The Role of Satellite Modems in Military and Defense Communication Satellites

For decades, the military and defense sector has been making use of satellite communication systems in their operations. Communication satellites are the key means of long-range communications for the defense forces, as they aid in enabling secure transferring of highly confidential information amongst military headquarters and personnel. Communication satellites are critical assets in the capability of a country’s military and defense department to retort autonomously and on time to global security, defense, and humanitarian as well as in case of emergency situations.

Military satellite communications – usually called as milsatcom – are developing at a rapid pace these days, and satellite modems are playing a key role in making satellite communications successful. With several technological advancements taking place in the communications sector, high quality, and enhanced capability communication satellites have been made available to the military and defense sector. The last few years have witnessed striking developments in terms of capacity and performance of satellite communications, with the next-generation of satellites demonstrating a major upgrade from their predecessors.

Why are Satellite Modems used in Communication Satellites?

A satellite modem is a device used to carry out data transfers using a communication satellite as a relay. These days, satellite communication is being used in numerous military and defense applications, for instance, awareness about challenging situations, intelligence gathering, and border patrolling. The quantity of data, video, and voice exchanged between the defense centers and remote sites has surged significantly since the past 5 to 10 years. Satellite modems having high data rates are used in satellite communications. In addition, satellite modems facilitate high-speed satellite communications for stationary, on-the-move, point-to-point, or point-to-multipoint military missions. Also, they play a vital part in guaranteeing protected and trustworthy communication for military & defense processes in highly critical operations.

Satellite modems are also crucial in military & defense processes to guarantee safe and reliable communications which are mainly used in regions where there are issues in the telecommunication networks, for instance, Siachen in India. As per a report by Research Dive, the global satellite modem market is expected to hit a revenue of $1,004.4 million by 2028, rising from $348.7 million in 2020, growing at a CAGR of 14.4% in the 2021 to 2028 timeframe. The military & defense sub-segment of the global satellite modem market is expected to surge with a notable CAGR of 15.1% and surpass a revenue of $269.0 million by 2028, rising from $90.3 million in 2020. Some of the factors boosting the growth of this market are increasing necessity for improved high-speed data communications, increase in the number of high-throughput satellites (HTS), and growing demand for satellite communication in internet of things (IoT) technology.

Developments in Satellite Modems

In the recent years, a number of satellite modem providers have emerged in the market, delivering exceptional products and services. For instance, Advantech Wireless, a foremost wireless broadband communications solution provider for critical infrastructure & government, commercial, and military clients, has introduced a new AMT-83L series of modems, which are the first global satellite modems to obtain MIL-STD-188-165A certification. The design of these novel satellite modems assures unrivalled flexibility, and also upgrades paths to cater the growing demand for advanced satellite communications. Moreover, numerous units have been installed in the field on tactical spots and entrance positions.

The novel AMT-83L satellite modem for military developed by Advantech Wireless adds an array of innovative features to the AMT-73L series, which is Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) certified. Some of these innovative features are DVB-S2 with LDPC Coding, Adaptive Coding, as well as IP data interface, Modulation (ACM), GSE encapsulation, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum spreading, and is accessible with AES 128/256 encryption.

The Bottom Line

Long-range, secured communications are inevitable in the military and defence sector. As the satellite modems are evolving, the communication satellite systems are here to stay, and serve the military and defense departments for ages.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.