ViaSat Ka-band gateway. Photo: ViaSat

Viasat has announced a Strategic Alliance Agreement (SAA) signed with Blacktree Technology, an Australian-based communications systems design and integration company, in November 2019. The companies say the agreement will help them meet the needs of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), by providing in-country manufacturing and support services for Ultra High Frequency (UHF) satellite communications systems.

Viasat is working to assure global 25-kHz Demand-Assigned Multiple-Access and next-generation Integrated Waveform (IW) networks and services, enabled by its Visual Integrated Satellite communications Information, Operation and Networking (VISION) software platform continue to meet military mission requirements. In addition, in 2021, Viasat plans to launch a global ViaSat-3 constellation of high-capacity communications satellites. Separately, Blacktree is developing a range of products including high-gain UHF helical antennas, static and remote-control pedestal systems, filters and diplexers, High Power Amplifiers (HPAs), Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs), and Radio Frequency (RF) management components. 

“Our agreement with Blacktree will play a critical role in supporting and expanding UHF support and maintenance resources in Australia, and will provide opportunities to investigate export of UHF products and services to Five Eyes and coalition UHF military satcom user nations,” said Colin Cooper, general manager of Government Systems for Viasat Australia.