US Military to get Cellphone-like Satcom Systems

The US Navy has awarded General Dynamics a contract worth $731.8 million to supply Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite communication system, which will provide voice clarity and data transmission speed similar to that of a civilian cellphone.

"On November 8, the US Navy awarded General Dynamics Mission Systems a $731.8M cost-plus-award-fee and firm-fixed-price indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity sole-source contract for the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) ground system sustainment," the company said in a statement Wednesday.

General Dynamics provides the integrated ground segments for MUOS, which will soon provide secure cellphone-like communications for warfighters on the move, the company said.

“MUOS will provide our warfighters with the ability to communicate securely, anywhere, anytime, with voice clarity and data transmission speed similar to using a civilian cellphone,” says Manny Mora, vice president and general manager for the Space and Intelligence Systems line of business at General Dynamics Mission Systems.

MUOS was recently deemed operationally effective, operationally survivable, and cyber survivable, following successful completion of its Multiservice Operational Test and Evaluation (MOT&E). This summer’s rigorous MOT&E, conducted by the US Navy’s Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force, included participation from the US Army and the US Marine Corps.

Most of the MUOS work will be completed in Scottsdale, Arizona, and completion is expected by November 2029.