EMS Technologies Inc. said Sept. 21 that the U.S. Department of Defense is equipping ground operators of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Southeastern Asia with video capabilities from EMS DVB-RCS systems. The two-way, open standard terminals give the U.S. intelligence community real-time video feeds of surveillance data.

EMS’ Satellite Networks division is deploying the system through a subcontract received from Marshall Communications, a systems integration firm that is a prime contractor and DVB-RCS hub integrator for the Pentagon. The terms of the deal call for EMS to supply more than 12 satellite interactive terminals, which will be co-located with ground flight operators in Asia who control UAVs. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.