OneWeb Unveils Man-Portable LEO SATCOM Terminal for Indian Army

OneWeb has introduced a man-portable Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communication terminal designed for use by the Indian Army. The system provides field units with high-speed, low-latency communication links in locations where ground-based networks are unavailable or unreliable. The development is part of India’s ongoing efforts to expand modern satellite-based communication options for its defence forces.

The terminal has been developed through OneWeb’s Indian operations in cooperation with Eutelsat, Intellian, and domestic technology partners. Weighing around 9 kilograms, the unit is compact enough to be carried in a backpack and deployed by a single soldier. It enables troops, patrols, and forward-deployed teams to maintain communication with command centres without depending on vehicles or fixed infrastructure.

The device connects directly to OneWeb’s LEO satellite constellation, which operates at about 1,200 kilometres above Earth. Compared to traditional geostationary (GEO) satellites orbiting at 36,000 kilometres, LEO satellites provide much lower signal delay, improving the quality of voice, video, and data transmission. This allows personnel to exchange information in near real time, which is essential for situational awareness and coordination in field operations.

According to available data, the terminal supports download speeds of up to 195 Mbps and upload speeds of around 32 Mbps. Its electronically steered flat-panel antenna automatically tracks satellites, removing the need for manual adjustment. The setup process takes only a few minutes, allowing quick network establishment during operations.

The equipment is ruggedized for field conditions and built to tolerate dust, moisture, and temperature extremes. It supports encrypted communication, although specific details about security protocols are not publicly disclosed. The terminal can integrate with existing military radio and data systems, enabling voice, video, and command data to flow securely between forward units and higher headquarters.

For the Indian Army, this terminal provides an alternative to traditional line-of-sight radios and limited terrestrial networks. It can establish a broadband link in any terrain, including high-altitude areas and isolated regions. Its low power consumption allows operation using portable batteries, supporting longer missions without the need for additional infrastructure.

The system is also expected to be useful for other government agencies, including disaster response units and research teams working in remote locations. OneWeb’s partnership with Nelco, a Tata Group company, ensures compliance with Indian regulatory standards and facilitates the creation of local gateway infrastructure to handle traffic securely within the country.

This initiative reflects a broader trend within India’s defence communications strategy, which aims to blend LEO and GEO satellite systems to improve resilience and coverage. LEO networks offer faster connections and lower latency, while GEO satellites provide greater reach and redundancy. Integrating both will help the Indian military maintain stable communications during complex operations.

Once fully introduced, the OneWeb terminal will enable units in remote areas to exchange live imagery, receive updated mission data, and stay connected with central command networks. With the OneWeb constellation of 648 satellites now operational worldwide and Indian ground gateways under development, the country is moving toward stronger, independent satellite-based communication capabilities for defence and emergency use.