Military Space News
TECH SPACE
Gilat books multimillion order for Sidewinder inflight ESA terminals
illustration only

Gilat books multimillion order for Sidewinder inflight ESA terminals

by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Feb 08, 2026
Gilat Satellite Networks has secured a multimillion order from a major global avionics company for its Sidewinder electronically steered antenna inflight connectivity terminals designed by Gilat Stellar Blu, with deliveries scheduled over the next six months.

The new contract underscores growing momentum for the Sidewinder ESA platform as airlines and service providers look to deploy advanced inflight connectivity solutions that combine high performance with low profile, lightweight hardware.

Sidewinder ESA targets commercial, business, VIP, government, and military aviation markets, supporting high throughput satellite networks to provide reliable, high speed connectivity for passengers and crew across a wide range of aircraft types.

The electronically steered antenna uses rapid electronic beam steering to acquire and track satellites, which improves link reliability and reduces moving parts compared to mechanically steered systems, lowering maintenance demands over the life of the terminal.

The terminal is compatible with both traditional geostationary satellites and the OneWeb low Earth orbit constellation, allowing operators to leverage multi orbit inflight connectivity architectures and optimize service levels on different routes.

"Sidewinder continues to gain strong traction in the inflight connectivity market as operators and partners look for scalable, next generation antenna solutions," said Ron Levin, President of Gilat Commercial Division. "This order reinforces Gilat's leadership in IFC and our ability to deliver proven, high performance technologies for todays and future aircraft."

Gilat positions Sidewinder and its broader ESA portfolio as part of a multi orbit strategy spanning GEO and LEO systems to serve commercial and defense aviation customers that demand broadband connectivity with global reach.

The company, together with its subsidiaries including Gilat Wavestream, Gilat DataPath, and Gilat Stellar Blu, offers integrated satellite communications solutions that support very high throughput satellites, software defined satellites, and satellite on the move applications across multiple platforms.

Gilat's aviation offerings sit within a wider portfolio that includes software defined platforms and modems, high performance satellite terminals, solid state power amplifiers, block upconverters, ground systems, and related services for mobility, cellular backhaul, enterprise, government, and critical infrastructure markets.

The latest Sidewinder order adds to Gilat's recent business wins in mobility and broadband infrastructure, reinforcing its effort to capture a larger share of the inflight connectivity market as airlines refresh cabin connectivity and adopt multi orbit satellite architectures.

Related Links
Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd
Space Technology News - Applications and Research

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
TECH SPACE
AST BlueBird 6 enters orbit as record low Earth orbit cellular array
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 01, 2026
AST SpaceMobile Inc. has confirmed the successful orbital launch of its BlueBird 6 satellite, described as the largest commercial communications array deployed in low Earth orbit and designed to support space-based cellular broadband services for commercial and government users. The mission lifted off at 10:25 p.m. EST on December 23 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India, placing BlueBird 6 into orbit to begin its role within the company's planned direct-to-device network. The ... read more

TECH SPACE
Leonardo DRS infrared payloads selected for SDA Tracking Layer Tranche 3

AST SpaceMobile secures role on MDA SHIELD defense architecture

Greenland is helpful, but not vital, for US missile defense

Netanyahu says Israel won't let Iran restore ballistic missile programme

TECH SPACE
Raytheon advances next generation short range interceptor with ballistic test

Russian strikes kill 4, wound two dozen in Ukraine

Japan and US agree to expand cooperation on missiles, military drills

Russia claims Oreshnik missile hit Ukrainian aviation plant

TECH SPACE
Drone attacks on Ethiopia's restive Tigray kill one

Poland signs deals for 'Europe's most modern' anti-drone system

Energy learning algorithm boosts complex UAV swarm tasking

India accuses Pakistan of cross-border drone incursions in Kashmir

TECH SPACE
Balerion backs Northwood to tackle ground bottlenecks in expanding space economy

Aalyria spacetime platform tapped for AFRL space data network trials

W5 Technologies LEO payload extends MUOS coverage into polar and remote theaters

Eutelsat orders 340 new OneWeb LEO satellites from Airbus

TECH SPACE
Lockheed ramps up THAAD interceptor output with new framework deal and Camden facility

US to launch $12-bn critical minerals stockpile to ease China reliance

Japan, Philippines agree military resupply deal

Cyviz awarded two classified NATO defense contracts for mission critical visualization systems

TECH SPACE
Ukraine, Norway, Sweden top destinations for German arms exports

China's top general probe to 'remove obstacles' in military: state media

India budget pledges record infrastructure and defence boost

Starmer says UK should 'do more' with EU in joint defence

TECH SPACE
Dalai Lama's 'gratitude' at first Grammy win

Will Takaichi's win calm strained Japan-China ties?

Bangladesh elections test ties with India as China deepens outreach

Trump says China's Xi to visit US 'toward the end of the year'

TECH SPACE
Engineered substrates sharpen single nanoparticle plasmon spectra

Bright emission from hidden quantum states demonstrated in nanotechnology breakthrough

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2026 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.