A concept graphic of a Skynet satellite. (Airbus)
Airbus Defence and Space UK has signed an 18-year contract with the UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD) to deliver new-generation modems for the Skynet satellite communications (satcom) constellation, the company said in a press release on 26 November.
The modem, which has been designed, developed, and manufactured in the UK, will replace the current Paradigm Modem System and support the MoD's current Skynet 5 and future Skynet 6A satellites.
Under a five-year contract that started in March, Airbus is providing support as the MoD transitions from Skynet 5 to its own contractor-operated system under Skynet 6. This also includes Skynet 6A, which is currently being developed and is on track for an in-service date of 2026, the Deputy Head of Space at UK Strategic Command, Captain Phil Coope, said during a conference in London in November 2023.
The new modems are set to be delivered for the Future Protected Modem Type-A (FPMA) project, which is due to enter service in 2026, with the contract including integrated logistics support and training.
The FPMA Modem's Software-Defined Radio (SDR) system combines multiple techniques to provide resilience and is capable of hosting multiple waveforms. It is intended to deliver safe and secure internet protocol (IP) communications on all commonly used frequency bands, including X-band. Airbus said the modem includes secure network management system for monitoring, equipment control, and effective use of the spectrum.
βIt's a fundamental step towards secure multidomain operations [MDO],β said Richard Budd, Airbus' vice-president, Space Digital Secure Connectivity UK, US, and Asia.
Airbus' Skynet team has a long-standing relationship with the UK MoD on the delivery of its Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) programme.
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