Skynet 5A. Photo: Astrium

[Via Satellite 11-07-13] Astrium will deliver new terminals to the U.K. Ministry of Defense (MOD) and related IP baseband, to enable secure communications on frontlines overseas, Astrium announced Nov. 7. These new deliveries are based on communications via the company’s X-band satellites through the Skynet 5 program, now in its 10th year.

The U.K. MOD land forces will receive 25 Mantis terminals and lightweight Snapper baseband equipment as part of a managed service package. The Royal Navy will receive the first two Deployable Maritime Milsat (DMM) ScotPatrol terminals, which feature reduced top-weight and a compact footprint both above and below deck for easier integration on small vessels. The new terminals will draw on Astrium’s new IP core based infrastructure, providing U.K. armed forces with secure communication that supports voice and data traffic with encryption from tactical, land and maritime operations worldwide.