Yahsat partners with Astrium and Boeing for secure satellite communication capabilities

Yahsat,   is the first satellite operator in the region to provide highly secure satellite service on Ka-band, the optimum communications band for critical and confidential government and military communications.  

Astrium will supply Yahsat with the latest generation of its AirPatrol satcom terminal, providing a light-weight, high performance communications module capable of operating in the most demanding conditions, making it ideal for military air force communications. The AirPatrol satcom terminal incorporates innovative technology features such as Software Defined Radio based IP modems and Gallium Nitride power amplifiers, providing advanced solutions to manage unmanned aerial vehicle applications .  

Boeing Network & Tactical Systems, a division of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, will provide Yahsat with its third-generation, very-low profile phased array antennas that can be installed on a variety of aeronautical platforms. The small Ka-band phased-array antenna system allows customers to take advantage of the significant increase in bandwidth offered by the next-generation Ka-band satellites. Boeing developed these communications antenna technologies to improve customers’ ability to remain networked while mobile.  

“These agreements will provide cutting-edge solutions for Yahsat’s military satellite communications capabilities, enabling us to provide our government and military clients with a strategic edge,” Rashed Al Ghafri, General Manager of YahService , said.  

“Yahsat has an agreement to provide the UAE Armed Forces with a full satellite communications network and control center, and we are committed to providing the most advanced technologies in satellite communications to support the UAE’s airborne assets. In partnering with Astrium Secure Satcom Systems and Boeing Network & Tactical Systems Division, we benefit from the assurance and expertise of working with industry leaders with proven track records in satellite communications applications and technologies,” he added.  

Aidan Joy, Managing Director of Astrium Services’ Secure Satcom Systems, said: “We look forward to supporting Yahsat by providing state-of-the-art airborne satellite communications services.  Yahsat is the only satellite provider in the region with the capacity to operate the ultra secure Ka-band which enables this system to work effectively for defence applications.”

“Yahsat has selected the Boeing phased array antenna systems to meet their customers’ critical requirements for aeronautical communications,” said Charles Toups, Boeing Network & Tactical Systems vice president and general manager.  “We look forward to delivering these antenna systems to support the network communications needs of customers in the UAE.”