Gilat Defense, AWS, SES Space & Defense and WAVE Consortium Demonstrate Virtualized SATCOM Gateway Modem Architecture at Satellite 2026
Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: GILT, TASE: GILT), a worldwide leader in satellite networking technology, solutions, and services, announced today that Gilat Defense, Amazon Web Services (AWS), SES Space and Defense and the WAVE Consortium will hold a joint demonstration of a virtualized satellite modem operating over cloud infrastructure at Satellite 2026 (March 23-26), which will mark a step forward in the evolution of software-defined satellite communications for defense and government use.
The demonstration will feature a link with one endpoint running as a FPGA-accelerated virtualized modem on AWS cloud infrastructure, and the other endpoint using a Gilat Aquarius Pro DS modem to showcase a newly realized capability in this configuration. SATCOM Connectivity between the AWS FPGA based cloud infrastructure and the Gilat digitizer was enabled through a DIFI-compliant interface, aligned with the open architecture defined by the WAVE Consortium and leveraging AWS GenAI capabilities.
This achievement demonstrates how modem capabilities can be deployed as software, independent of custom-made hardware, enabling a new level of flexibility, scalability, and long-term adaptability for defense sovereign SATCOM networks.
By virtualizing modem functionality and leveraging cloud infrastructure, the demonstrated architecture will allow defense organizations to introduce new capabilities through software, adapt to changing operational requirements seamlessly running different waveforms on the same infrastructure, and reduce long-term reliance on fixed hardware configurations. The use of standardized, open interfaces supports multi-vendor interoperability and future technology integration.
“Modern defense operations require unprecedented flexibility and freedom of choice in SATCOM architecture,” said Gilad Landsberg, President of Gilat Defense. “We are setting a new standard reflecting our innovation, agility, and deep understanding of rapidly evolving operational needs. By enabling virtualized modem capabilities that operate seamlessly across physical and cloud environments without compromising performance, we are redefining vendor flexibility for Ministries of Defense. We thank our partners for their collaboration in achieving this milestone.”
“Open architecture is at the core of the WAVE Consortium,” said Dubi Lever, CTO of Gilat Satellite Networks and Chairman of the WAVE Consortium. “This demonstration highlights how WAVE-aligned systems, built on standardized interfaces such as DIFI, utilizing FPGA technology which is of essence for the defense segment, enable interoperability across vendors and platforms and provide a strong foundation for next-generation SATCOM.”
“We are excited to support this demonstration, which showcases the open-architecture nature of virtualized SATCOM leading to a future where real-time and even automated delivery of highly adaptable and resilient services is no longer hampered by logistics or other artificial barriers to customer satisfaction,” said Michael Geist, SVP of Product & Innovation at SES Space & Defense. “Flexible, software-defined architectures are central to how defense communications will evolve, and this demonstration highlights the role collaboration plays in enabling that future.”