Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Isotropic Systems awarded US DIU antenna development contract

Defence

Isotropic Systems awarded US DIU antenna development contract

Reading based developer of transformational broadband terminal technologies, Isotropic Systems, today announced an antenna evaluation and development contract with the US Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to test the ability of its patented multi-beam antennas to unlock high-powered bandwidth aboard next-gen Naval vessels at sea.

Above: US Navy vessels.
Images courtesy Isotropic Systems

As the US Navy expands the size and communications capabilities of its global fleet, the DIU is reviewing Isotropic Systems' patented beamforming antenna technologies and circuits as an enabler to fuse multi-band, multi-orbit commercial and military capacity to deliver intelligence data at the tactical edge over a single platform.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The collaboration contract is focused on the delivery of a low-profile, high performance, affordable and customisable antenna to support multiple links over multiple bands of satellite capacity, including S-, C-, Ka-, Ku-, X-, and Q-band connectivity, to open up a new world of real-time government communications and connectivity.

DIU will prototype and analyse the performance of Isotropic Systems' resilient optical beamforming terminals during an extensive series of environmental and interference chamber tests throughout 2020. Teams will measure the impact of harsh elements, such as intense winds, salt water, and electromagnetic interference (EMI), in preparation for installations aboard new-age Navy ships.

Isotropic Systems' high-performance terminal features optical lens modules that are conformal to the limited real estate aboard Navy ships, providing an antenna design that delivers seamless make-before-break switching between satellites in multiple orbits, and continuous connectivity during turbulent pitch-and-roll conditions facing vessels traversing rough seas.

Advertisement
ODU RT

"Isotropic Systems has cracked the code for a new age of seamless and secure connectivity and communications in some of the most challenging conditions facing government agencies and military operations around the globe," said John Finney, CEO and Founder of Isotropic Systems. "This important effort is potentially a major milestone that will ultimately lead to ultra-high-speed data delivery and real-time national security advantages that come with integrated government networks.

"We will enable the Navy, and other government forces and agencies, to arbitrage all the capacity it needs from across low-Earth, geosynchronous- equatorial and medium-earth orbit constellations over a single multi-beam platform."

DIU collaborative terminal reviews with Isotropic Systems will begin in the lab and may ultimately lead to milestone evaluations aboard US Navy ships.

 

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
MGI Engineering expands into Italy with Vigilar Group

Aerospace Defence Security

MGI Engineering expands into Italy with Vigilar Group

5 June 2026

Oxfordshire based MGI Engineering has entered into a strategic partnership with Vigilar Group, marking MGI’s expansion into Italy and a significant new phase of growth across Europe.

Janes awarded £17.5m Enterprise Agreement Lite by UK MoD

Defence

Janes awarded £17.5m Enterprise Agreement Lite by UK MoD

5 June 2026

Janes has been awarded a three-year Enterprise Agreement Lite (EAL), valued at up to £17.5 million, by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), to provide comprehensive, unclassified and up-to-date technical intelligence on military equipment across air, sea, land and space domains.

Farnborough International Airshow reveals first wave of 2026 flying display

Aerospace Defence Events

Farnborough International Airshow reveals first wave of 2026 flying display

4 June 2026

Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) has announced the first of many aircraft and teams taking part in its 2026 flying display, which is set to be its largest and most diverse in decades.

UTAC Special Vehicles produces 1,000th armoured vehicle

Defence Security

UTAC Special Vehicles produces 1,000th armoured vehicle

4 June 2026

UTAC Special Vehicles has reached the milestone of producing its 1,000th armoured vehicle at the division’s headquarters at Millbrook, Bedfordshire, UK.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advanced underwater tech to be developed for AUKUS forces

Defence

Advanced underwater tech to be developed for AUKUS forces

3 June 2026

Pioneering technologies deployed from uncrewed underwater vessels were announced by AUKUS Defence Ministers at a meeting in Singapore last weekend. which pushed forward progress in the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the UK and US.

DSEI Germany adds fourth exhibition hall

Defence Security Space Events

DSEI Germany adds fourth exhibition hall

3 June 2026

The organisers of DSEI Germany have announced that, due to unprecedented industry demand, they will be opening a fourth exhibition hall ahead of its debut in March 2027.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB