrates ML-KEM-1024 (FIPS 203) for key encapsulation, ML-DSA-87 (FIPS 204) for digital signatures, and AES-256-GCM for authenticated encryption. This cryptographic backbone ensures TALON remains secure against today’s adversaries and future quantum-capable threats utilizing our FIPS 140-3 (certification pending) cryptographic module.

TALON’s modular and software-defined design supports rapid integration into existing tactical communication frameworks, including Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) systems, Close Air Support (CAS) coordination networks, and Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) mesh architectures. Its flexible architecture allows for seamless adaptation to unique mission sets, platform constraints, and operational security requirements.

Engineered for real-time performance, TALON delivers ultra-low latency cryptographic processing and intelligent, adaptive routing. The post-mesh network self-forms and self-heals under degraded or contested spectrum conditions. Through its embedded HiPS™ (Hiding-in-Plain-Sight) traffic obfuscation techniques, TALON disguises network activity to resemble benign traffic—enhancing stealth, survivability, and mission assurance.

TALON is developed in collaboration with Metropolitan State University, an institution holding dual designations from the National Security Agency as both a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) and a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations (NCAE-O). This partnership ensures TALON development benefits from academic rigor, trusted research oversight, and a secure talent pipeline.

For more information, technical briefings, or contracting opportunities, please contact Secrecy Labs at [email protected].