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
Security & Policing 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
Babcock LB Babcock LB
UK defence digital medical records to integrate with NHS

Defence

UK defence digital medical records to integrate with NHS

23 January 2026

Military records are to be digitised and integrated with the NHS for the first time, in a move which will boost recruitment, improve deployability and transform the experience for recruits and service leavers.

New MD Lyneham facilities to benefit UK armed forces personnel

Defence

New MD Lyneham facilities to benefit UK armed forces personnel

23 January 2026

British Armed forces personnel will benefit from state-of-the-art technical training facilities and new accommodation blocks at MD Lyneham.

BAE Systems awarded MoD contract for RAF Typhoon advanced radar

Defence

BAE Systems awarded MoD contract for RAF Typhoon advanced radar

23 January 2026

The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded BAE Systems a contract worth £453.5 million for the full production of a new advanced radar for the Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon aircraft.

GM Defense establishes UK entity

Defence

GM Defense establishes UK entity

23 January 2026

GM Defense has launched GM Defense UK, creating a dedicated presence to support UK defence, operating from GM’s sites in Leamington Spa and Silverstone.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
NP Aerospace and ITEN Defense form strategic partnership

Defence

NP Aerospace and ITEN Defense form strategic partnership

23 January 2026

NP Aerospace has formed a strategic partnership with ITEN Defense, a US-based specialist in opaque and transparent armour technologies.

Babcock announces CEO retirement and succession

Defence

Babcock announces CEO retirement and succession

23 January 2026

Babcock International Group plc today announced the decision of David Lockwood, Group Chief Executive, to retire by the end of this calendar year and the Board has chosen Harry Holt, the current CEO of Babcock's Nuclear sector, as his successor.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB