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BAE SYSTEMS leases satcom support for British forces

05 Feb 2002

BAE Systems has been awarded a contract by the UK Defence Communications Services Agency (DCSA) for the lease of two Dagger high mobility, high capacity satellite communications systems to support British Forces' field operations.

Extending the capability of the vehicle-mounted Dagger into military X-band operation, this new programme reflects BAE Systems' capability to deliver remote terminal equipment and services to military users seeking high capacity communications solutions taking maximum advantage of SMART acquisition. This provides the front-line user with a proven product in very short timescales to support the UK's defence commitments.

It also builds upon the delivery of an earlier capability focused on the use of civil satcom frequencies in demanding environments such as the Balkans by the British Army, and by humanitarian and disaster relief agencies.

Under the contract, the Christchurch, UK-based Communications & Defence Infrastructure division of BAE Systems will lease two systems to the DCSA for use by UK Forces. It includes the option to extend availability after an initial 12-month period or for the UK Ministry of Defence to buy the systems outright at that time.

The division's expertise in the ground segment is reflected in its pivotal role in the existing British Forces' Skynet 4 system; in the supply of a wide range of fixed, mobile and transportable terminals; and in its contribution to Rosetta Global Communications' recently submitted proposal for the UK Ministry of Defence's Skynet 5 requirement.
Background note:

Dagger is a modular satellite communications system specifically tailored for rapid deployment and use in operationally challenging domains. It can be fitted to a wide range of civilian or military vehicle chassis, requires minimal manpower support and is self-sufficient in terms of power generation.

The Communications & Defence Infrastructure (CDI) division of BAE Systems C4ISR supplies tactical and strategic communications systems for all three domains, together with innovative information infrastructure and IFF systems, to support battlespace digitisation.

The division develops defence applications based on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) sub-systems and accepts development risk from customer organisations. CDI's approach features the creation of Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) with procurement specialists and user representatives, and the development of industrial alliances with other major industry centres of specialist expertise in associated fields.

Rosetta Global Communications Ltd is the joint venture established by BT, Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems to bid for, and deliver, the UK's Skynet 5 satellite communication service using the Private Finance Initiative.