Viasat Wins Lockheed Martin Contract for NOAA’s Next-Gen Hurricane Hunter Aircraft

Event summary

  • Viasat secured a subcontract with Lockheed Martin to provide satellite communications for NOAA’s next-generation C-130J Hurricane Hunter aircraft.
  • The contract covers two aircraft, with options for additional units, and aims to enhance hurricane forecasting and severe weather prediction.
  • Viasat’s Hybrid SATCOM Approach (HSA) technology will enable real-time data transmission during reconnaissance missions, with aircraft expected to enter service by 2030.
  • The solution includes ARINC 791/792-compliant antenna integration, designed for future upgrades without structural rework.
  • This marks the first formal line-fit integration of Viasat’s HSA technology on the C-130J platform.

The big picture

Viasat’s selection by Lockheed Martin underscores the growing demand for resilient, high-capacity satellite communications in critical environmental and defense applications. The contract aligns with broader industry trends toward open-architecture solutions and future-proofing aircraft for evolving mission requirements. The integration of Viasat’s HSA technology on the C-130J platform could set a new standard for airborne connectivity, potentially influencing future defense and scientific research programs.

What we're watching

Technology Scalability
Whether Viasat’s HSA platform can sustain future upgrades and support evolving satellite network architectures.
Market Expansion
The pace at which Viasat can leverage this contract to secure additional defense and environmental intelligence contracts.
Competitive Positioning
How this win strengthens Viasat’s position against competitors in the government satellite communications sector.