The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has awarded Airbus an 18-year contract to deliver next-generation modems for the nation's Skynet satellite communications system. The modems, part of the Future Protected Modem Type-A (FPMA) project, will replace the existing Paradigm Modem...
To read the full article, please log in or enter your email below:
The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has awarded Airbus an 18-year contract to deliver next-generation modems for the nation's Skynet satellite communications system. The modems, part of the Future Protected Modem Type-A (FPMA) project, will replace the existing Paradigm Modem System and support both the current Skynet 5 satellites and the upcoming Skynet 6A satellite.
The FPMA modems, designed, developed, and manufactured in the UK, incorporate several enhancements over the previous system. They include an advanced Software-Defined Radio (SDR) system that supports multiple waveforms and can operate across commonly used frequency bands, including X-band. The modems are intended to provide secure and resilient internet protocol (IP) communications and will play a role in multi-domain military operations.
Barry Austin, Head of the MOD’s Defence Digital Skynet programme, commented: “We are very pleased that following a competition for the future, resilient satellite communications modem for UK Ministry of Defence, that an 18-year contract for design, manufacture and through-life support for this critical capability has been awarded. Building on their long heritage, this new Airbus-produced modem will ensure that the Skynet system continues to deliver world-class Military Satellite Communications to Front Line Commands and our deployed operational personnel worldwide.”
The system also features an integrated Network Management System to monitor and control equipment and ensure effective use of the spectrum.
Richard Budd, Vice-President of Space Digital Secure Connectivity for the UK, US, and Asia at Airbus, noted: “This capability allows Airbus to continue to play a critical role in the provision of safe, secure, resilient and sovereign satellite communications capability for the UK, especially relevant in the current and dynamic operating environment. In particular, the FPMA modem enables capability evolution in response to more sophisticated threats and will do so at sea and on the ground. It’s a fundamental step towards secure Multi Domain Operations.”
The FPMA modems are expected to enter service in 2026, with Airbus providing integrated logistics support and training solutions to facilitate their deployment and use.
French water treatment company BIO-UV Group has dispatched a second BIO-SEA ballast water treatment system to the United States for…
Neutral Air Partner (NAP) has introduced NAPAY, a payment solution designed for its network members. The system was developed in…
DHL Group is expanding its electric vehicle (EV) logistics and supply chain solutions in the Asia Pacific region with the…
Air Astana will introduce a direct flight between Almaty and Da Nang, Vietnam, starting on 4th June 2025. The service…
Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has handed over 700 Maung MV3 special vehicles, produced by PT Pindad, to the Indonesian…
Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has handed over 700 Maung MV3 special vehicles, produced by PT Pindad, to the Indonesian…
AARONIA AG presented its latest advancements in drone detection and electronic warfare at Enforce Tac 2025, held in Nuremberg from…
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines and Firefly, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with…
The Business Aviation Asia Forum & Expo (BAAFEx) is set to hold its inaugural edition from 4–6 March at Singapore’s…
PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) and Dassault Aviation have inaugurated the Dassault Aviation-PTDI Design Office on the fourth floor of PTDI’s…
L3Harris Technologies and Shield AI will collaborate on a demonstration to enable an electronic warfare (EW) operation with AI-enabled unmanned…
The Spanish Air and Space Force has said that it sees, the 'Hürjet' training aircraft as well positioned to replace…
Total passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 10.0% in January this year compared to the same…
Pratt & Whitney's GTF Advantage engine has achieved U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification for the Airbus A320neo family.…
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) will receive the two first Boeing KC-46A aerial refueling aircraft in 2026 . The other…
Israel Shipyards has begun the construction of the first of five Reshef class warships for the Israeli Navy. The 2.8…
Russia has accelerated efforts to incorportate laser technology to some of its operational air defence systems. As part of continuous…
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems on Thursday announced an approximate 50/50 partnership for the establishment…
Defence trade fair Euro Defence Expo (EUDEX) and the annual conference of the NATO Joint Air Power Competence Centre (JAPCC)…
Ramco Systems, a global aviation software provider has announced the successful implementation of its Aviation Software at Philippine Airlines for…
Singapore’s Ministry of Defence has announced that Brigadier-General (BG) Cai Dexian, currently Commander, 3rd Singapore Division will take over from…
Lockheed Martin has showcased a new counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) solution in a recent field demonstration, highlighting its ability to…
The Indonesian Navy (TNI Angkatan Laut / TNI AL) has launched the service's second Bung Karno-class corvette, KRI Bung Hatta…
ASELSAN recorded revenues of 120 billion TL (over 3.2 billion USD) in 2024, marking a 13% increase from the previous…
ITA Airways and Lufthansa Group have initiated a codeshare agreement, linking their route networks for the first time. This arrangement…
Chemring has provided a trading update ahead of its annual general meeting, reporting a record order book of £1.35 billion…
TransNusa is set to become the first Indonesian airline to operate scheduled flights between Bali and Guangzhou. The airline will…
ANA Holdings and CFM International have announced an order for more than 75 LEAP engines, including both installed and spares.…
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) recently demonstrated the first-ever Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capability on an MQ-9B SeaGuardian. In a…
The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) has awarded the third phase of the Naval Force IP Network (RIFAN 3) contract…
Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.
Copyright 2024. GBP. All Rights Reserved.
Home Defence & Security Space Commercial Aviation Maintence Repair & Overhaul Daily News Events About Us
2025 GBP all rights reserved.