Satellite connectivity could unlock UK drone operations at scale

Viasat is scaling up its Velaris satellite communications platform for uncrewed aviation as regulators and industry work towards making beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone operations routine in UK airspace.

On 2 November, Viasat announced a production agreement with Galaxy 1 Communications following two years of development and testing. The move is intended to support commercial deployment of Velaris, which uses Viasat’s L-band satellite network to provide connectivity for uncrewed aircraft, including logistics, medical delivery and infrastructure inspection applications.

The development comes as the UK Civil Aviation Authority targets routine BVLOS operations by 2027. Its emerging framework envisages drones eventually operating alongside conventional aircraft rather than remaining permanently segregated in dedicated airspace.

Why drones need more than mobile connectivity

For many operations, terrestrial mobile networks are likely to remain the primary communications link. But coverage becomes less reliable over remote areas, offshore infrastructure and other locations where drones may offer their greatest benefits.

Satellite connectivity can provide an additional layer.

“If a drone loses its link, it becomes a safety risk, which is why satellites provide a vital bridge in these scenarios,” Joel Klooster, SVP aircraft operations and safety at Viasat, told ADS Advance.

He also warned against relying solely on GPS, which can be jammed or spoofed. Combining satellite and terrestrial services could provide greater resilience for aircraft operating over longer distances.

That need is increasingly reflected in UK regulation. Ofcom says BVLOS operations may require back-up spectrum where mobile coverage is unavailable and has proposed opening two additional frequency bands for drone control links while longer-term arrangements are developed.

The challenge is not simply technical, however. UAVTEK director Jenna Copley told ADS Advance that a typical mission can generate around 30GB of data, meaning connectivity costs become significant once operations move to fleet scale.

Viasat’s latest move towards commercial delivery reflects an industry beginning to build the infrastructure around that problem. Its Velaris ecosystem combines satellite connectivity with operational services and partner platforms rather than treating the communications link as a standalone product.

For the UK, the opportunity is substantial. Medical deliveries, offshore surveillance, emergency response and infrastructure inspection all become more viable if aircraft can operate safely far beyond the pilot’s sight.

But scaling those operations will depend on communications that remain available when the mobile network does not.

Read the full Space to fly investigation in the Autumn 2026 edition of ADS Advance.