Viasat calls for assured spectrum access and resilient SATCOM at DefSat 2026
New Delhi, February 25. Emphasising the critical role of assured spectrum access and resilient satellite communications in national security and economic stability, Ben Palmer, President of Viasat Commercial, addressed the opening plenary of DefSat 2026 in the capital on February 24.
DefSat 2026, being held at the Manekshaw Centre, is among India’s leading defence space dialogue platforms, bringing together senior military leaders, policymakers, technology partners and industry representatives to discuss the future of space-enabled security.
In his address, Palmer stressed the need for guaranteed connectivity through alternate orbits and radio frequency bands to ensure uninterrupted government communications. He said Viasat is developing solutions that enhance cyber and electronic warfare resilience while enabling access to diverse spectrum resources. Referring to the integration of Inmarsat with Viasat, Palmer described the partnership as a step towards building global capabilities and expressed interest in expanding collaboration with Indian stakeholders, particularly through its partnership with BSNL, to support India’s national security and economic objectives.
Highlighting the expanding role of uncrewed platforms in modern warfare, Palmer cited lessons from the conflict in Ukraine, noting that such systems allow militaries to achieve strategic outcomes without endangering personnel. He said Viasat is focused on developing compact terminals capable of delivering beyond line-of-sight connectivity for small tactical platforms operating across land, sea and air domains. He also underscored the company’s work on satellite direct-to-device (D2D) technology to enhance communication capabilities for smaller uncrewed systems.
Palmer described space-based infrastructure as foundational to both national security and economic growth. He noted that satellite communications support a wide range of services, including early warning, weather forecasting, navigation, scientific missions and global connectivity, warning that without assured and resilient global SATCOM networks, modern societies would struggle to function.
Commenting on India’s strategic posture, he said the country’s approach to strengthening space sovereignty reflects long-term planning. He observed that India’s policies go beyond domestic manufacturing initiatives and extend to safeguarding operational freedom and promoting a balanced, rules-based approach in international forums to prevent market dominance from limiting choice.
Palmer also highlighted Inmarsat’s longstanding engagement in India, noting that the company employs hundreds in the country and supports maritime and aviation safety through satellite services. In the defence sector, he said the provision of handheld satellite phones and high-capacity Ka-band services – delivered in partnership with BSNL and supported by local infrastructure – contributes to sovereign communications capabilities essential for operational and tactical mission effectiveness.
