Arctic SATCOM moves into the spotlight
The OneWeb gateway in Svalbard, Norway. (Photo: OneWeb/Kongsberg Satellite Services).
Countries in the Arctic region are positioning themselves to maximise levels in connectivity across the High North, as their armed forces look to assert influence across the strategically important region.
Historically, the Arctic has suffered from poor communications thanks partly to a lack of fixed infrastructure and hard-to-reach geostationary satellites positioned over the Equator.
However, emerging and groundbreaking technologies mean that Arctic nations (Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States) can now consider alternative communication solutions to satisfy the requirement of armed forces operating across the region.
On 2 June 2021, for instance, OneWeb and Finnish state-run security network provider Erillisverko demonstrated low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity to Finnish government agencies, providing an example of how to support the operational requirements of multiple government agencies
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
You may also like
More from Space Solutions Special Report
-
![British Army embraces SlingShot]()
British Army embraces SlingShot
Add-on kit turns UHF/VHF radio into a BLoS solution to support voice and data communications.
-
![DEWC Systems takes MOESS sensor development to next stage]()
DEWC Systems takes MOESS sensor development to next stage
The MOESS programme intends to deploy a sovereign Australian tactical electromagnetic sensor capability, installed on a constellation of CubeSats. DEWC is developing a sensor that can conduct radar electronic support in defence-relevant radio frequency bands used by assets such as ships and aircraft.
-
![MDA unlocks key challenge to advanced ballistic missile tracking]()
MDA unlocks key challenge to advanced ballistic missile tracking
The US is progressing with its HBTSS project, having overcome an important obstacle.
-
![Is Russian manned space technology shifting towards military applications?]()
Is Russian manned space technology shifting towards military applications?
Plans for Russia to build its own orbital station could enable geospatial intelligence-gathering missions and onboard military experiments away from international observers.
-
![EU plays catch-up on launchers]()
EU plays catch-up on launchers
Europe ceded the initiative on reusable launcher technology in 2014 and only now is it trying to claw back the lost ground.
-
![Military explores potential of commercial SATCOM]()
Military explores potential of commercial SATCOM
Commercial satellite constellations may find favour with the DoD for low Earth orbit solutions.
