Pentagon Orders Portable SATCOM Terminals From Israeli Firm
Israeli communication solutions provider Gilat Satellite Networks has received a $4-million contract to deliver portable satellite communication (SATCOM) terminals for the US Department of Defense.
The deal covers the DKET 3421 developed by Gilat’s American subsidiary Data Path, which supports multi-band connectivity, fiber optic linking, and 32-modem compatibility.
The 5,000-pound (2,268-kilogram) terminal is deployable in less than three hours in environments above 55 degrees Celsius (131 degrees Fahrenheit) and can interchange between military and commercial network coverage.
Gilat is scheduled to deliver the terminals in the first half of 2025.
“We’re excited to receive another order for our innovative DKET 3421 from our valued military customer,” Data Path President Nicole Robinson stated.
“This order highlights the strong trust in our company and our proven ability to deliver mission-critical solutions that meet demanding requirements.”
“It also demonstrates once again our ability to provide reliable, highly portable, and high-performance network hubs to address our customers’ evolving needs.”
SATCOM Terminal Projects in US
The Pentagon partnered with Swedish developer Ovzon in September 2024 to supply its proprietary compact SATCOM terminals for the agency.
A similar award was signed with L3Harris in March 2024 for the provision of the Hawkeye III Lite Very Small Aperture Terminal for fast internet connections across the US Army.
The US also awarded Curtiss-Wright a contract one year earlier for a small form-factor network router and modules supporting the US Marine Corps’ existing expeditionary satellites.