Intelsat has clinched a significant 12-month contract with the US Space Force, ensuring global satellite connectivity for the Department of Defense’s maritime operations. This deal, which was announced as part of the US government’s growing reliance on low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite solutions, promises to provide critical bandwidth, equipment, and services to military users at sea.
The agreement is part of the US government’s broader LEO contract vehicle established in 2023, designed to streamline access to satellite services for defense operations. Under this initiative, satellite providers like Intelsat are granted the opportunity to support multiple end-users within the military.
Notably, the US government’s LEO program has grown in scope since its inception, with funding increasing from an initial $900 million to a projected $13 billion, following high demand that saw initial spending exceed $660 million. This expansion highlights the growing importance of LEO-based satellite services to national defense strategies.
David Broadbent, president of Intelsat Government Solutions, emphasized the long-standing partnership between Intelsat and the US military, noting that the company’s 60-year history as a trusted provider of resilient satellite communications is a strong foundation for the new contract.
This contract solidifies Intelsat’s role as a key player in the expanding LEO satellite market, one that continues to evolve in response to the increasing demands of modern defense and communication needs.
