ViaSat is to supply satellite ground stations to BAE for a high-speed upgrade to Australian Defence Force (ADF) satellite communications.

The X-band and Ka-band satellite antenna systems are part of a network to provide the forces with enhanced access to the Australian defence wide-area network, ADF headquarters and support elements.

The network will use bandwidth capacity on the wideband global SATCOM (WGS) system in cooperation with US defence and other Australian military satellites.

The $9.4m contract order includes multiple 9m Ka-band and 16m X-band earth terminals and services.

The new systems will provide faster data throughput, increase survivability and meet the mission coverage needs of the ADF.

The new terminals will be installed at the ADF satellite ground station in Western Australia.

The systems are expected for delivery in the third quarter of 2011.