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Inmarsat and Blackned combine to support German armed forces

27 Apr 2023

The agreement will see German firm Blackned’s software combined with Inmarsat’s satellite communications networks to provide an integrated solution for the Bundeswehr.

Inmarsat, a world leader in global, mobile satellite communications, and Blackned, whose software-based middleware allows the digitisation of land forces, have signed an agreement to provide an integrated, seamless service for government customers.

Blackned’s TacticalCORE® framework is a combination of hardware and software which allows armed forces to integrate the often-disparate communications networks used by armies, navies, and air forces. This allows military organisations to use a single, decentralised digital platform which allows faster and more reliable communications between different organisations in contested or congested combat zones.

Inmarsat’s reliable satellite connectivity will provide a critical infrastructure link to allow governments to modernise communications further and adopt innovations like artificial intelligence, machine learning, Internet of Things, or cloud computing.

Through the partnership, Blackned and Inmarsat will provide a more seamless solution, with Blackned accessing both Inmarsat’s global L-band service (ELERA) and Ka-band service (GlobalXpress). Both companies share an ethos of simplifying communication services to provide secure, reliable, and easy-to-use tools for operational teams.

Blackned and Inmarsat have already tested and proven the integration of satellite communication into the German Armed Forces’ DLBO (digitalisation of land-based operations) programme which uses Blackned’s technology.

Tests of the company’s TacticalCORE® in conjunction with Inmarsat's BGAN Patrol systems have also taken place at the European level. Following positive results, both companies are already working together on future digitisation projects to allow dynamic and operational information transmission and interoperability for the armed forces of the European Union and NATO partners.

Todd McDonell, President of Inmarsat Government, said “Fast, reliable communications can be the difference between a successful mission or an emergency evacuation for the governments we work with. This partnership means we can build on our successful trials with Blackned so far and offer a better, more efficient solution for the German government.”

By leveraging Blackned's TacticalCORE® framework and Inmarsat's satellite connectivity, governments can modernize their communication infrastructure and adopt innovative solutions to improve their capabilities,” said Ronny Simroth, Sales Director at Blackned. “The collaboration demonstrates the commitment of both companies to delivering secure, reliable, and user-friendly communication tools for operational teams."