Satellite Communications

The Royal Signals are responsible for the provision of all of the Army's tactical satellite ground terminals, providing strategic and operational satellite communications for all land-based Headquarters.

SMALL SATCOM

The SMALL SATCOM capability consists of a SWE-DISH CCT-120 satellite ground terminal, owned by

 Paradigm and operated by Royal Signals personnel.

The satellite ground terminal uses the SKYNET5 network to provide an assured service to users on operations worldwide. The satellite ground terminal is reasonably lightweight, transportable within an airframe and can be set up by a single trained operator in less than 30 minutes.

It is currently in service in support of Operation HERRICK and is held with high readiness units in the UK for contingent operations.

The Reacher family of satellite ground terminals are provided as part of the PFI contract and are owned by Paradigm Services Ltd.

They are operated by Royal Signals Communication Systems Operators and Engineers.

Reacher provides the cornerstone of the satellite communications terminals for the UK MOD, delivering a range of services through robust, resilient and secure communication links. 

Reacher is available in three variants, large, medium and Royal Marine terminals.

The large and medium terminals are mounted on the Mowag Duro 3 vehicle and the Royal Marine variant is mounted on the Hagglunds BV206 vehicle providing an increased mobility capability.

Skynet 5 is a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) with Paradigm Services Ltd. owning and managing the satellites in orbit and the controlling satellite groundstations.

The Skynet 5 PFI also provides the deployable satellite ground terminals, including the Reacher and Talon.

Satellite Communication provides a capability to extend the range of in-theatre communications systems such as FALCON and Cormorant as well as providing a connection to the UK fixed communications systems.

With the diverse range of military operations and the information required in today's digital environment, Military Satellite Communications are playing an increasingly important role in providing and sharing instantaneous voice and data between land, sea and air platforms.