Satellite firm Viasat has launched an Edge-to-cloud networking overlay designed for military tactical networks.

Viasat Tactical Mission Fabric (TMF) offers a managed Infrastructure and Network-as-a-Service (IaaS/NaaS) capability promising “multipath connectivity and mesh networking combined with distributed cloud compute.”

Its NetAgility software-defined orchestration platform is said to encompass satellite communications, 5G, mobile ad-hoc network (MANET), legacy tactical radios, and existing enterprise SD-WAN solutions, helping to maintain connectivity through electronic warfare and cybersecurity attacks.

TMF establishes a backbone connecting the Edge back to enterprise networks, secure impact level-five (IL5) cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) GovCloud US, and classified (IL6) cloud environments.

"Today’s missions shouldn’t be hampered by stovepiped networks or technologies that restrict the flow of information," David Schmolke, VP of mission connections and cybersecurity at Viasat Government, noted. “TMF is built to help the Joint Force operate when communications links are disrupted or under attack – closing the gap between abundant Edge systems and the applications and cloud services needed to turn that Edge data into real-time mission decisions."

“By overlaying a secure low-latency mission fabric, we are future-proofing the warfighter’s network and operationalizing data survivability," Schmolke added. "TMF supports this with an interoperable architecture that enables cross‑domain data exchange and provides the Edge‑to‑cloud mission fabric Joint Force operations require."

Viasat is no stranger to military contracts, with its UK arm selected to provide NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) with a command post capable of supporting multinational operations.

The firm also supports a NATO program designed to provide satellite-based connectivity in response to subsea cable issues in Europe. Project Hybrid Space and Submarine Architecture to Ensure Information Security of Telecommunications (HEIST) develops tools to reroute Internet traffic from subsea cables to satellites in the event of natural disasters or sabotage. The official HEIST page namechecks Nick Saunders, Viasat’s chief cybersecurity and data officer for government systems, as an industry partner on the project.