Several companies that provide military solutions, specifically satellite communication (SATCOM) systems, were present at the recent Satellite 2026 expo, held in Washington, DC, from 23-26 March.
FW MAG visited the SatShow to review new mobile SATCOM systems for both vehicles and dismounted troops. The evolution of warfare does not involve only new lethal weapons, but also communications systems to ensure that troops on the ground and in the frontlines can communicate quickly and reliably.
One company that unveiled a new mobile SATCOM terminal was Orbit. The MPT40 Multi-Platform SATCOM Terminal is compact, lightweight, and “cost-effective,” and can be installed on “military vehicles, small naval vessels, or deployed by maneuvering ground forces operating in the field.” The company noted that, at 50x50 cm and weighing less than 30 kg, the MPT40 is “ideally suited” for armored ground vehicles, amphibious vehicles, and also small vessels and patrol boats. The system provides Ka-Band connectivity and supports multi-orbit satellite constellations, including GEO, MEO, HEO, and LEO orbits. At the Satellite expo, an Orbit executive declined to discuss with FW MAG if there are any orders already for the MPT 40, but the company will also participate in the upcoming Modern Day Marine 2026 expo in Washington, DC, to promote the new system to the US Marines.
Orbit is in high demand these days. The company announced in February a USD3.2 million follow-up order for an undisclosed number of MPT SATCOM systems for the Israeli Ministry of Defense. The Orbit executive also told FW MAG that the company was recently acquired by the global defence company Kratos.
Meanwhile, the company Cobham Satcom displayed its family of portable NEO high-speed L-band terminals. A company spokesperson spoke with FW MAG about the Commander Neo terminal, which can deliver 1 MB of data per second and is designed for ground vehicles. The system was released to the market in December 2025 and is already in the field, the company confirmed. The Commander Neo is part of a series of highly reliable, low SWaP (Size, weight, and Power) terminals designed for dismounted soldiers, vehicles, and vessels, released in 2025, Cobham Satcom explained.
In response to a question from FW MAG about other portable solutions, Cobham Satcom showed us the T-TAC Manpack, which augments a standard radio’s capabilities by enabling global communications. The T-TAC is a beyond-line-of-sight communications solution that extends a standard radio’s range and is designed for dismounted troops to communicate via satellite.
Furthermore, at Satellite 2026, Spectra Group formally launched the GENSS, an Evergreen software-defined tactical communications system. The system currently supports secure L-Band tactical satellite networking (L-TAC) and beyond-line-of-sight voice and data communications; it is designed for mobile forces operating in contested or denied environments. A company press release stated that GENSS has “already attracted interest from NATO-aligned users,” but did not provide further details. In an exclusive conversation with FW MAG, Spectra Group CEO Simon Davies confirmed that “GENSS is a complete system (hardware and software) for both individuals and platforms,” that can operate as a “stand-alone radio system but also can connect to existing line of sight radios to extend the range over satellites.”
Another new system on the market was unveiled by Kymeta, which introduced the Kestrel u5, described by the company as a “capable multi-orbit SATCOM terminal.” The system, which can be installed aboard tactical vehicles and small vessels, offers “seamless connectivity” (switching between beams in under 1 millisecond) across networks, constellations, and LEO, GEO, HEO, and Elliptical orbits, the company explained. The Kestrel u5 is described as easy to install, highly durable, lightweight (less than 11 kg), and featuring Low Probability of Detection/Interception (LPD/LPI) features.
Finally, L3Harris Technologies and Comtech Telecommunications have developed a new tactical SATCOM modem. The 5650C2/MP is exclusively designed for L3Harris’ portable antennas, the Panther II Man-Portable VSAT, the Hawkeye 4 Lite 1.3M Fly-Away, and the Hawkeye 4 XY 2.6M. While FW MAG did not see the new SATCOM modem at the Satellite show, the new system demonstrates that improving communications is an ongoing goal across industries and that partnerships abound.
Maintaining reliable connectivity with frontline units will become increasingly challenging as electronic warfare evolves. The future of command, control, and communications will require new, more powerful tactical line-of-sight radios and beyond-line-of-sight terminals to support frontline troops, including dismounted units and tactical or armored vehicles. The future of warfare will require SATCOM systems that are not only advanced and reliable but also “portable” and “lightweight.”
Privacy Policy
Powered by © Mobilbyte s.a.s. Information Technology