Irish C295 MPAs fitted with Viasat SATCOM terminals
Ireland has two C295s with a third on the way. (Photo: Irish DoD)
The terminals enable secure, reliable satellite connectivity and support a range of command, control and communication needs for the C295 aircraft, which have roles in maritime patrol, tactical transport, special operations and medical evacuation.
Irish Army Air Corps (IAC) Airbus Military C295 maritime patrol aircraft have been fitted with Viasat’s GAT-5530 Ku- and Ka-band broadband satellite communication terminals.
The two aircraft were delivered earlier this year have a secondary role as tactical transport. A third aircraft in cargo and troop transport, special operations and medical evacuation configuration is planned for delivery this year.
This integration of the terminal will enable greater capability through secure, reliable satellite connectivity and enhance support for a range of command, control and communication mission needs – from tactical transport of troops and supplies to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
The GAT-5530 terminal supports the entire ITU Ku- and Ka-bands, which includes 3.5GHz of commercial and military Ka-band.
This system is designed to offer greater operational flexibility for military customers as they seek increased resilience with multi-frequency (Ku/Mil-Ka/Commercial-Ka), multi-orbit (GEO, MEO, LEO, HEO), multi-network communications architectures.
Viasat has also contracted with the IAC to provide a managed SATCOM service across multiple aircraft.
This managed service will provide SATCOM services to the C295 MPA’s, as well as a small fleet of PC-12 special mission aircraft and will include access to Viasat’s Ku- and Ka-band networks for near-global service coverage.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Ukraine’s fighter fleet boosted with France’s Mirage 2000s and extra Netherlands’ F-16s]()
Ukraine’s fighter fleet boosted with France’s Mirage 2000s and extra Netherlands’ F-16s
The first Dassault Mirage 2000 aircraft have finally been delivered to Ukraine, as confirmed by France’s defence minister on 6 February. They will join the F-16s already in service to bolster Ukrainian air defence.
-
![Indian defence budget boosted by 9% as MoD heralds a “year of reforms”]()
Indian defence budget boosted by 9% as MoD heralds a “year of reforms”
This new budget announcement, which has an increased focus on domestic procurement, comes as international countries arrive ahead of Aero India 2025.
-
![Sikorsky advances Black Hawk modernisation with new engine ground tests]()
Sikorsky advances Black Hawk modernisation with new engine ground tests
The UH-60 helicopter ground run test of the T901 engine is the first in a set of tests for boosting the helicopter’s range and lift capacity. The first flight of the improved engine Black Hawk is anticipated for later in 2025.
-
![Third Australian Triton UAS completes testing]()
Third Australian Triton UAS completes testing
Australia received its first MQ-4C Triton uncrewed aerial system (UAS) in August last year with another two expected to be delivered this year.
-
![USAF conducts first F-16 Block 70 flight of L3Harris’ Viper Shield]()
USAF conducts first F-16 Block 70 flight of L3Harris’ Viper Shield
The Viper Shield electronic warfare suite was tested by the US Air Force’s 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, with L3Harris aiming for deliveries of the system to international customers by late 2025.
