Viasat Selected by Defense Innovation Unit to Deliver Resilient Network Orchestration Software for Replicator Autonomous Systems

Rhea-AI Summary

Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) has been selected by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to provide networking capabilities for the Replicator initiative, focusing on command and control connectivity for unmanned systems. The company will deliver its Multi-Domain Uncrewed Secure Integrated Communications (MUSIC) architecture, an optimized configuration of Viasat's NetAgility software-defined networking capability.

The project, known as ORIENT (Opportunistic, Resilient & Innovative Expeditionary Network Topology), aims to enable seamless and resilient connectivity of autonomous systems using multi-transport pathways. Viasat has been developing the MUSIC solution with the Office of Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering for 18 months, recently demonstrating its application in connecting autonomous maritime systems during the Autonomous Warrior 24 exercise in Australia.

Positive

• Secured new defense contract with DIU for the Replicator initiative
• Successfully demonstrated MUSIC solution in real-world military exercise
• 18-month development partnership with OUSD R&E showing product maturity

Negative

• None.

Insights

Tech Expert

This DoD contract win for Viasat's MUSIC architecture and NetAgility software represents a strategic advancement in military autonomous systems networking. The technology's ability to enable secure mesh networks for unmanned swarms addresses a critical capability gap in modern warfare. While the immediate revenue impact isn't specified, the contract validates Viasat's position in defense communications infrastructure and could lead to broader adoption across military programs.

The successful demonstration during Autonomous Warrior 24 and alignment with AUKUS partnership initiatives suggests strong potential for international market expansion. The selection by DIU, known for accelerating commercial technology adoption in defense, indicates this solution could become a standard for autonomous system communications. The focus on resilient command and control in contested environments particularly strengthens Viasat's competitive position in the growing defense autonomy sector.

Defense Industry Analyst

The Replicator initiative represents a significant shift in U.S. defense strategy toward mass-deployed autonomous systems. Viasat's selection as a networking provider positions them at the forefront of this transformation. The MUSIC architecture's integration into DIU's ORIENT project demonstrates the company's ability to meet evolving military requirements for resilient, secure communications in contested environments.

The 18-month maturation period with OUSD R&E and successful demonstration in international exercises suggests this technology is well-positioned for rapid deployment. While contract values aren't disclosed, the strategic importance of the Replicator initiative and its alignment with broader DoD modernization efforts indicates substantial long-term revenue potential. This award could catalyze additional defense contract opportunities, particularly in autonomous systems networking.

Viasat will provide flexible, software-defined networking technology for resilient command and control of all-domain attritable autonomous (ADA2) systems

CARLSBAD, Calif., Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, today announced it was selected by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to deliver networking capability in support of the Replicator initiative by providing highly resilient command and control (C2) connectivity across unmanned systems. Replicator aims to deliver large masses of uncrewed, all-domain attritable autonomous (ADA2) systems for warfighter operations support and aligns with the overall U.S. Department of Defense effort to accelerate delivery of innovative capabilities to the warfighter at speed and scale. DIU announced vendor awards last month under two separate Commercial Solution Openings (CSO) contracts for software services and support.

Under the DIU Opportunistic, Resilient & Innovative Expeditionary Network Topology (ORIENT) project award, Viasat will provide a Multi-Domain Uncrewed Secure Integrated Communications (MUSIC) architecture with software-defined networking as the network component to enable the seamless and resilient connectivity of autonomous systems using multi-transport pathways. Specifically, MUSIC is an optimized configuration of Viasat's NetAgility software-defined networking (SDN) capability that is designed to respond to uncrewed swarm communications operational needs by enabling secure, seamless transport and network orchestration to optimize connectivity for the mission. The MUSIC mesh network overlay also enables secure information sharing and C2 among disparate autonomous systems.

"Viasat is excited to support the Defense Innovation Unit and the Replicator initiative through project ORIENT by helping advance resilience and enable collaboration across multiple autonomous systems for warfighter operations," said David Schmolke, Vice President of Viasat Mission Connections and Cybersecurity. "The coordinated use of autonomous systems offers critical operational advantages as the demands to quickly collect and share mission data grow, including executing those missions safely without putting warfighters in harm's way. MUSIC and NetAgility network orchestration is an optimal fit for addressing the network and advanced C2 requirements to enable resilient, multi-path communications through contested and denied environments."

Viasat has worked to mature the MUSIC solution in alignment with the Office of Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E) for the past 18 months as part of its Technology Readiness and Experimentation (T-REX) efforts to access promising capabilities. This past October, Viasat's team worked with OUSD R&E to demonstrate MUSIC's application in connecting autonomous maritime systems during the Autonomous Warrior 24 exercise, which took place in Australia supporting the AUKUS (United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom) partnership.

Visit Viasat's website for more information about Viasat's NetAgility and software-defined intelligent network solutions.

About Viasat
Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. With offices in 24 countries around the world, our mission shapes how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate and connect. Viasat is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, reliable, secure, affordable, fast connections to positively impact people's lives anywhere they are—on the ground, in the air or at sea, while building a sustainable future in space. In May 2023, Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the teams, technologies and resources of the two companies to create a new global communications partner. Learn more at www.viasat.com, the Viasat News Room or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X or YouTube. 

Copyright © 2024 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat, the Viasat logo and the Viasat Signal are registered in the U.S and in other countries to Viasat, Inc. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements that refer to enhanced capability development, increased interoperability and the expanded use of autonomous systems and Viasat's delivery of its Multi-Domain Uncrewed Secure Integrated Communications (MUSIC) and NetAgility software-defined network solution. Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: risks associated with the construction, launch and operation of satellites, including the effect of any anomaly, operational failure or degradation in satellite performance; changes in relationships with, or the financial condition of, key customers or suppliers; our reliance on a limited number of third parties to manufacture and supply our products; increased competition; and introduction of new technologies and other factors affecting the communications and defense industries generally. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in our SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.

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SOURCE Viasat, Inc.

FAQ

What is Viasat's role in the DIU Replicator initiative for VSAT investors?

Viasat will provide networking capability through its MUSIC architecture to enable resilient command and control connectivity across unmanned systems for the Defense Innovation Unit's Replicator initiative.

What technology is Viasat (VSAT) delivering for the DIU ORIENT project?

Viasat is delivering its Multi-Domain Uncrewed Secure Integrated Communications (MUSIC) architecture, based on their NetAgility software-defined networking capability.

How long has Viasat (VSAT) been developing the MUSIC solution?

Viasat has been developing the MUSIC solution for 18 months in collaboration with the Office of Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

Where was Viasat's MUSIC technology recently demonstrated?

Viasat demonstrated MUSIC's application in connecting autonomous maritime systems during the Autonomous Warrior 24 exercise in Australia, supporting the AUKUS partnership.