Why artificial intelligence has secured its place in special forces' operations
The diverse use cases of Artificial Intelligence (AI) have been turning it into a critical tool for Special Operations Forces (SOF).
ViaSat signs USSOCOM contract
ViaSat has been awarded an IDIQ contract with US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) for mission networking and communications equipment, sustainment and support services, the company announced on 15 January.
The contract, which has a ceiling value of $350 million, covers advanced equipment, systems, services and support to significantly modernise ground/air situational awareness, tactical data links, terrestrial networking, ISR, tactical satellite communications, information assurance, network management and cybersecurity for Special Operations Forces.
SOCOM will be able to rapidly acquire, deploy and evolve a wide variety of new operational capabilities, terminals, products, systems, services, support and sustainment under the contract structure, in order to enable new concepts of operation, improve situational awareness, avoid fratricide and improve operational mission effects.
Ken Peterman, president, government systems, Viasat, said: ‘We at Viasat have a deep and enduring commitment to our growing partnership with SOCOM. As a part of that commitment we continue to exploit opportunities to apply our cutting edge commercial technologies to rapidly develop and deploy new and advanced military operational capabilities in support of SOCOM's most critical missions.
‘This sole source award establishes a comprehensive contract vehicle enabling SOCOM to rapidly acquire and deploy these new and modern capabilities in support of evolving mission scenarios faster than ever before.’
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