Gilat Partners with AWS to Demonstrate Virtualized Satellite Modem
Gilat Satellite Networks announced that Gilat Defense, Amazon Web Services, SES Space and Defense and the WAVE Consortium will hold a joint demonstration of a virtualized satellite modem operating over cloud infrastructure at Satellite 2026, which will mark a step forward in the evolution of software-defined satellite communications for defense and government use. The demonstration will feature a link with one endpoint running as a FPGA-accelerated virtualized modem on AWS cloud infrastructure, and the other endpoint using a Gilat Aquarius Pro DS modem to showcase a newly realized capability in this configuration. SATCOM Connectivity between the AWS FPGA based cloud infrastructure and the Gilat digitizer was enabled through a DIFI-compliant interface, aligned with the open architecture defined by the WAVE Consortium and leveraging AWS GenAI capabilities. This achievement demonstrates how modem capabilities can be deployed as software, independent of custom-made hardware, enabling a new level of flexibility, scalability, and long-term adaptability for defense sovereign SATCOM networks. By virtualizing modem functionality and leveraging cloud infrastructure, the demonstrated architecture will allow defense organizations to introduce new capabilities through software, adapt to changing operational requirements seamlessly running different waveforms on the same infrastructure, and reduce long-term reliance on fixed hardware configurations. The use of standardized, open interfaces supports multi-vendor interoperability and future technology integration.
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- Significant Order Value: Gilat DataPath has secured approximately $6 million in new orders to provide field and technical services for the U.S. Army over the next six months, further solidifying its market position in the defense sector.
- Contract Continuation: This order extends Gilat's multi-year support under the GTACS II contract for the U.S. Army's PEO C3N, demonstrating the company's sustained influence and trust within military communications.
- Positive Stock Reaction: Following this announcement, Gilat's shares rose by 8.80%, reflecting market optimism regarding the company's future growth potential, which may attract more investor interest.
- Deepening Strategic Collaboration: By maintaining a long-term partnership with the U.S. Army, Gilat not only enhances its competitiveness in the defense market but also lays the groundwork for potential contract expansions and technological innovations in the future.
- Technology Showcase: Gilat will present its next-generation satellite communication solutions at Satellite 2026, covering GEO, MEO, and LEO constellations, supporting mobility, enterprise, aviation, and broadband markets, demonstrating its leadership in global connectivity.
- SkyEdge IV Platform: The new multi-orbit satellite networking platform, SkyEdge IV, will showcase an end-to-end satellite link with 5G VSAT, indicating Gilat's technological strength on the evolution path to 5G NTN, which is expected to drive future market demand.
- High-Performance Terminals: Gilat's ESA terminals, such as Sidewinder and ESR-2030, are designed for high-performance mobility and IFC services, enhancing connectivity efficiency in the aviation market and meeting the needs from regional to long-haul flights.
- Digital Inclusion Solutions: Gilat's Digital Inclusion Solutions aim to extend broadband access to remote and underserved communities, reflecting the company's commitment to global connectivity, which is expected to enhance its market competitiveness.
- Significant Order Size: Gilat Satellite Networks has received a multi-million dollar order from a leading In-Flight Connectivity integrator to support the deployment of connectivity solutions on commercial aircraft, with deliveries expected over the next 24 months, indicating strong market demand for its products.
- Technological Edge: The AeroStream Ka-band Wideband amplifiers from Gilat Wavestream are certified for most commercial and business aircraft, enabling streamlined integration and accelerated fleet deployment, thereby enhancing the company's competitiveness in the aviation connectivity market.
- Deepening Market Penetration: With over 5,000 aircraft currently equipped with Gilat Wavestream's IFC products, the company continues to support large-scale, reliable connectivity deployments across the global aviation market, further solidifying its market position.
- Optimistic Industry Outlook: Gilat's aviation solutions are designed to meet the operational and certification requirements of commercial aircraft, and as the aviation industry increasingly demands efficient connectivity, the company is poised for greater market share and revenue growth in the future.
- Technology Showcase: Gilat Defense will present its advanced defense-grade connectivity technologies at Satellite 2026, featuring multi-domain and multi-orbit flexibility aimed at enhancing defense capabilities and strengthening market competitiveness.
- Product Highlights: Featured products include high-performance defense modems like the GLT 2000 SDR and SkyEdge IV DS, which provide rapid access to imagery and data, meeting urgent response needs and enhancing customer trust.
- UAV Support: The unmanned connectivity solutions showcased by Gilat will support operational links for UAVs, enhancing battlefield communication capabilities and ensuring mission success in complex environments.
- Rapid Deployment Capability: Portable and transportable terminals such as the DKET family are designed for quick deployment in contested areas, ensuring reliable communication support during critical missions.
- Significant Order Value: Gilat Satellite Networks has secured a $39 million order from a satellite operator for its electronically steered antenna (ESA) Sidewinder in-flight connectivity terminals, including both linefit and retrofit installations, with deliveries expected over the next 12 months, indicating strong demand in the aviation market.
- Growing Market Demand: Gilat's President Ron Levin noted that airlines are increasingly seeking high-performance ESA terminals to provide seamless broadband connectivity across geographies and satellite constellations, reflecting a pressing need for quality connectivity solutions in the industry.
- Positive Stock Reaction: Gilat's shares rose 3.2% in early trading, suggesting investor optimism regarding the company's order growth and market outlook, which could further enhance its performance in the upcoming quarters.
- Optimistic Future Outlook: As airlines continue to demand multi-orbit connectivity solutions, Gilat's product line and technological capabilities are positioned to strengthen its competitive edge in a crowded market, driving long-term growth potential.
- Order Growth: Gilat has secured $39 million in orders from a leading satellite operator for its electronically steered antenna (ESA) Sidewinder in-flight connectivity terminals, including both linefit and retrofit installations, with deliveries expected over the next 12 months, indicating a sustained rise in global demand for high-performance ESA solutions.
- Market Demand: The increase in orders for Sidewinder ESA terminals highlights the urgent need for airlines and service providers to meet the rapidly growing demand for high-quality in-flight broadband, further solidifying Gilat's leadership position in the expanding market for advanced connectivity solutions.
- Technical Advantages: The Sidewinder ESA terminal, with its compact architecture and exceptional efficiency, is designed to deliver a consistently high-quality connectivity experience across diverse aircraft types and flight paths, fulfilling aviation customers' requirements for flexibility and reliability in both retrofit and linefit installations.
- Industry Outlook: Gilat's product portfolio supports multi-orbit constellations and Very High Throughput Satellites (VHTS), showcasing the company's ongoing innovation and growth potential in the global satellite broadband communications market through its Commercial and Defense Divisions.







