Airbus has signed a contract with the UK Ministry of Defence to supply state-of-the-art modems for the country’s Skynet satellite communications constellation.
The new modems are being delivered under the Future Protected Modem Type-A project. They will replace the current Paradigm Modem System, the Skynet 5 satellites and the yet-to-be-launched Skynet 6A satellite, and provide several significant capacity enhancements.
The next generation sovereign modem is designed, developed and manufactured in the UK.
Barry Austin, Head of the MOD’s Defence Digital Skynet programme, said: “We are delighted that, following a competitive bid for the future-proof and resilient satellite communications modem for the UK Ministry of Defence, an 18-year contract for the design, manufacture and lifecycle of this critical capability has been awarded. Building on its long heritage, this new Airbus-produced modem will ensure the Skynet system continues to deliver world-class Military Satellite Communications to Frontline Commands and our operational personnel deployed around the world.”
The FPMA Modem’s advanced Software Defined Radio (SDR) system combines multiple techniques to provide a highly resilient solution and is capable of hosting multiple waveforms. It will provide secure and protected Internet Protocol (IP) communications across all commonly used frequency bands, including the X-band.
Richard Budd, Vice President, Space Digital Secure Connectivity UK, US and Asia, said: “This capability enables Airbus to continue to play a critical role in providing safe, secure, resilient and sovereign satellite communications capability to the UK, especially relevant in today’s dynamic operating environment.
“In particular, the FPMA modem enables the evolution of capabilities in response to more sophisticated threats and will do so at sea and on the ground. It is a fundamental step towards secure Multi-Domain Operations.”
Future Protected Modem-A is expected to enter service in 2026, ed and enabled by integrated logistics and training solutions. The modem includes an intuitive and secure Network Management System to ensure effective spectrum usage and monitor and control all equipment.
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