Reference Guide for B2B Professionals
Ruggedised Mobile IT Equipment in Defence Environments
This guide is designed to provide a technically accurate, professional overview of the most important certifications and security requirements relevant to rugged laptops, tablets, handhelds, and mobile computing solutions used by defence organisations worldwide.
Section 1: Understanding Defence Certifications
1. MIL-STD-810H
Environmental Testing Standard for Rugged Equipment MIL-STD-810H is a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) test method standard that provides environmental engineering and laboratory testing guidance to evaluate whether equipment can withstand the environmental stresses it will encounter throughout its operational lifecycle. Rather than assigning a performance rating, MIL-STD-810H provides a structured framework for evaluating how equipment performs under specific environmental conditions relevant to its intended use.
Contrary to a common misconception, MIL-STD-810H is not a certification and does not define a pass/fail ruggedness rating. Instead, it prescribes test methods that manufacturers tailor to the intended operational environment.
What it evaluates
Typical test methods include:
- High temperature
- Low temperature
- Temperature shock
- Rain
- Humidity
- Salt fog
- Sand and dust
- Immersion
- Vibration
- Mechanical shock
- Gunfire shock
- Altitude / low pressure
- Freeze-thaw conditions
- Explosive atmospheres
What defence buyers should know
A vendor claiming "MIL-STD-810H compliant" should be able to provide:
- The exact test methods performed
- The test procedures used
- Test conditions and durations
- Independent laboratory reports
Because manufacturers can select specific methods and severities, two devices claiming MIL-STD-810H compliance may have undergone very different testing programs.
Procurement teams should therefore look beyond a simple "MIL-STD-810H compliant" claim and request details of the specific test methods, procedures and conditions used.
Relevance for rugged mobile computing
MIL-STD-810H is particularly important for:
- Dismounted soldiers
- Command-and-control systems
- Tactical vehicles
- Naval operations
- Expeditionary deployments
- Border security operations
It provides confidence that equipment can continue operating under harsh environmental conditions without degradation of mission-critical functionality.
Why it matters in defence operations
Reliable mobile computing is essential wherever devices are exposed to unpredictable environmental conditions. MIL-STD-810H testing helps provide confidence that equipment can continue operating in challenging scenarios, including dismounted operations, tactical vehicles, naval deployments, border security and expeditionary missions.
References
2. MIL-STD-461
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standard
MIL-STD-461 establishes requirements for controlling electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic susceptibility in military electronic systems. Its purpose is to ensure equipment does not interfere with other systems and can continue operating in electromagnetic environments common to defence operations.
Rugged devices used in defence environments are frequently deployed inside military vehicles, aircraft, naval platforms and mobile command posts, where electromagnetic compatibility is a critical operational requirement. Ensuring that equipment can operate alongside other mission-critical systems without causing or suffering interference is essential for reliable operations.
Why it matters
Modern military platforms contain numerous electronic systems:
- Tactical radios
- Navigation systems
- Radar
- Electronic warfare systems
- Command-and-control equipment
- Vehicle electronics
Without electromagnetic compatibility controls, one device could disrupt another, potentially affecting mission execution.
Major test categories
Emissions Testing
Evaluates the level of electromagnetic emissions generated by the device to ensure they remain within acceptable limits.
Imagine a command vehicle where rugged laptops, tactical radios, GPS receivers and electronic warfare systems operate side by side. MIL-STD-461 helps ensure these systems can coexist without causing or suffering harmful electromagnetic interference.
Susceptibility Testing
Measures resistance to external electromagnetic energy.
Examples:
- Conducted Susceptibility (CS)
- Radiated Susceptibility (RS)
What defence buyers should verify
A MIL-STD-461 compliant device should provide:
- Detailed EMC test reports
- Identification of tested categories
- Laboratory accreditation details
- Platform-specific applicability
EMC performance should always be assessed within the context of the complete platform, as overall compatibility depends on the interaction between all installed electronic systems.
Passing MIL-STD-461 provides confidence at equipment level but does not automatically guarantee platform-level EMC performance.
References
3. IP Ratings
Protection Against Dust and Water
IP (Ingress Protection) ratings are defined by IEC 60529 and indicate how well a device enclosure protects against the intrusion of solids and liquids.
Understanding the Code
Example: IP68
- First digit = Protection against solids
- Second digit = Protection against liquids
First Digit – Dust Protection
| Rating | Protection Level |
| IP5X | Dust-protected |
| IP6X | Dust-tight |
Second Digit – Water Protection
| Rating | Protection Level |
| IPX5 | Water jets |
| IPX6 | Powerful water jets |
| IPX7 | Temporary immersion |
| IPX8 | Continuous immersion under specified conditions |
Typical Operational Environments
| Environment | Why ingress protection matters |
| Land operations | Exposure to dust, mud and heavy rain |
| Tactical vehicles | Protection against water spray and dust ingress |
| Naval and coastal environments | Resistance to moisture, salt spray and water exposure |
| Field deployments | Reliable operation in unpredictable outdoor conditions |
Important Consideration
A high IP rating does not automatically mean a device is suitable for defence or other demanding field environments. It only indicates the level of protection against dust and water ingress.
They do not indicate:
- Shock resistance
- Vibration resistance
- Thermal durability
- EMC protection
IP ratings should never be considered in isolation. A device intended for defence operations should also demonstrate resistance to shock, vibration, extreme temperatures and electromagnetic interference through appropriate military testing.
When comparing rugged devices, IP ratings should be used as one element of the evaluation rather than as a standalone indicator of overall durability.
References
4. TEMPEST
What is TEMPEST?
TEMPEST refers to a set of standards and security measures designed to protect sensitive information from being intercepted through unintended electromagnetic emissions generated by electronic equipment.
Unlike ruggedness or environmental certifications, TEMPEST is not concerned with a device's ability to withstand harsh conditions. Instead, it focuses on preventing classified information from being reconstructed by monitoring electromagnetic signals emitted during normal operation.
Protection Against Electromagnetic Eavesdropping
TEMPEST addresses the risk of sensitive information being reconstructed from unintended electromagnetic emissions generated by electronic equipment.
The Threat
All electronic devices generate electromagnetic signals.
In some cases, these emissions may contain enough information for an attacker to reconstruct:
- Screen content
- Keyboard activity
- Processed data
- Communications traffic
without direct access to the device itself.
When is TEMPEST required?
TEMPEST is typically required only in environments where highly classified information is processed and where the risk of electromagnetic interception has been formally assessed.
Typical examples include:
- Intelligence organisations
- Military headquarters
- Secure command centres
- Government agencies handling classified information
- NATO secure facilities
- Diplomatic missions
NATO TEMPEST Framework
NATO commonly refers to the SDIP-27 framework, which defines different protection levels according to the sensitivity of the environment and the required level of protection against electromagnetic emissions. Procurement Considerations
TEMPEST requirements are normally defined by the end user or the relevant security authority rather than selected by the equipment manufacturer.
When TEMPEST is required, procurement teams should verify:
- Certification level achieved
- Accrediting authority
- Applicable NATO documentation
- Facility zoning requirements
TEMPEST should be considered an information security requirement rather than a ruggedness requirement.
References
Section 2: Understanding Defence Security Requirements
1. Secure Data Sanitisation
Why Secure Data Sanitisation Matters
Rugged devices are often deployed in environments where they may be reassigned, decommissioned or, in exceptional circumstances, at risk of loss or capture. If sensitive operational data remains stored on the device, it may be recovered and exposed to unauthorised parties.
Secure data erasure helps ensure that information stored on internal drives cannot be recovered once the sanitisation process has been completed.
For defence organisations, secure data sanitisation should be considered part of the device lifecycle rather than simply an end-of-life procedure. It plays an important role whenever devices are redeployed between users, returned from operations or retired from service, helping to protect sensitive information throughout their operational lifetime.
NIST Approach
NIST SP 800-88 identifies three primary sanitisation methods:
| Method | Purpose |
| Clear | Protects against routine recovery |
| Purge | Protects against advanced recovery techniques |
| Destroy | Physical destruction of media |
For most defence applications, the appropriate sanitisation method depends on the sensitivity of the information stored, organisational security policies and the intended disposition of the device.
Key Defence Requirement
- While specific requirements vary between organisations and programmes, defence procurement and security policies commonly require: Approved sanitisation procedures
- Audit trails
- Media sanitisation certificates
- Cryptographic erase capabilities for SSDs
Typical Defence Scenarios
Secure data sanitisation is commonly performed when:
- Devices are reassigned to another user or unit.
- Equipment returns from operational deployments.
- Systems are decommissioned or disposed of.
- Sensitive information must be removed following a security incident or before a device leaves a controlled environment
When evaluating rugged mobile devices for defence use, organisations should consider not only how data is protected during operation, but also how it can be securely sanitised throughout the device lifecycle.
2. TPM (Trusted Platform Module)
Hardware Root of Trust
A TPM is a dedicated security processor that securely stores cryptographic keys and supports hardware-based platform security functions. TPM 2.0 is the current industry standard.
Often referred to as the hardware root of trust, the TPM provides a trusted foundation for platform security by protecting cryptographic keys and validating the integrity of the system during startup.
Core Functions
- Secure key storage
- Device authentication
- Measured boot
- Integrity verification
- Hardware-backed encryption support
Rather than acting as a standalone security feature, TPM 2.0 forms the foundation for several other security technologies commonly used on modern defence endpoints.
Defence Benefits
TPM strengthens protection against:
- Credential theft
- Device tampering
- Unauthorized firmware modifications
- Offline attacks on storage devices
Technologies Enabled by TPM TPM enables technologies such as:
- BitLocker encryption
- Windows Hello
- Secure Boot
- Platform attestation
While TPM 2.0 does not protect a device on its own, it provides the trusted hardware foundation on which many modern endpoint security capabilities depend.
Reference
3. Secure Boot
Trusted Startup Protection
Secure Boot is a UEFI security feature that allows only trusted, digitally signed software to execute during system startup.
Secure Boot works alongside TPM 2.0 to help establish a trusted chain of trust from the moment the device is powered on.
How it works
During boot, firmware verifies:
- UEFI drivers
- Bootloaders
- Operating system components
If an unauthorised or modified component is detected during startup, the boot process can be interrupted to help prevent potentially malicious code from loading.
Security Value
Secure Boot helps defend against:
- Rootkits
- Bootkits
- Firmware-level malware
- Startup tampering
Defence Relevance
For defence organisations, maintaining the integrity of the boot process is essential, particularly on devices handling sensitive operational data. Secure Boot helps ensure that systems start in a known and trusted state before users can access applications or information.
Secure Boot is one element of a layered endpoint security strategy. Additional protections at firmware and BIOS level can further strengthen resilience against sophisticated attacks targeting low-level system components.
References
4. Secured-core PC
A Security Architecture for High-Risk Environments
A Secured-core PC combines hardware, firmware, and operating system protections designed to defend against sophisticated attacks that target the firmware and operating system layers.
Security Stack Components
Secured-core PCs build on:
- TPM 2.0
- Secure Boot
- BitLocker
- Virtualisation-Based Security (VBS)
- Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI)
Additional Protections
Typical Secured-core features include:
- Kernel DMA Protection
- System Guard Secure Launch
- Dynamic Root of Trust Measurement (DRTM)
- Firmware attack protection
Why Defence Organisations Care
Modern attacks increasingly target firmware because firmware compromises can survive:
- Operating system reinstalls
- Storage replacement
- Traditional antivirus solutions
Secured-core PCs are specifically designed to help mitigate these advanced threats.
By protecting the device from the firmware upwards, Secured-core PCs help establish a trusted computing platform for mission-critical applications and reduce the attack surface available to sophisticated threats.
When Does It Matter Most?
Secured-core PCs are particularly valuable for organisations operating in high-risk environments where protecting devices against sophisticated cyber threats is a priority. They are especially relevant when systems process sensitive or classified information, support mission-critical operations, or must comply with strict security and regulatory requirements.
Secured-core PC represents one layer of a defence-in-depth approach. Organisations operating in high-security environments may also evaluate additional firmware and hardware protection mechanisms based on their operational and security requirements.
References
Key Considerations When Evaluating Rugged Devices for Defence
No single certification or security feature can determine whether a rugged device is suitable for defence operations. Instead, organisations should assess environmental resilience, electromagnetic compatibility and endpoint security as complementary elements of an overall deployment strategy.
| Area | What to evaluate |
| Environmental resilience | MIL-STD-810H |
| Electromagnetic compatibility | MIL-STD-461 |
| Ingress protection | IEC 60529 IP Ratings |
| Information security | TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, Secure Data Sanitisation, Secured-core PC |
| Emission security (where required) | TEMPEST |
Understanding defence standards and security technologies is only the first step. The real challenge is selecting rugged devices that combine these capabilities in a platform designed to support operational, security and lifecycle requirements.
Rather than relying on a single certification or security feature, Panasonic TOUGHBOOK combines rugged design, security technologies and lifecycle capabilities to help organisations address the diverse requirements of modern defence operations.
How TOUGHBOOK Supports Defence Requirements
| Defence Requirement | TOUGHBOOK Capability |
| MIL-STD-810H | Independently tested on supported models |
| MIL-STD-461 | Available on selected models |
| IP Ratings | Up to IP66/IP68 depending on model |
| Secure Data Sanitisation | Available on selected models |
| TPM 2.0 | Integrated TPM 2.0 |
| Secure Boot | UEFI Secure Boot |
| Secured-core PC | Available on selected models |
| Firmware / BIOS Protection | TOUGHBOOK Guard |
| Removable SSD | Available on selected models |
The appropriate combination of certifications, security technologies and lifecycle services depends on each organisation's operational requirements and security policies. Panasonic TOUGHBOOK offers a portfolio of rugged mobile devices designed to support a wide range of defence applications, from routine field operations to high-security deployments.
Explore the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK Defence Ecosystem
Military mobility is only one component of a broader defence technology strategy. Organisations evaluating TOUGHBOOK solutions may also wish to explore:
Security Solutions
Protecting mission-critical information, devices, and communications.
Command & Control Solutions
Enabling real-time operational awareness and decision-making.
Red Hat Device Edge
Delivering secure edge computing capabilities in remote and disconnected environments.
Secure Services
Providing deployment, support, lifecycle management, and operational readiness services.
FAQ
No. MIL-STD-810H is a U.S. Department of Defense environmental testing standard that defines test methods rather than a certification. Manufacturers select the relevant tests according to the intended operational environment, so buyers should always request details of the test methods and conditions used.
Not necessarily. IP ratings only measure protection against dust and water ingress. A rugged device intended for defence operations should also demonstrate resistance to shock, vibration, extreme temperatures and, where required, electromagnetic interference.
No. TEMPEST is typically required only when processing highly classified information or operating in environments where protection against electromagnetic eavesdropping is mandated by the relevant security authority.
TPM provides the hardware root of trust, Secure Boot helps ensure the system starts only with trusted software, while Secured-core PC combines these and other technologies into a broader security architecture designed to protect against sophisticated attacks targeting firmware and low-level system components.
There is no single certification or feature that determines whether a device is suitable for defence operations. Organisations should evaluate environmental resilience, electromagnetic compatibility, information security and operational requirements together to identify the most appropriate solution.
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