Boeing and Gogo Test Satellite-Linked Drone as Starlink Alternative

Boeing's drone subsidiary Insitu and aviation connectivity provider Gogo have successfully tested a military drone using satellite communications, a development aimed at providing an alternative to SpaceX's dominant Starlink service for defense clients. The companies announced the successful integration on Tuesday, according to a report from Reuters.

A New SATCOM Capability

The test involved equipping Insitu’s Integrator drone, a mid-sized uncrewed aircraft used for military surveillance and reconnaissance, with a modified version of Gogo’s Galileo HDX antenna. This system provides the drone with high-speed, global internet connectivity by linking to Eutelsat OneWeb's low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite network.

The collaboration was led by Gogo Special Missions, the company's government and military division, and Insitu. The successful test marks a significant step in providing advanced, beyond-line-of-sight capabilities for uncrewed aerial systems.

Strategic Implications

The initiative underscores a growing effort within the defense industry and by government agencies to diversify satellite communication options and reduce reliance on Elon Musk's Starlink. A key feature of the Gogo-Insitu system is that it is not subject to U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR-free), which is expected to significantly ease exports to international military customers.

Key advantages of the new system include:

Ad

• Extended command-and-control range for drone operations.
• Faster transmission of high-resolution sensor data from the battlefield.
• An ITAR-free designation, simplifying international sales.

"Adding an ITAR-free, high-speed SATCOM option is an essential capability for our global customers," John Kelly, Insitu’s vice president of growth, said in a statement.

Market Context

The use of satellite-linked drones has become central to modern military strategy, as seen in the war in Ukraine, where long-range and resilient communications are critical. SpaceX's Starlink, and its secure government service Starshield, have become a major provider in this space and a significant revenue source for the company.

However, this has prompted concerns among some Pentagon officials and European governments about an over-dependence on a single commercial provider. The Boeing and Gogo partnership represents a direct competitive response to this market concentration. The companies have not yet provided a timeline for the deployment of their new system.