Can Smartphones Replace Specialized Military Communication Equipment?
Jul 03, 2025
AST SpaceMobile has reached another major milestone in defense communications technology after completing a full demonstration of tactical non-terrestrial network connectivity in collaboration with defense technology integrator Fairwinds Technologies. On June 26, outside the gateway facility of AST SpaceMobile in Oahu, Hawaii, the test demonstrated the military potential of direct-to-device satellite communications. This innovative field trial was the initial of a series of prototype displays intended to determine the feasibility of space-based mobile broadband supporting defense missions, and active involvement by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) confirmed the strategic significance of such a technology development.
AST SpaceMobile-Fairwinds collaborative defense technology showcase. Credit: AST SpaceMobile
The tactical demonstration involved a number of vital defense-related use cases that demonstrated the versatility and practical use of the satellite communication system. AST SpaceMobile announced that they have been able to demonstrate real-time coverage of a tactical assault kit (TAK) via a virtual private network, providing secure and stable communications channels within military operations. The test also involved multimedia streaming via TAK, as well as secure multi-party video calls, and all that was run on unmodified standard smartphones without any special equipment. This represents a major milestone in military communication because this move means that the soldiers will not have to transport extra equipment, but still, the communication remains highly secure and effective.
The partnership between AST SpaceMobile and Fairwinds Technologies has been designed in such a way that the two firms may capitalize on their respective strengths in the development of defense communication systems. AST SpaceMobile is collaborating closely with Fairwinds Technologies in order to make sure that there is proper program integration, and that there is comprehensive military tactical network support to a variety of applications of the defense. Chris Ivory, AST SpaceMobile chief commercial and government business officer, expressed that the company was proud to enable this new layer of mobile connectivity, which enables the ability to communicate directly to space and to standard smartphones without the need of specialized hardware in support of national security missions. The alliance reveals the increasing significance of commercial-military cooperation in the creation of the next-generation defense technology.
The successful demonstration follows the recent awareness and participation of AST SpaceMobile in the wider defense efforts, especially the Defense Innovation Units Hybrid Space Architecture program. In May, AST SpaceMobile was one of several companies awarded a contract to show capabilities of the Defense Innovation Unit Hybrid Space Architecture, positioning the company as a key player in developing integrated commercial and military space systems. The Defense Innovation Unit has significantly expanded the number of contractors involved in the Hybrid Space Architecture, awarding new contracts to such firms as Capella Space, EdgeCortix of Japan, Eutelsat America + OneWeb Technologies, the Fairwinds Technologies and AST SpaceMobile team, Illumina Computing Group, Lockheed Martin Space segment, MapLarge, SES Space & Defense business, Skycorp Inc., SkyFi, Ursa Space Systems, and Viasat. The aim of these contracts is to take the Hybrid Space Architecture project to an operational pilot status by 2026 with the use of both commercial and government systems to build a complete defense communication network.
The Hybrid Space Architecture program is a revolutionary way of thinking about defense communications, and the program strives to combine commercial and military space systems to create a resilient network of mesh to be able to provide data and communications straight to the war fighting troops on the tactical edge. The Defense Innovation Unit has said that in the coming year, commercial vendors, both new and current contractors, will show their skills in various command areas of responsibility, such as the U.S. Indo-Pacific, European, Central, and Southern Commands. Lt. Col. Tim Trimailo, director of the Space Systems Command Commercial Space Office, added that the partnership with the Defense Innovation Unit is rapidly integrating commercial capabilities via demonstrations and pilots of Hybrid Space Architecture, and that the aim is to rapidly expand it to a resilient, multi-orbit architecture that can meet the Department of Defense vision of seamless, uninterrupted global communications. The Defense Innovation Unit has also announced plans to activate a live hybrid network to conduct demonstrations, exercise support, and additional integration of tactics and warfighting capabilities, bringing the department one step closer to the operational, resilient, and hybrid space architecture, which will transform the military communications capability.
