Boeing, Gogo test satellite-linked military drone to rival Starlink

Gogo: Gogo provides in-flight connectivity and Wi-Fi services for aviation, with a dedicated Special Missions division serving military and government clients. The company supplies satellite communication hardware such as the Galileo HDX antenna. Here, Gogo integrated its antenna technology onto Insitu's Integrator drone for high-speed global connectivity via Eutelsat OneWeb. Boeing: Boeing is a major aerospace and defense company that develops aircraft, spacecraft, and unmanned systems. Through its Insitu subsidiary, Boeing produces military drones for surveillance and reconnaissance. In this news, Boeing's Insitu unit partnered with Gogo to test satellite communications on the Integrator drone as an alternative to Starlink. Insitu: Insitu is a Boeing subsidiary specializing in small and mid-sized unmanned aircraft systems used primarily for military surveillance and reconnaissance. The company focuses on extending drone operational range through advanced communications. In the reported test, Insitu modified its Integrator drone with Gogo's antenna to enable satellite-linked operations. John Kelly: John Kelly serves as vice president of growth at Insitu, overseeing strategic development for the company's drone products. He commented on the test results, highlighting the value of an ITAR-free high-speed SATCOM option for global military customers. Drone Warfare Trends: Drone warfare has become central to military strategy following its widespread use in conflicts including Russia's war in Ukraine and operations across the Middle East. Export Considerations: Development of ITAR-free satellite communication systems for drones aims to improve export appeal to international military customers. Satellite Alternatives: European governments and some U.S. defense officials have expressed concerns about over-reliance on Starlink, prompting interest in competing satellite networks for military drones.