As history illustrates, innovation was critical to succeeding in armed conflicts over the past half-century. From helping put an end to World War II to deterring the Soviet Union, there is little doubt advancements in technological capabilities helped the U.S. and coalition nations win wars and avert a number of potential conflicts in recent decades.
The Department of Defense (DoD) and U.S. allies have historically been the inventors of new technology, but the trajectory of innovation taking place in today’s private sector is now opening the door to a new age of defense technology. This shift will allow the U.S. and its allies to maintain technology dominance across today’s data-driven battlespace.
Today, some well-known Silicon Valley and private-sector technology leaders are hesitating when it comes to working with the U.S. DoD and international partners to develop new capabilities for our warfighters. Others in the industry believe it is our duty to work with the U.S. government and its allies to deliver capabilities to help improve the safety of our men and women in uniform.
“As a company, Viasat believes it is our responsibility to help ensure U.S. and coalition military forces are equipped with the latest capabilities needed to deter adversaries and succeed across today’s technology-driven battlespace,” said Ken Peterman, president of Viasat’s Government Systems business. “To that end, we are hyper-focused on bringing secure, resilient and global communications anywhere — even the hardest-to-reach places like the tactical edge.”
An industry leader
Viasat is on the forefront of delivering innovative and industry-leading technology capabilities to customers across commercial, defense and government markets around the globe. Working closely with our customers to understand the “problem to be solved” in their terms and combining our deep expertise across a range of markets is key to success. Using this approach, Viasat is helping foster a new era of defense technology that helps save lives, protect the integrity of information and deliver the connectivity-driven clarity needed to maintain a tactical advantage across the battlespace.
Today, Viasat is one of the industry-leaders stepping up to help our nation and its allies maintain technological superiority and outpace adversarial nations that are also moving quickly to adopt their own commercial solutions.
“Our in-depth investment and extensive knowledge of our customers’ problems through first-hand experience allows Viasat to deliver remarkable defense products and services that some had written off as impossible,” Peterman said. “We have employees that come off the front lines of battle and work with military customers to develop new capabilities that help revolutionize modern military operations.”
Viasat often takes on new technology challenges before the government sets a requirement.
“From putting the only high-speed, secure and resilient in-flight connectivity system on MV-22 aircraft to developing the world’s first handheld Link 16 radio that is helping revolutionize close air support, we are committed to finding a better way for our warfighters,” Peterman said. “We know what men and women on the front lines need, because a lot of us have been in their situation.”
Ultimately, Peterman said the Viasat’s Government Systems team believes it’s our responsibility to work closely with military leaders, elected officials and warfighters on the ground to quickly deliver game-changing capabilities.
“Our ultimate goal is to be seen as a strategic partner to the U.S. and coalition militaries,” Peterman said. “Our technologists, experts and veteran employees are teaming up with today’s warfighters, military leaders and government officials to push the boundaries of what’s possible in defense technology. We are proud to partner with the U.S. and its allies, and we are extremely grateful to all the men and women working every day to keep our nations safe.”
