Hughes and Airbus Defence and Space Expand Partnership For Resilient, Tactical Military Communications Solutions

Solutions Employing Compact X-band Terminal and Service for Enhanced Operational Agility.

Germantown, MD — Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), the global leader in broadband satellite solutions and services, has signed an agreement with Airbus Defence and Space to expand their business partnership to serve growing tactical military communications requirements around the globe. 

Under the agreement, Airbus Defence and Space will distribute all models of the Hughes HM System, a flexible satellite networking technology engineered around its software-definable modem (SDM) and scrambled code multiple access (SCMA) waveform. Enabling affordable, resilient solutions for various mobility and portable government user requirements, the HM System’s ultra-compact terminals operate over Airbus Defence and Space’s highly secure Skynet X-band military communications satellite. Hughes will also provide hardware, technology and engineering support related to use of the HM System. 

Additionally, Hughes will offer Skynet services to U.S. government users requiring easily deployable and resilient satellite communications for tactical missions, bringing innovative networking solutions to more U.S. users as well as customers around the globe. 

“The continued strategic relationship with Airbus Defence and Space along with Tampa Microwave’s ruggedized packaging of innovative Hughes technology will open new opportunities in the growing tactical defense market,” said Rick Lober, Vice President and General Manager, Hughes Defense and Intelligence Systems. “It builds on the early success of our joint delivery of combined HM System and XEBRA services, exemplifying the critical role that satellite providers play in supporting the rapidly changing, national security landscape around the world.”