Eclipse Joins Forces with Viasat to Offer ISR Satcom Solution

Advanced software and L-MAX leased SATCOM service combine to reduce operational costs while delivering new airborne connectivity capabilities.

Paris – 16 September 2025

Eclipse, a leading aviation connectivity solutions provider, has teamed with Viasat, Inc., a global leader in satellite communications, to create a highly adaptable Satellite Communications (SATCOM) solution for airborne Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operators. The system combines Eclipse’s innovative software solution and Viasat’s L-MAX Aero leased SATCOM service to provide enhanced connectivity capabilities, improved inflight cybersecurity, and reduced installation costs. Eclipse developed the solution, in collaboration with Viasat’s international government team, specifically for ISR aircraft equipped with the company’s connectivity systems, which utilize Viasat’s L-band SwiftBroadband (SBB) service. Available exclusively to Eclipse clients, this new system enhances the available SATCOM capabilities, enabling these operators to achieve their mission objectives more effectively.

Leveraging Eclipse’s innovative suite of Aero+ software tools to enhance ISR mission communications, the integrated solution offers a new dynamic capacity allocation capability and enables operators to share Viasat’s L-MAX leased SATCOM capacity across the ISR fleet. Moreover, users can also dynamically select the incoming data source during the mission, whether SBB, LTE microwave, L-MAX or another backup satellite service. The operator will also gain the flexibility to allocate the data pipe’s capacity to individual systems or distribute it across all the aircraft’s onboard mission systems, including video, VoIP, chat, sensors, and others.

The DO-178 qualified software provides a critical ISR-tailored tool that further secures encrypted traffic, making it indistinguishable from other aircraft communications transmissions, including full-motion video. Additionally, flight crews and command and control operations can monitor the status of the satellite and onboard networks, as well as the airborne SATCOM components.

Viasat’s L-MAX delivers wideband streaming L-band services developed precisely to address government-specific Communications-On-The-Move (COTM) requirements. The highly flexible leased service offers significantly higher throughputs without costly aircraft modifications or extended downtime, often associated with emerging Ku/Ka-band services. The upgrade to Eclipse’s L-MAX Flex capability is straightforward and requires a minimal operational pause for SBB-equipped aircraft. L-MAX offers the ability to reserve bandwidth and power over a defined geographic region for a specific duration, providing a high-bandwidth, cost-effective service that can be tailored to meet specific mission needs. The system’s adaptability, higher bandwidth and cost effectiveness make L-MAX services an attractive option for ISR operators.

Marc Pinault, CEO of Eclipse Global Connectivity, said:

“ISR platforms must manage and securely collect and emit massive amounts of data, which requires a communications system that can support this need. The opportunity to develop this solution, work closely with Viasat, and specifically address the requirements of ISR operators is incredibly gratifying. We anticipate our SwiftBroadband-equipped clients and those looking for these new capabilities will appreciate the increased bandwidth, flexibility, control and security that comes with a small additional cost.”

Todd McDonell, President of Viasat International Government, said:

“Previously, equipping ISR aircraft with enhanced SATCOM meant choosing between low-SWaP (size, weight, and power) features of SwiftBroadband and the higher throughput advantages of larger Global Xpress terminals. L-MAX bridges the gap, offering GX-type speeds over L-band-sized terminals via a secure, resilient and flexible solution. We are thrilled to collaborate with Eclipse and evolve this capability for customers. Their experience and deep understanding of the SATCOM ecosystem have been invaluable in developing this integrated L-MAX solution.”

About Eclipse

We help commercial, head of state and defense operators to maximize in-flight connectivity’s amazing potential so they can achieve their objectives. We’ve been providing comprehensive and in-flight network solutions, tailored to fit the most demanding requirements, since 1996. Our understanding of the most intricate details of today’s satellite communications systems is legendary and we are constantly monitoring the newest innovations to bring our clients solutions that fit their needs. Operators from around the world rely on us for system selection, solution design, certification and installation documentation, airtime, and in-service support. Aero+, our innovative suite of software tools, helps IT teams manage the onboard network while offering passengers and crew an unparalleled connectivity experience. Headquartered near Paris, France, our solutions are flexible, certified and maintain safety.

Visit www.eclipseglobalconnectivity.com to learn more.

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 LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, and YouTube.