The evolution of military satellite communications
Military satellite communications (SATCOM) have transformed dramatically over the decades, evolving from rudimentary capabilities to highly advanced, secure systems that underpin modern defense and intelligence operations. These advancements reflect the intersection of technological innovation and the shifting landscape of global security threats. From enabling basic voice and data transfer to supporting intricate, multi-domain operations, the role of military satcom has since expanded to become indispensable to modern military strategy. This evolution has not only bolstered the military’s capacity to operate in complex and contested environments but has also ensured forces remain connected, informed, and protected.
Davis MBE, Senior Technical Director of Global Government at ST Engineering iDirect
In their early stages, satellite communications for military use were primarily focused on basic telecommunication and broadcasting capabilities. These systems allowed for global communication, a revolutionary achievement during the Cold War, as they offered military forces the ability to stay connected across vast distances. However, as military operations grew more complex, the limitations
of early satcom systems became apparent, with issues such as vulnerability to interception, limited data rates, and bulky equipment posing significant challenges.
The early 1990s highlighted the potential and limitations of satellite communications in military operations. One of the first satellite terminals used during my time in the British Army, was the VSC501, operated from the back of a Land Rover which served as a mobile satellite ground terminal, enabling rapidly deployable communication capabilities.
During operations in Belize in 1992, portable satellite terminals weighed approximately 40 kilograms and offered a throughput of 16 kilobits per second (kbps) for upstream and downstream. These systems required three flight cases for transport, making deployment and mobility inconvenient.
Similarly, operations in Bosnia during the Balkans conflict in 1993 underscored the necessity for more reliable and portable communication systems, especially as forces faced harsh terrains and unpredictable environments.
The early 2000s marked a significant turning point in military satcom capabilities. The advancement of purposebuilt military satellites designed for defense and intelligence operations led to the enhancement of secure, encrypted communication systems.
Satellite terminals became more compact and efficient, enhancing mobility and operational flexibility. By 2003, military operations increasingly relied on commercial satellite support alongside dedicated military systems, paving the way for a hybrid approach that combined government-owned assets with commercial innovations.
The focus during this period was on ensuring resilience against electronic warfare and interception. Encryption technologies advanced significantly, and systems were developed to detect and respond to jamming attempts. This era also saw the initial adoption of redundancy measures, such as deploying multiple satellites to ensure uninterrupted connectivity.
PRESENT DAY
Today, satellite networks are a cornerstone of modern military operations. They enable real-time data transfer,
Dave Davis MBE, Senior Technical Director of Global Government at ST Engineering iDirect
Dave
Dave Davis performing a manual repoint on Operation Grapple (Bosnia) in 1993
as well as Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) systems, secure communications, and advanced surveillance capabilities.
Satellite terminals are now significantly more compact and capable than ever before. Modern systems, weighing around 8 kilograms and compact in size, provide impressive throughput rates of 20+ Mbps for downstream and 4+ Mbps for upstream. These systems, designed for easy transport and rapid deployment, offer reliable communication capabilities in all environments, greatly enhancing the mobility, flexibility, and operational efficiency of deployed forces.
The industry has undergone a significant evolution, leading to higher quality and more reliable communications. However, this has created a doubleedged sword as while communications are more advanced, there is now a greater reliance on them. As a result, it is crucial for the military to continue implementing comprehensive planning for scenarios where communications fail, ensuring that personnel can still operate effectively and make critical decisions in the absence of real-time data and coordination.
At ST Engineering iDirect, our CEO, Don Claussen, also has a military background and one principle we both shared in the army was “two is one, one is none” - meaning that two bits of kit that do the same thing effectively counts as one bit of kit - you always need a backup. The philosophy highlights the importance of preparation, especially in critical operations where reliability is paramount.
P.A.C.E. (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency) is a key framework which focuses on ensuring reliable communication by providing multiple methods for staying connected. By having these methods in place, military personnel can quickly switch to backup systems if the primary communication fails. This reduces the risk of complete communication breakdowns, enabling effective coordination, decision-making, and operational continuity.
DRIVERS, EXPANDING ROLES AND CAPABILITIES
Overall, the evolution of military satcom has been driven by escalating geopolitical tensions, the growing complexity of conflicts, and rapid technological advancements. Modern military satellite systems provide the backbone
for joint operations by connecting a wide range of assets, including ground troops, naval fleets, and unmanned assets, such as unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and unmanned ground vehicles (UGV). Interconnectedness allows for seamless coordination and situational awareness across multiple domains.
A multi-orbit architecture has now become the norm, leveraging satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), highly elliptical orbit (HEO), and geostationary orbit (GEO). Each orbital layer offers distinct advantages, such as LEO satellites providing low-latency communication and enhanced coverage in polar regions, and GEO satellites delivering consistent, wide-area coverage. This layered approach ensures robust, redundant systems that maintain connectivity even in the face of targeted disruptions.
Recently, ST Engineering iDirect announced the testing of a new technology which enables tracking and switching between GEO and NGSO satellites, marking a significant advancement in the industry. The multi-orbit and switching technology are a scalable architecture which leverages an innovative tracking algorithm to deliver the necessary frequency and timing compensation for satellites in all orbits, enabling intelligent switching based on optimized service characteristics.
Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are further enhancing military satcom capabilities. These technologies enable predictive analytics to identify potential threats, optimize resource allocation, and adapt to dynamic operational demands. AI-driven systems can analyze vast amounts of data to detect anomalies, such as jamming attempts or cyber intrusions, in real time, allowing for rapid countermeasures.
Orchestration plays a vital role in modern satcom systems by ensuring flexible and adaptive communication capabilities. The benefits include dynamic resource allocation, which enables systems to prioritize critical communication needs by reallocating bandwidth and resources in real time. It also supports integration across systems, ensuring seamless interaction between terrestrial and space-based networks to enable hybrid architectures that enhance operational flexibility. Additionally, it aids in threat mitigation by leveraging intelligent coordination and automation to reduce the impact of cyber or physical disruptions.
Through these mechanisms, orchestration strengthens the resilience and adaptability of satcom systems, making them better suited to the unpredictable demands of modern military operations.
SATELLITE NETWORKS AS DIGITAL FORTRESSES
Modern military satellite communications can be likened to digital fortresses, designed to protect critical information, and maintain operational continuity in the face of evolving threats. Just as physical fortresses rely on multiple layers of defense, such as walls, moats, and sentries, satcom systems employ a suite of protective measures to ensure resilience and security.
Advanced encryption technologies have become more sophisticated to ensure sensitive communications remain secure, even if intercepted, with quantum encryption set
Dave Davis in Gornji Vakuf, with the VSC501 satellite terminal
to further enhance these capabilities.
Redundancy and resilience strategies, such as multiorbit systems, are essential for preventing single points of failure in satellite communications. If a satellite in one orbit is compromised or experiences technical issues, satellites in other orbits can seamlessly take over and maintain operations, ensuring continuous connectivity and minimizing disruptions to critical military operations.
Threat prediction and detection capabilities, driven by AI, play a critical role in identifying anomalies, such as unusual signal patterns or cyber intrusion attempts. By predicting potential threats, these systems enable proactive countermeasures.
Cybersecurity defenses have also evolved significantly, with military satcom networks now incorporating multilayered intrusion detection systems and rapid response mechanisms to counteract hacking and cyber espionage. These defenses are critical as adversaries increasingly target space-based assets to disrupt military operations.
LOOKING AHEAD
Looking ahead, the evolution of military satcom will focus on enhancing resilience, capacity, and security. Our CEO, Don Claussen, will agree that emerging technologies are poised to redefine the landscape of military communications, offering unprecedented capabilities.
Quantum encryption is expected to revolutionize secure communication by making data transmission
virtually unhackable. Similarly, laser-based communications promise to deliver high-bandwidth, low-latency links that are harder to intercept or jam than traditional radiofrequency systems.
The development of autonomous satellite constellations, capable of self-organizing and adapting to changing mission requirements, will enhance operational flexibility. These systems will rely on AI and ML to optimize performance, detect threats, and ensure resilience.
Hybrid architectures that integrate terrestrial and space-based networks will provide greater operational flexibility. This approach will enable dynamic resource allocation and seamless communication across diverse mission profiles, ensuring that forces remain connected in even the most challenging environments.
As adversaries develop more sophisticated cyber and physical attack methods, defending military satcom systems will become increasingly critical. Innovations in intrusion detection, threat mitigation, and system redundancy will remain a top priority to safeguard these vital networks.
The evolution of military satellite communications underscores the critical interplay between technology and security in the modern era. From their humble beginnings as basic communication tools to their current role as indispensable digital fortresses, military satcom systems have continuously adapted to meet the demands of an increasingly complex threat landscape.
