Honeywell’s JetWave™ X satellite communications (SATCOM) system has been selected by L3Harris Technologies to upgrade the U.S. Army’s Airborne Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare System (ARES), delivering advanced global connectivity capabilities for critical defense missions.
Designed for resilient, high-speed data transfer across multiple satellite networks, JetWave X will provide ARES with enhanced bandwidth and reliability, enabling mission-critical communications in real time, even in remote or contested environments.
The ARES platform, based on the Bombardier Global 6000/6500 business jet, serves as a testbed for the U.S. Army’s future-focused intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and electronic warfare operations. Owned and operated by L3Harris, the aircraft integrates advanced systems to demonstrate next-generation capabilities for situational awareness and electronic threat detection.
The integration of JetWave X marks the continuation of Honeywell’s long-standing support for the ARES platform in collaboration with L3Harris. This upgrade is said to underscore both companies’ commitment to delivering innovative, mission-ready technologies that strengthen the Army’s airborne capabilities. It also reflects Honeywell’s alignment with major aerospace and defense trends, including the evolution of connected aviation systems.
JetWave X builds on the foundation of Honeywell’s original JetWave™ SATCOM system with significant improvements in service flexibility and installation efficiency. The SATCOM system features an open architecture that allows for seamless compatibility with any Viasat Ka-band satellite, and is engineered to support future Ka-band networks, ensuring long-term adaptability. Its multi-network architecture enables automatic switching across satellite constellations, delivering persistent, global connectivity in dynamic operational theaters.
Matt Milas, President Defense and Space at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, said, “Today’s pilots need access to real-time data with uninterrupted connectivity to make mission-critical decisions. Honeywell is proud to provide ARES with JetWave X, the only multi-network satellite communications system for government aviation that seamlessly connects to the Inmarsat Global Xpress, ViaSat-3 and other Ka-band constellations.”
By enhancing the communications backbone of the ARES platform, JetWave X helps ensure the U.S. Army maintains secure, uninterrupted access to real-time data, reinforcing its ability to conduct ISR and EW missions with greater precision and responsiveness.
