VIASAT ANTENNA SYSTEMS SA

Their core work

Viasat Antenna Systems is a Swiss private company specializing in satellite communication (satcom) antenna systems and their integration into security and defense applications. They develop and supply antenna hardware and communication subsystems for remotely piloted aircraft (RPAS), border surveillance platforms, and command-and-control (C2) networks. Their work bridges the gap between satellite connectivity infrastructure and operational systems used by security forces and air traffic management, providing the communication backbone that enables unmanned platforms and multi-domain situational awareness.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early period (2015–2017), Viasat focused on core satcom infrastructure — satellite backhaul networks (SANSA), ATM communications (SAPIENT), and RPAS connectivity using GNSS and satcom (SKYOPENER). From 2017 onward, their focus shifted decisively toward security applications: border surveillance command-and-control (CAMELOT), situation awareness training (ASSISTANCE), and augmented reality for border security (ARESIBO). The trajectory shows a company that moved from building communication pipes to integrating those pipes into operational security and defense systems.

They are moving upstream from hardware supplier toward integrated security systems provider, with growing emphasis on AI-enhanced situational awareness and augmented reality for border and defense operations.

How they like to work

Viasat predominantly operates as a consortium partner (5 of 6 projects), with one coordinator role in SKYOPENER — a SESAR project on RPAS foundations. With 71 unique partners across 19 countries, they maintain a broad European network rather than relying on repeat collaborators. This profile suggests a specialist contributor that brings specific satcom and antenna capabilities to large, multi-partner security and space consortia — easy to integrate into new teams and experienced in complex multi-national projects.

Viasat has collaborated with 71 unique partners across 19 countries, indicating a wide and well-distributed European network. Their partnerships span security, space, and digital sectors with no heavy concentration in any single country cluster.

What sets them apart

Viasat Antenna Systems occupies a niche at the intersection of satellite communications hardware and security/defense system integration — a combination few European companies offer within EU research consortia. Based in Lausanne, they bring Swiss precision engineering credibility combined with hands-on experience in both civil aviation (SESAR/ATM) and security-domain projects. For consortium builders, they are a proven satcom specialist that can slot into border security, drone operations, or C2 projects with minimal onboarding.

Highlights from their portfolio

• CAMELOT
  Largest funded project (EUR 705,600) focused on advanced multi-domain C2 environment, representing the company's pivot into security systems integration.
• SKYOPENER
  Only project where Viasat served as coordinator, establishing foundations for civil RPAS use — demonstrates leadership capability in drone communications.
• ARESIBO
  Most recent thematic evolution, combining augmented reality with border security situation awareness — signals the company's future direction.