Vanessa Shapiro, Senior Director, Global Marketing Defense & Space at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, explores the risks of relying on single-network satellite solutions and how multi-orbit, network-agnostic systems like JetWave X ensure secure, resilient, and adaptable connectivity for defense operations.
In modern warfare, secure and uninterrupted communication is non-negotiable. Yet, as global threats evolve, military operations remain heavily dependent on single-network satellite solutions, creating serious vulnerabilities in mission-critical communications. From cyber threats and geopolitical restrictions to physical targeting and space debris concerns, relying on a single provider or network leaves defense forces exposed to disruptions that could jeopardize operational success.
A key risk is overreliance on private entities. When military forces depend on a single commercial provider for connectivity, they place mission-critical communications under the control of a private company, whose business decisions—or external political pressures—could limit access to essential services. Additionally, single-network infrastructures present easy targets for adversaries, increasing the risk of cyber intrusions, electronic warfare attacks, or even physical strikes against satellite ground stations.
The Multi-Orbit, Network-Agnostic Solution
To counter these risks, defense organizations are shifting toward multi-orbit, network-agnostic satellite communication systems. Unlike single-network solutions, multi-orbit architectures leverage multiple satellite constellations across different orbital planes—including geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), and highly elliptical orbit (HEO)—ensuring redundancy, resilience, and continuous connectivity even in the most challenging environments.
With a network-agnostic approach, military forces gain:
- Adaptive Connectivity – Seamlessly switching between available networks to prevent service disruptions.
- Global Redundancy – Leveraging satellites across multiple orbits to eliminate geographical limitations.
- Enhanced Security – Reducing the risk of system-wide failures and targeted cyber threats.
- Future-Proof Infrastructure – Integrating with emerging satellite networks and technologies as they develop.
JetWave X: Leading the Future of Military SATCOM
Honeywell’s JetWave X exemplifies this next-generation approach to military connectivity. Designed for defense and government operators, JetWave X provides:
- Automatic, secure multi-network switching for continuous, uninterrupted connectivity.
- Broadband speeds up to 200 Mbps to support high-data-rate applications.
- Support for Ka-band GEO, MEO, and HEO satellites to maximize coverage and redundancy.
- Seamless integration with Viasat Ka and Global Xpress networks.
- Robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive communications from cyber threats.
For ISR and military aircraft, JetWave X also offers a distinct advantage—mounting within the tail radome, freeing up fuselage space for additional sensors and antennas without compromising SATCOM performance.
Ensuring Mission Success in Any Environment
As defense forces operate in increasingly contested and dynamic environments, relying on a single satellite network is no longer a viable option. A multi-orbit, network-agnostic approach ensures secure, resilient, and adaptive communications across all operational scenarios.
JetWave X delivers this next-gen capability, enabling defense forces to future-proof their communications, maintain strategic superiority, and ensure mission success—no matter the challenges ahead.
Read the full article on the Honeywell Aerospace Technologies website.
