Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Defence

SDC awarded BPA by US DISA

Provider of Inmarsat aeronautical satellite connectivity services to the US Military, Department of Defense (DoD), state and local agencies, Satcom Direct Communications (SDC), has been re-awarded a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) by the US Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA).


Courtesy Satcom Direct Communications

This five-year agreement, which is a renewal of the previous BPA contract awarded to SDC in 2012, allows SDC to provide secure voice and broadband data services to support global aeronautical missions for the DoD and other federal agency bodies. The contract is also an important milestone in the military government market, as this will be the first US government procurement contract in place for Aeronautical Inmarsat GX services. The agreement has a ceiling value of $245 million over the life of the contract, which is one base year and four option years.

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle

US government users will continue to benefit from easy ordering access to quickly establish worldwide connectivity on board all Inmarsat-equipped aircraft via SDC.  As an Inmarsat Tier 1 Distribution Partner and Value-Added Reseller, SDC supplies the full range of Inmarsat L-band solutions, including SwiftBroadband, BGAN, FleetBroadband, Swift64 and Classic Aero services, as well as the new Ka-band service, Global Xpress (GX), to US government users.

SDC optimises and enhances connectivity experience with the provision of Inmarsat’s Global Xpress Ka-band high-speed broadband communications satellite network, providing seamless reliable worldwide mobile connectivity at speeds up to 15 Mbps. With the Satcom Direct Router (SDR) and SDC’s custom built value-added services, such as SkyBond channel bonding and aggregation solution, SDC also enables the fastest SwiftBroadband inflight data speeds worldwide.
 
The aeronautical services will be supported by SDC’s comprehensive terrestrial network and the Melbourne, Florida-based SD Data Center of its affiliated company, Satcom Direct, to ensure secure transmission of all U.S. DoD data-transfers from aircraft to U.S. Government specified locations. Combined, the services will ensure always-on global connectivity, even in the most geographically challenging locations.  In addition, all users will have access to the SD Pro® integrated software flight platform to monitor and manage their connectivity services and usage in real time. SD Pro delivers flight planning, scheduling, flight tracking, flight data, connectivity monitoring, and maintenance tracking via a single, simple, fast and secure access point.
 
“Satcom Direct Communications has a proven track record of serving the U.S. government with the best combination of technology solutions and support tools for all users, from individuals through to complex DoD missions. With the addition of the powerful GX service we anticipate providing a best-in-class global connectivity solution for U.S. military, diplomatic, intelligence and civilian government aviation users,” said Stefan Tilliard, Vice President of SDC.
 
SDC also provides consistent, 24/7/365, customer support which resolves service issues, and troubleshoots terminal and equipment issues, as well as “core” Inmarsat services. “We have an extensive understanding of how connectivity is used by these customers, who are often operating critical missions in extreme environments. This in-depth knowledge, expertise and our proven capability in managing requirements and exceeding expectations, even in the most difficult of circumstances, certainly contributed to SDC being awarded the BPA for a second time. This BPA further validates our capabilities, and we look forward to continuing to support DISA and our U.S. government airborne users to meet their specific mission requirements,” added Tilliard. 

Satcom Direct Communications (SDC) is a technology innovator, providing global connectivity solutions for military, government, and heads of state aircraft. SDC also supports operations in areas with connectivity limitations such as remote locations, large scale events, and disaster recovery.
 
Since 1997, SDC and its affiliate, Satcom Direct, have worked to advance the technology of connectivity, making SDC the first in the marketplace to deliver numerous advancements and capabilities. The company is an Inmarsat Distribution Partner and Value Added Reseller for Global Xpress. 
 
SDC’s headquarters and primary operations centre is Melbourne, Florida, with its international office located in Farnborough, UK.

Advertisement
ODU RT

 

Advertisement
Babcock LB
Aldershot and Farnborough to host 2026 National Armed Forces Day

Defence Events

Aldershot and Farnborough to host 2026 National Armed Forces Day

5 December 2025

Rushmoor borough has today been awarded the prestigious honour of hosting the 2026 National Armed Forces Day celebrations.

Blighter adds radar target tracker to BlighterNexus system

Defence Security

Blighter adds radar target tracker to BlighterNexus system

5 December 2025

Cambridge based Blighter has added a proprietary dynamic radar target tracker module to its integrator-friendly BlighterNexus AI-assisted multisensor connectivity & processing system.

Serco to support RCAF FAcT

Defence

Serco to support RCAF FAcT

5 December 2025

Serco has been awarded a 25-year contract by SkyAlyne to support its Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) programme for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

Babcock strengthens French defence training with L-39

Defence

Babcock strengthens French defence training with L-39

4 December 2025

Babcock France has been awarded a contract to support the French Test Pilot school (EPNER) with an L-39 aircraft – the first for its fleet.

Advertisement
Tritax 300x250
Navantia UK hosts official FSS steel cutting ceremony in Appledore

Defence

Navantia UK hosts official FSS steel cutting ceremony in Appledore

4 December 2025

The traditional steel cutting ceremony was held at Navantia UK’s Appledore shipyard in North Devon yesterday, marking a significant achievement for the FSS programme that is driving a £100 million investment across Belfast and Appledore.

British designed satellites successfully launched

Defence Security Space

British designed satellites successfully launched

3 December 2025

A cluster of British designed and built satellites has been successfully launched into low Earth orbit, providing defence, security and civil sectors with UK space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to enhance the nation’s ability to protect against modern threats.

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle