Insider Brief
- The UK’s Ministry of Defence has awarded Airbus a contract to deliver advanced modems for its Skynet satellite communications constellation.
- The new modems will replace the Paradigm Modem System currently supporting the Skynet 5 satellites and will also integrate with the upcoming Skynet 6A satellite.
- Set for deployment in 2026, the FPM-A modem will include an intuitive Network Management System to optimize spectrum use and ensure seamless monitoring and control. This capability will be backed by integrated logistics support and training solutions.
The UK’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) has awarded Airbus a contract to deliver advanced modems for its Skynet satellite communications constellation. This marks a key milestone in modernizing the nation’s military satellite capabilities as part of the Future Protected Modem Type A (FPM-A) project.
The new modems will replace the Paradigm Modem System currently supporting the Skynet 5 satellites and will also integrate with the upcoming Skynet 6A satellite as announced by Airbus. Designed, developed, and manufactured entirely in the UK, the modems promise enhanced capability and resilience for military satellite communications.
Barry Austin, Head of the MOD’s Defence Digital Skynet program, highlighted the importance of this development: “This new Airbus-produced modem will ensure that the Skynet system continues to deliver world-class military satellite communications to Front Line Commands and deployed personnel worldwide.”
The FPM-A modem incorporates advanced Software-Defined Radio (SDR) technology, allowing it to support multiple waveforms and deliver secure internet protocol (IP) communications across all commonly used frequency bands, including X-band. This makes it adaptable to evolving threats and operational demands.
Airbus Vice-President Richard Budd emphasized the modem’s role in supporting secure multi-domain operations: “This capability allows Airbus to continue playing a critical role in providing safe, secure, and resilient satellite communications for the UK, particularly in today’s dynamic operating environment.”
Set for deployment in 2026, the FPM-A modem will include an intuitive Network Management System to optimize spectrum use and ensure seamless monitoring and control. This capability will be backed by integrated logistics support and training solutions.
Image credit: Airbus
