ViaSat acquisition boosts its secure networks portfolio

ViaSat, a global communications company that has contracts with the Department of Defense, announced its acquisition of Horsebridge Defence and Security, a UK-based firm focused on design, system integration and support of deployable secure networks.

ViaSat said that the acquisition will give the California-founded company greater military communications integration expertise and access to the UK defense market through the relationships Horsebridge Defence and Security has with the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) and UK Armed Forces.

“By acquiring Horsebridge Defence and Security, we hope to accelerate the trajectory of our ability to support UK defence operations,” said Ken Peterman, president of government systems at ViaSat.

“By combining our strengths with the deep domain expertise of the Horsebridge Defence and Security team, we intent to reliably extend commercial, military or emergency service networks to the tactical mobile edge.”

The financial details of the deal will not be disclosed, ViaSat said. However, the company does not expect the transaction to materially affect its non-GAAP (adjusted) earnings for the 2019 fiscal year.

ViaSat’s Defense Department contracts include a $13.7 million Defense Information Systems Agency contract in 2017 to provide ground transceivers and a $33.3 million Air Force contract for anti-jam satellite technology.

More In C2/Comms

US Air Force stages dogfights with AI-flown fighter jet

The Air Force hopes that teaching AI to dogfight -- perhaps the hardest flying style to master -- will make it easier to autonomously fly other missions.

Resolving the disconnect between industry and the DOD’s space strategy

The Commercial Space Integration Strategy seeks to ensure commercial solutions are available when and where needed, in peacetime and during conflicts.

From customer to sanctioned ‘proliferator,’ drones extend Iran’s reach

Iranian contractors and government officials have picked up on market demand, frequenting arms expos and other events in Russia, Iraq, Qatar and more.

Ukraine, allies scour the world for coveted air defense systems

The lack of air defenses could mark a turning point in Ukraine's defense against the Russian invasion, Ukrainian officials have said.

US Army aims to complete multidomain task force structure by FY28

The service is planning to station its 5th Multidomain Task Force at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, and will complete formation all five MDTF units by FY28.