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
Security & Policing Rectangle

"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
Babcock LB Babcock LB
BAE Systems receives US Marine Corps ACVs contract

Defence

BAE Systems receives US Marine Corps ACVs contract

4 February 2026

BAE Systems has received a $195 million for the production of additional Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACVs) for the US Marine Corps.

UK-Japan partnerships advance quantum and future connectivity tech

Aerospace Defence Security Space

UK-Japan partnerships advance quantum and future connectivity tech

4 February 2026

Joint investments will advance quantum technology, boost digital connectivity and strengthen network resilience against cyber threats.

Blighter boosts stealth of e-scan radars

Defence Security

Blighter boosts stealth of e-scan radars

4 February 2026

Blighter Surveillance Systems has further boosted the stealth characteristics of its e-scan radars to better serve the growing number of developers of crewed and autonomous multisensor surveillance vehicles and platforms.

Ultra Maritime secures £40m MoD sonobuoys contract

Defence

Ultra Maritime secures £40m MoD sonobuoys contract

3 February 2026

Ultra Maritime has secured a £40 million contract from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to deliver sonobuoys for the Royal Navy’s Merlin Maritime Patrol Helicopter - significantly strengthening the UK’s undersea surveillance and deterrence posture at a time when British waters are under increasing threat from foreign actors.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Babcock and ASELSAN partner on training simulation

Defence

Babcock and ASELSAN partner on training simulation

3 February 2026

Babcock has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ASELSAN, to explore the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) requirement for a Surface Electronic Warfare Threat (SEWT) training system as part of the Next Generation Operational Training (NGOT) programme.

Defence personnel to gain greater powers to defeat drones

Defence Security

Defence personnel to gain greater powers to defeat drones

3 February 2026

The security of key military sites will be strengthened as Defence personnel will be given stronger powers to defeat drones near bases as part of new measures being introduced in the Armed Forces Bill.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Advertisement
General Atomics LB