The Skynet 5 X-band satellite. Photo: Airbus Defence and Space

[Via Satellite 06-08-2015] Airbus Defence and Space has signed a four-year framework agreement with the Norwegian Defence Logistic Organisation (NDLO) for the provision of X-band satellite capacity, and has committed to deliver up to 30Mhz of capacity annually on the Skynet military satellite constellation. Skynet will augment the Norwegian forces’ existing secure communications in maritime, land, and aeronautical applications across Northern Europe, the Arctic, and for the missions of Allied nations around the world.

Airbus Defence and Space owns and operates the Skynet 5 X-band satellite constellation and the ground network through the Skynet Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract to provide all Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) communications to the U.K. Ministry of Defence (MOD). The contract also enables other NATO and Allied governments to use Skynet to augment their existing services.