AEHF satellite network now live

The Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite network has gone live in the US, Canada, the Netherlands and the UK, Lockheed Martin announced on 31 July. It connects top level personnel to the front line through a protected network.

All four nations are connected to the AEHF network under the initial operational capability (IOC) phase. Baseline capabilities have been met, and the system can now be used for critical operations and routine sensitive communication. The network currently has three of the six contract AEHF satellites performing on orbit. The remaining three are currently in production.

The AEHF network is designed to protect military communications against a full spectrum of threats, including cyber-attacks, eavesdropping and high-tech jammers. The need for ground relay stations is eliminated due to satellite-to-satellite crosslinks and on-board signal processing.

The network enables video, images and other mission data to be sent to compatible naval vessels, aircraft and manoeuvre forces during humanitarian relief efforts, anti-piracy missions and special operations.

Mark Calassa, vice president of protected communication systems and AEHF program manager, Lockheed Martin, said: 'When a commander issues orders, they need to know their troops will get the information quickly and without fear of interruption or interception.

'Compared to anything else on orbit, AEHF gives an unmatched level of protection and has five times the speed of legacy protected communication systems. With AEHF reaching IOC, the system’s international partners can more quickly and safely command some of the world’s most capable militaries to address global instability as it arises.'