Satellite operators looking to service military drones

Military drones are a crucial component of military operations. These unmanned aerial vehicles are not only capable of remote sensing and surveillance applications, they help minimize human casualties because they are remotely operated. Missions previously tasked to soldiers - like armed attacks, and search and rescue operations - can be accomplished using drones. However, since UAV's are either remotely controlled or autonomous, the machines require extensive bandwidth to work. 

Commercial satellite operators are looking into this demand from the military sector to improve business. Military organizations, as much as possible, would rather rely on government-owned satellites. However, more and more drones are being developed and used, and assistance from satellite communications companies are becoming inevitable. The aerial vehicles are now relying on commercial satellite transponders to work.

Military drones in action

Companies like Intelsat General and Inmarsat are looking at supplementing the bandwidth requirements of military drones. The latter has already been supplying satellite solutions for ground-based communications of US troops in Afghanistan. However, military operations in the Middle East are wrapping up, and satellite operators are looking into servicing drones to be deployed in the US and other critical regions.

But commercial satellite operators foraying into the defense industry is not unheard of. Aside from Inmarsat, NewSat Australia has been providing satellite communications via its Perth teleport to Proactive Communications, which delivers mission critical communications for government-personnel in the Middle East.

Suffice to say, the military sector and the satellite industry are natural fit for business. 

UAV's are not only limited to military use too. Mining companies, and scientific exploration teams employ drones for mineral exploration and scientific research, especially in regions which are dangerous to piloted craft. Even the World Wide Fund for Nature is taking advantage of the powerful drones to help its global, wildlife conservation efforts.

For now, operators are intent on offering their powerful satellite and VSAT services to the military, who are more than willing to meet their increasing demand.