The US Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) has extended its contract with global broadband services and technology company ViaSat to provide senior leaders and their support staff with in-flight broadband and connectivity services.

According to the original DISA contract, there are two extension options. The first option was executed in June.

The extension is part of a non-competitive firm-fixed price contract, under which ViaSat is required to offer in-flight broadband and connectivity services through its global Ku-band and Ka-band communications satellite network to senior leader and VIP aircraft.

ViaSat government systems president Ken Peterman said: "Our DISA award extension validates the maturity and performance of our certified, field-proven, hybrid Ku-band/Ka-band networked satellite system.

"We anticipate DISA will execute the next option based on our ability to meet in-flight connectivity and exceed cybersecurity expectations."

"We have continued to successfully pass critical testing milestones and meet key deliverables, as stated in our agreement with DISA, which led to this extension. We anticipate DISA will execute the next option based on our ability to meet in-flight connectivity and exceed cybersecurity expectations."

The value of this contract extension is $19.2m, while the total contract is worth $73.2m.

The contract work will be primarily undertaken at ViaSat's networks operation and government care centres.

ViaSat satellite system makes use of advanced hybrid terminal technology, which allows automatic and rapid in-flight network switching across Ku-band and Ka-band satellite networks in order to provide optimised global roaming connectivity.

According to ViaSat, its service gives 'an Office in the Sky' experience as it enables in-flight broadband connection to stream full-motion high-definition video for en-route command and control (C2) missions, maintain two-way communications through HD video conference calling or voice over internet protocol calls, and access real-time intelligence and other location-based, live-sensor data required to make any critical decisions.