The U.S. Army is working to modernize its information-sharing capabilities through the Next-Generation Command and Control (NGC2) initiative. This program is intended to provide commanders with advanced analytics, integrated data, open architecture, and robust transport systems to support faster and more informed decision-making.
At the 2025 Association of the United States Army (AUSA) annual meeting and exposition, Viasat will present several innovations designed to enable real-time information sharing for tactical communications and decision making across the Army. The company aims to ensure that service members have access to reliable connectivity while on the move or stationary.
“Viasat’s commitment to the Army is rooted in our long heritage of fielding edge solutions designed to solve the unique connectivity challenges faced by military operations. We are proud to collaborate closely with Army leaders and soldiers to identify gaps in current systems and develop solutions that address the needs of the NGC2 initiative,” said David Schmolke, Vice President of Viasat Mission Connections and Cybersecurity.
Among the technologies being highlighted by Viasat are:
Mobile Network Terminal (MNT): Building on over two decades of Blue Force Tracking transceiver technology, Viasat’s MNT provides a modernization of command post communications for vehicles without requiring significant hardware changes. The terminal supports multiple types of network transports including LEO, GEO satellites, and Line-of-Sight connections. Its software-defined radios use mesh networking and AI/ML applications for flexible communication options. It features Qualcomm Snapdragon Mission Tactical Radio (SMTR) capability with on-device intelligence processing power up to 15 Trillion Operations Per Second (TOPS). The system allows for upgrades as mission requirements change without needing new hardware installations.
NMR-50 Router: The NetAgility Mobile Router 50 is a compact router suitable for small form factor uses such as autonomous platforms. It can serve as a backbone for communications while also providing compute and data storage capacity. Like MNT, it utilizes Qualcomm SMTR software-defined radio technology managed through Viasat’s NetAgility SDN platform, allowing adaptation between different waveforms and satellite networks as missions evolve.
Quicksilver Free Space Optical (FSO) Terminal: In response to threats from electronic warfare targeting traditional communication networks, Quicksilver offers an alternative based on free space optical communication technology. This solution delivers high-capacity data at rates up to 10 Gbps over distances up to 70 kilometers with low probability of intercept or detection due to zero radio frequency emissions. It supports rapid deployment in contested environments without spectrum licensing constraints.
These products represent part of Viasat’s broader effort to enhance tactical networking capabilities in support of future Army operations.
Representatives from Viasat will be available at booth #7415 during AUSA 2025 to discuss these technologies further with attendees.
