The Canadian Armed Forces has secured access to the U.S. Space Force’s narrowband satellite communications technology called Mobile User Objective System, or MUOS, under a six-year operation and sustainment contract valued at $126.2 million.
Space Systems Command and CAF conducted an initial operational capability exercise on the system in June after several demonstrations that began in late 2023.
After the United States, Canada is the first country under the Five Eyes intelligence alliance to tap MUOS for international interoperability, the command said.
MUOS as Secure Satcom
Lockheed equipped the MUOS satellites with a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access payload built to provide 10 times the communications capacity of legacy UHF satellite systems, enabling clear voice communications and high-speed video and data transfers.
The system uses UHF satellite signals and is designed for joint warfighters’ voice and data communications in challenging environments, such as heavy weather and thick foliage.
Canada’s MUOS Access Request
SSC’s Narrowband Satcom Acquisition Delta partnered with Canada’s Tactical Narrowband Satcom-Geosynchronous project office to facilitate Canadian access to MUOS.
In March, the U.S. Department of State approved Canada’s request to access the Lockheed Martin-built system. The prime contractor is General Dynamics, which provides the ground segments for MUOS.
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, MUOS will improve the North American country’s military capability and boost joint operations between the U.S. and its NATO ally and NORAD partner.