Hughes Network Systems has signed an expanded business partnership agreement with Airbus Defence and Space, Hughes announced Tuesday.

The deal intends to serve a growing tactical military communication requirement across the globe, Hughes said in a statement.

Under the agreement, Airbus will distribute all models of the Hughes HM System, a flexible satellite networking technology engineered around its software-definable modem and scrambled code multiple access waveform.

The HM System's compact terminals operate over Airbus' Skynet X-band military communications satellite.

Hughes will also provide hardware, technology and engineering support related to the HM System.

Hughes will also offer Skynet services to U.S. government users requiring easily deployable and resilient satellite communications for tactical missions.