AirForceTimes
Leonardo DRS is showcasing JTT-X, a hybrid SATCOM system designed to combine multiple satellite networks for secure communications and connectivity aboard military aircraft. The system is aimed at maintaining reliable links in contested environments, where disruption or degradation of communications can directly affect tactical operations.
Space Defense & Militarization
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Leonardo DRS is showcasing JTT-X, a hybrid SATCOM system designed to combine multiple satellite networks for secure communications and connectivity aboard military aircraft. The system is aimed at maintaining reliable links in contested environments, where disruption or degradation of communications can directly affect tactical operations.
European countries are accelerating efforts to reduce reliance on U.S. satellite data after access restrictions during recent crises exposed strategic vulnerabilities. The shift is driving demand for sovereign space-based intelligence and defense capabilities, with implications for market competition, procurement priorities and transatlantic dependencies.
High activity
The Royal Air Force has established its first dedicated space effects squadron, intended to protect UK satellites and counter hostile activity through offensive and defensive capabilities including electronic warfare and counter-anti-satellite measures. The unit marks a shift from monitoring orbital threats toward actively disrupting them.
Boeing subsidiary Insitu and Gogo Special Missions have completed testing of a Group 3 uncrewed aerial system fitted with Gogo’s Galileo HDX antenna and connected to Eutelsat’s OneWeb satellite network. The effort gives military operators another high-speed connectivity option beyond SpaceX’s Starlink.
High activity
Eutelsat demonstrated OneWeb LEO connectivity on Poland’s live PKP Intercity rail network, while Sateliot joined ESA’s IRIS² consolidation phase for the low-LEO layer. Separately, ESA and Axiom Space signed an MoU aimed at expanding Europe’s access to low Earth orbit and related capabilities.
Marble Imaging and msg Systems have signed a memorandum of understanding to combine Earth-observation data, artificial intelligence and secure IT infrastructure for European intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance applications. The partnership targets sovereign ISR capabilities built around European data, technology and infrastructure.
Northrop Grumman is targeting delivery of a space-domain awareness prototype satellite within 24 months, with high-quality imaging and more frequent characterization of geosynchronous-orbit objects. Separately, Terma will provide MDA Space with power and radio-frequency checkout equipment and central checkout systems for AURORA satellite production and testing.
The U.S. Space Force is exploring a fleet of satellites that could remain on standby, launch on short notice and maneuver close to other spacecraft for inspection. The effort points to a potential new layer of rapid-response capability for monitoring and assessing activity in orbit.
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