Long game puts Hughes in contention for US Army SATCOM spoils
Advances in military communications are expected to be on show during a forthcoming US Army-funded SATCOM pilot. (Photo: Hughes Defense)
A newly funded pilot project could dramatically reshape how the US Army procures SATCOM connectivity, with Hughes Defense actively promoting a managed services-based approach.
As the US Army assesses how best to acquire new SATCOM services, a forthcoming funded pilot is expected to have a significant influence on decision-making before a competition phase potentially begins in 2023 or 2024.
Under the re-competed Combat Service Support Very Small Aperture Terminal (CSS VSAT) effort, providers offering SATCOM managed services, including Hughes Defense, demonstrated their respective capabilities at the US Army’s Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, in 2021.
Those experiments and a number of RFIs published since have been decisive in allowing the US Army to move toward the funded pilot phase, which is due to start
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost]()
UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost
The UK’s National Security Strategy brings together the recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Strategic Security Review, AUKUS Review and Industrial and Trade Strategies. At the same time, the UK made a commitment to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 and Germany committed to 3.5% by 2029.
-
![Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide]()
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
![What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow]()
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
![Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme]()
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
![Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans]()
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.
