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How multi-layer COMSATCOM services are modernizing military communications

Intelsat, the largest provider of satellite capacity to the US government, is working with partners such as OneWeb, Microsoft, and other key industry players to build the nextgeneration unified network infrastructure needed to deliver resilient multi-layered connectivity everywhere. Dave Micha, President of Intelsat General Communications (IGC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Intelsat, which supports the US Department of Defense (DoD), the intelligence community, and global governments, discusses the importance of interoperability, 5G, and a multi-layered managed network approach to COMSATCOM.

Dave Micha, President of Intelsat General Communications

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Integration, resilience, and flexibility – How HUBER+SUHNER pursues a solutionsbased strategy

After a healthy year, HUBER+SUHNER considers itself well-positioned to continue offering the aerospace and defence markets componentry with the paramount industry themes of longevity and sustainability in mind. Dr. Thomas Paul, VP / Market Manager for Aerospace, and Stefano Biagiotti, VP / Market Manager for Defence, discuss the company’s position.

Laurence Russell, Associate Editor, Global Military Communications

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Space domain awareness: Political and operational challenges

A large portion of the military infrastructure relies upon satellites not only for support of operations, but also for surveillance, monitoring, and reliable connectivity for field personnel. With nations around the globe investing significantly into having an on-orbit presence and new entrants applying to launch thousands of satellites into space, it is important that the military sector review the rapidly changing landscape of the commercial use of space and evaluate the impact that the drastic increase in satellites has on existing infrastructure.

Pascal Wauthier, Chairman, The Space Data Association

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Prime sustainability

The combined market cap of the top five Prime contractors in the US is close to US$500 billion which provides some idea of just how big their environmental footprint is. All five companies—Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Technologies, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and General Dynamics—currently have environmental stewardship and social responsibility woven into their business practices. What’s more, they provide the world with a detailed overview of their accomplishments and long-term goals on a yearly basis in the form of an annual Sustainability or Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) report. We share some of the highlights from the 2021 reports and invite you to take a close look at them on our website.

Crispin Littlehales, Global Contributing Editor, Satellite Evolution Group

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Defending space

As much as we all want to see the tenets of the Outer Space Treaty, the Artemis Accords, and all other multilateral frameworks for peaceful cooperation in space hold up, geopolitical pressures here on Earth are already threatening the status quo. Then too, as the race to commercialize space intensifies, new menaces including debris and congestion, are certain to make space a more dangerous place. The question is: are we doing enough to circumvent the worst-case scenarios?

Crispin Littlehales, Executive Editor, Satellite Evolution Group

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SKYNET 6 is a litmus test of contemporary defence development and procurement strategy

The SKYNET 6 programme is one of the prestige projects of the UK government, consolidating their existing legacy in defence connectivity and military satellite communications. The SKYNET 6A satellite, expected to launch with SpaceX in 2025, is only part of a greater initiative embracing connectivity across commercial networks, such as OneWeb, in which the UK Government possesses a 45 percent stake. The technologies that SKYNET 6 could advance are more than impressive, and the surrounding industry shaping them finds itself with an unprecedented role in the landmark project.

Laurence Russell, Associate Editor, Global Military Communications

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Reaching key objectives more quickly than ever before

Comtech has a significant focus and investment in cybersecurity solutions and capabilities. The result is a range of applications and capabilities that run the gamut from secure networking to Comtech’s next-gen high-speed TRANSEC card. With modernization a top priority for the US Department of Defense (DoD), Comtech is committed to enabling government agencies and defense forces to reach those key objectives more quickly than ever before. Daniel Gizinski, President of Comtech Satellite Network Technologies, Inc. details the company’s strategy for ensuring those users have secure satcom solutions that are failsafe and easy to use.

Crispin Littlehales, Global Contributing Editor, Satellite Evolution Group

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The missing digital thread that will redefine military equipment support

Military organizations invested heavily in technology and supporting software to manage weapons platforms and in-house IT infrastructure; however, data collection, analytics and execution have so far fallen behind the digital curve. It is this digital thread for data-driven equipment, logistics, and support that will develop and drive change in 2022—with serviced equipment support up by 10 percent, a four-fold increase in naval digitization, and sustainment of unmanned systems that are set to grow in usage by one-third.

Matt Medley, Industry Director, Defence Manufacturing, IFS

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Viasat sees information advantage, driven by superior comms, as a useful deterrent to conflict

Following a series of high-profile research contracts in mid-2022, we’ve seen Viasat work closely with governments eager to drive modernization across their defences, seeking “information advantage” over their rivals. John Reeves, Managing Director of Viasat UK discusses their accomplishments, and how their technologies can maintain a peaceful world.

Laurence Russell, Associate Editor, Global Military Communications

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Transforming the genius of nature into battle-ready UAVs

As the crisis in Ukraine unfolds, we are witnessing a fundamental shift in the way land battles are fought. The traditional means of dropping off materials to forward operating bases is an ineffective strategy for resupplying small groups of soldiers in isolated regions. Animal Dynamics Limited which specializes in developing intelligent autonomous drones inspired by the movement of nature, has designed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capable of delivering materials directly to the combat zone. We reached out to Paul Topping, Business Development Director for the UK-based company, for further enlightenment on this method of distributed logistics.

Crispin Littlehales, Executive Editor, Satellite Evolution Group

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The future of battlespace C4ISR

Several key elements are driving C4ISR capabilities forward in today’s ever evolving and increasingly complex battlespace. They include spectrum and platform availability, the use of secure frequencies, and increased reliance on unmanned platforms.

Colin Waite, UK Business Development Manager at Enterprise Control Systems

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Adaptability is key for secure comms

ST Engineering iDirect is a seasoned developer of communications technology who was present at MilSatCom 2021 to engage with defense agencies in the interest of providing the best in secure communications. We spoke to, Dave Davis, the company’s Global Government Technical Director about how they plan to respond to the evolving requirements of cyber-integrated warfare and keep communications reliable.

Laurence Russell, Associate Editor, Global Military Communications