Datalinks, Uncrewed Networks and SATCOM

Datalinks, Uncrewed Networks and SATCOM

Edition period: 2–9 November 2026

This edition centres on networked effects: an in-flight weapons datalink demonstration, resilient communications for uncrewed platforms, naval C2 architecture and passive RF sensing. Two NCIA notices provide procurement planning leads, while a future-wireless research programme and EUDIS accelerator call offer longer-term technology and funding context. Recorded deadlines and opportunity status should be confirmed before action because the supplied material was not independently checked against live websites.

Decision Brief

Lockheed Martin’s redirection of an in-flight GMLRS rocket is the clearest operational integration development: Strigo and RIG-360 delivered updated target information after launch, and the rocket reportedly struck a moving target. Other selected developments emphasise secure information exchange, emissions control and communications resilience under electronic-warfare or navigation-denied conditions.

For procurement teams, the supplied NCIA metadata records 20 November and 3 December 2026 closing dates. Suggested preparation includes checking current notice status, deadline time zones, eligibility, security conditions and submission procedures. EUDIS applicants face a separate material uncertainty: two supplied versions give different November deadlines.

Procurement Notices

NATO satellite ground-station support

NCIA metadata for IFB-CO-115686-SGSCLS describes contractor logistics support for NATO satellite ground stations, with an estimated value of €6.5 million. It records solicitation release on 29 October 2026, closing on 3 December 2026 and a contract-award milestone of 1 March 2027. These are notice milestones rather than confirmed outcomes; the supplied record does not establish who may bid or how submissions must be made. [1 · www.ncia.nato.int]

Capability-development toolchain demonstrations

A second NCIA record, reference 192619, 1, concerns pilot toolchain-environment demonstrations for NATO capability development. It lists an estimated value of €160,000, solicitation release on 27 October and closing on 20 November 2026. The compact metadata does not describe the demonstration requirements, participation conditions or submission route, so interested teams should treat it as a verification and preparation lead. [2 · www.ncia.nato.int]

Link 16, Link 22 & Interoperability

In-flight targeting data updated

At White Sands Missile Range, Lockheed Martin demonstrated a GMLRS rocket receiving revised targeting information after launch through its Strigo datalink and RIG-360 system. The rocket reportedly struck and destroyed a moving target. Lockheed said the internally funded test used an existing missile without significant modification and identified possible future application to other precision weapons; those extensions remain prospective. [3 · thedefensepost.com]

Resilient networking for uncrewed platforms

Red Cat and Sine Engineering agreed to integrate communications, GPS-independent positioning and networking across aerial drones and uncrewed surface vessels. The systems are intended to maintain control, video and data transmission where electronic warfare disrupts communications or satellite navigation. Red Cat reported that initial integration and testing were underway, beginning with Blue Ops maritime platforms and supporting infrastructure; broader connected operations involving drones, vessels, buoys and beacons remain planned testing. [4 · thedefensepost.com]

Data-centric naval combat management

Saab’s updated 9LV architecture combines sensors, weapons, combat management and C2 functions to support a shared operational picture. The reported design uses a standardised information model and zero-trust cybersecurity to move information between systems and platforms. The supplied report describes the architecture but does not establish adoption by a particular customer or fleet. [5 · thedefensepost.com]

Passive RF sensing enters Skymaster integration

Rheinmetall agreed with Motorola Solutions’ Silvus Technologies unit to integrate RFeye passive sensors into Skynex through the Skymaster C2 platform. The sensors are intended to detect and geolocate RF-emitting aerial threats without transmitting, complementing radar while supporting emissions control and a recognised electromagnetic picture. The evidence describes an integration agreement, not completed deployment. [6 · thedefensepost.com]

Defence Funding & SME Access

EUDIS Cohort 4 applications

The later supplied EUDIS page states that Cohort 4 will recruit 20 companies for an eight-month accelerator beginning in early March 2027. It describes five technical and business bootcamps, coaching and investor engagement, with a €120,000 seed-financing voucher for each selected company completing the programme. It identifies defence-focused start-ups and scale-ups from EU Member States and EDF-associated countries, including Ukraine, and gives 20 November 2026 as the application deadline. A competing supplied version gives 16 November, so the authoritative deadline and current status require confirmation. [7 · eudis-business-accelerator.eu]

Programme, Award & Market Updates

Integrated sensing and communications research

The National Spectrum Consortium and the FutureG Office announced eleven RAPID programme awards totalling more than $50 million. The awards support software-defined prototypes for integrated sensing and communications, intended to move emerging 6G concepts toward military and commercial demonstrations. The named teams combine companies and universities, indicating a broad prototyping effort rather than fielded capability. [8 · militaryembedded.com]

Source notes

The supplied NCIA records contain compact opportunity metadata rather than full solicitation terms, so bidder eligibility, security requirements, submission procedures and deadline time zones were not available for assessment. Further details may be available on the respective linked original websites. [1 · www.ncia.nato.int] [2 · www.ncia.nato.int]

Two supplied versions of the same EUDIS Cohort 4 page give conflicting application deadlines of 16 November and 20 November 2026. This edition uses the later supplied version's 20 November date, but the authoritative deadline and current application status should be confirmed before acting; further details may be available on the linked original website. [7 · eudis-business-accelerator.eu]