Simulation-based performance analysis of a secure UAV-to-TOC communication framework in military and emergency operations

Secure and reliable communication between Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Tactical Operations Centers (TOCs) is a cornerstone of success in military and emergency response operations. As modern battlefields and disaster zones become increasingly reliant on real-time data, conventional UAV communication systems continue to struggle with electronic warfare threats, cyber intrusions, latency, and data loss under high-stress conditions. This paper presents a simulation-based performance evaluation of the previously proposed Secure Communication Framework for UAV-to-TOC Operations (SCF-UAVTOC). The framework integrates blockchain-based authentication, software-defined radios (SDR), quantum-safe encryption, and AI-driven intrusion detection. Simulated scenarios, reflecting contested environments with jamming, spoofing, and bandwidth congestion, were executed to assess the framework's real-time performance against traditional models. Metrics such as data delivery success rate, latency under stress, and cybersecurity resilience were analyzed. The results clearly show that SCF-UAVTOC significantly improves communication reliability, reduces latency, and maintains mission continuity, even under adversarial conditions. This research provides empirical evidence that advanced security and adaptive communication technologies can transform UAV network resilience in real-world military and crisis settings, offering a path toward more robust tactical communication infrastructures.