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
PTC rectangle

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
Gulfstream banner
BAE Systems partners with Scale AI on agentic AI for defence

Defence

BAE Systems partners with Scale AI on agentic AI for defence

27 March 2026

BAE Systems and Scale AI have announced a strategic relationship agreement to accelerate the development and fielding of advanced artificial intelligence capabilities in support of the US Department of War’s (DoW) high-stakes mission environments and operational platforms.

Getac launches CommandCore

Defence Security

Getac launches CommandCore

27 March 2026

Getac has announced the launch of its CommandCore rugged drone control solution.

DE&S awards five providers nine contracts to support 3,000 military and police boats

Defence Security

DE&S awards five providers nine contracts to support 3,000 military and police boats

27 March 2026

Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), part of the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) National Armaments Director Group, has awarded £283.5 million worth of contracts to maintain and support approximately 3,000 boats across the UK Armed Forces and MoD Police, creating and safeguarding over 100 skilled jobs across England, Scotland and Wales.

JFD appoints Adrian Capner as Managing Director in Australia

Defence

JFD appoints Adrian Capner as Managing Director in Australia

27 March 2026

JFD Global has appointed Adrian Capner as its new Managing Director of JFD Australia, who will take up his new role on 1st April 2026.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Military medics trial AI for the battlefield

Defence

Military medics trial AI for the battlefield

26 March 2026

Scientists from the UK and the US have tested and explored what it would take for medics to delegate high-stakes decisions to AI on the battlefield.

UK and US seek solutions to counter underwater drone threat

Defence

UK and US seek solutions to counter underwater drone threat

26 March 2026

The US Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is seeking technology to counter unmanned underwater vehicle threats, for which UK companies can apply, with solutions assessed by jHub, for potential UK defence use.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner