The U.S. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR), awarded ViaSat, a global broadband services and technology company, a $48.2 million contract for engineering, technical services and hardware/software products in support of the U.S. Navy’s joint Ultra High Frequency (UHF) military satellite communications system.
Under this contract, ViaSat will help support the sustainment and modernization of the joint UHF military satcom network integrated control system, UHF satcom channel controllers and user terminals.
In addition, ViaSat said it would provide a path to a modern crypto design for next-generation UHF terminals.
“UHF military satcom has a long history enabling beyond line-of-sight communication across the battlespace, and provides a solid, ‘always available’ communications solution,” said Ken Peterman , senior vice president and general manager, Government Systems Division, ViaSat.
“This award reflects the Navy’s commitment to using proven UHF radios and channel controllers already deployed worldwide, mitigating risk with non-fielded communications systems in order to ensure continued and enhanced capabilities for the warfighter many years into the future.”
The contract has a five-year ordering base period up to the contract award amount and an option for another five-year ordering period to be negotiated prior to exercise of the option.