Satellites Take the Lead

Whether it’s armored brigades moving through challenging environments, naval vessels operating far into the ocean, or manned and unmanned aerial platforms transmitting intelligence from hundreds of kilometers away – they all rely on one invisible lifeline: uninterrupted satellite communications. For Elbit Systems, the mission is clear – build a resilient SATCOM ecosystem that moves with the forces, withstands disruption, and delivers secure connectivity anywhere on Earth. This connectivity is managed autonomously by the end user through SATCOM ground stations that control, route, and monitor communications throughout diverse operational theaters, aiming to ensure optimal performance.

Erez, Senior Director of SATCOM Business Development at Elbit’s C4i & Cyber Division, has been immersed in this field since 1992. “When Starlink entered the scene, it sent a shockwave through the industry,” he recalls. “It reshaped how the market thought about accessibility and resilience in satellite communications. At Elbit, we strive to stay attuned to these shifts in real time – and turn them into the solutions our customers will need next.”
So what does that ecosystem look like? It spans across distinct layers, each tailored to a specific piece of the battlefield puzzle.
 

The Strategic Layer: SATCOM Earth Stations

SATCOM earth stations serve as gateways for government and defense satellite communications services. Elbit designs, installs and integrates satellite ground stations, network operations centers (NOC), antennas of various sizes and frequencies, network management systems, fiber optic infrastructure and provides on-site support.  Elbit possesses expertise in the design and integration of SATCOM ground stations and systems. As one of the leading Earth station designers and system integrators in Israel for the Ministry of Defense, Elbit has established a strong track record of delivering advanced and reliable solutions tailored to meet the demanding requirements of defense communications.

Elbit’s SATCOM network solutions provide enhanced reliability and security. Integrating ground stations, deployable antenna systems, and advanced M&C software tools, Elbit empowers users with full control, smooth resource management, and resilient connectivity even in hostile environments. “We don’t just deliver the hardware,” says Erez. “We build a network infrastructure that remains operational, even under attack”.

Deployable and Drive-Away SATCOM Systems

For rapid, secure and flexible communication capabilities in remote areas , Elbit delivers deployable terminals and vehicle-mounted drive-away antenna systems. Mounted on trailers or tactical vehicles, these solutions ensure operational continuity with real-time data transmission, robust command and control, and effective tactical operations. Designed for brigades, divisions, and battalions, Elbit’s rugged, rapidly deployable systems provide smooth, secure connectivity in varied environments. With automatic satellite acquisition and antennas from 60 cm to 4.2 m, users can establish reliable satellite links in minutes, empowering forces with enahnced connectivity. 

SATCOM On-the-Move (SOTM) Solutions

Maintaining secure connectivity while on the move is no longer optional – it’s a battlefield necessity. Elbit's ELSAT wideband SATCOM low-profile antenna systems aim to ensure that tracked and wheeled vehicles and maritime vessels remain connected, whether traversing rough terrain or navigating open seas. Operating across Ka, Ku, and X bands, these systems designed for mission-critical reliability, deliver beyond-line-of-sight real-time communications wherever the mission leads. 

“In today's and future battlefields, forces that are moving and operating in congested, dense and remote areas must be connected,” says Erez. “ELSAT systems expertly meet this essential requirement, ensuring reliable and secure SATCOM connectivity on the move, even in challenging and GPS-denied environments”.

Airborne SATCOM Solutions

Coordinating military operations across land, sea and air domains demands reliable, secure and resilient communication. Elbit advanced SATCOM systems tailored for aerial platforms like helicopters, transport aircraft and UAVs, deliver real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), command-and-control, video transmission, flight data monitoring, as well as secure audio and text communications.
Certified across multiple airframes, these systems leverage advanced tracking technologies to ensure stable satellite links, even during complex maneuvers and high-speed flight. As Erez puts it: “Air platforms cannot afford to go dark. Whether it’s an unmanned system or a helicopter operating in contested airspace, the link must be maintained.”

Manpack and On-the-Walk Soldier Systems

At the forefront of the battlefield, Elbit' E-LynX SAT Manpack and On-the-Walk terminals deliver secure and resilient satellite connectivity directly to the dismounted soldier. Integrating with ruggedized tablets and military radios, these compact and lightweight phased-array antennas for Ka/Ku bands enable secure and robust voice, video, and data transmission while on the move in contested or remote environments. “From the division commander to the dismounted soldier, the expectation today is seamless connectivity,” says Erez. “SATCOM is no longer a backup – it’s the backbone.”

The above SATCOM solutions form a unified ecosystem. Elbit integrates proprietary solutions with third-party systems, all wrapped in comprehensive network management, cybersecurity, and operational resilience – delivering a smooth, secure connectivity across land, sea, air, and space.
Erez operates at the intersection of business development and technology, identifying emerging trends, innovative technologies, and strategic opportunities. In addition to leading tenders, he connects Elbit’s global subsidiaries to business opportunities. In a national SATCOM tender in Europe, for example, he identified the opportunity and guided the local Elbit team in preparing a successful bid, resulting in a strategic win. “This represents both business opportunity and advanced technology,” he explains. 

“By leveraging our global expertise, we deliver comprehensive solutions designed to meet the needs of our customers.”

Looking ahead, Elbit is strategically positioning itself to address the emergence of multi-orbit constellations – GEO, MEO, and LEO – and the growing demand for sovereign space assets. The company's vision centers on developing robust networks designed to withstand jamming, congestion, and evolving cyber threats. As Erez concludes: “Our mission is to stay at the forefront of innovation and security. This requires autonomous and flexible architectures, comprehensive multi-band support, continuous communication and threat immunity. Above all, we are dedicated to empowering our customers with secure and uninterrupted connectivity, anywhere on Earth.”