Thales Details Hybrid SatCom for Defence

Thales has outlined its strategy to deliver secure, resilient satellite communications for UK defence operations, supporting the Ministry of Defence’s SKYNET 6 programme. With SKYNET 6A scheduled to launch in 2026, the programme aims to regenerate the UK’s secure beyond-line-of-sight communications with a focus on sovereignty, interoperability, and modularity.

Thales emphasises hybridisation as a core element of its approach. By integrating multiple satellite orbits (LEO, MEO, GEO, HEO), frequency bands, and terrestrial networks, hybrid SatCom systems aim to deliver reliable, adaptive connectivity in contested environments. This orchestration enables routing based on signal strength, latency, bandwidth, and security requirements to maintain communications even under threat of spoofing, jamming, or cyberattack.

The company highlights its SurfSAT–L system, deployed on the German Navy’s F126 frigates, as an example of a tri-band SatCom solution designed for robust operational conditions.

Thales also points to the UK Strategic Defence Review’s call for a more integrated and digital force, underscoring the need for interoperable systems developed in collaboration with end users. By prioritising secure design, redundancy, and adaptability, Thales says its hybrid SatCom approach will help frontline operators maintain effective communications and situational awareness in complex, evolving threat environments.

The company is urging closer industry cooperation to deliver solutions that support both training and operational readiness, ensuring UK forces can respond rapidly and effectively across all domains.