Indra completes TSUB-40Ka submarine satellite communications system

Indra TSUB-40Ka: submarine satellite communications

Spanish company Indra has taken a further step in the development and certification of its new satellite communications system for submarines by completing the TSUB-40Ka. Designed to enhance the operational capability of these platforms, the terminal has completed its development and testing programme. It provides broadband communications through Ka-band satellite technology while meeting the space constraints inherent to submarine operations.

The TSUB-40Ka uses military Ka band, which delivers higher transmission speeds and more compact antennas than the military X band or civilian Ku band. This makes it easier to integrate advanced connectivity capabilities into modern submarines, enabling data to be transmitted at speeds above one megabit per second and extending communications options for government and military operations.

Military Ka band and operational resilience

Ka band also offers important operational benefits by combining the robustness of MIL-STD/STANAG military standards with high-capacity performance. This combination represents a significant improvement in the management of critical information in environments requiring high availability and security, helping to make naval operations more efficient.

HISDESAT has certified the TSUB-40Ka to operate with the SpainSat NG system, which incorporates X band, military Ka band and UHF. This certification ensures that the terminal will operate through a sovereign satellite communications infrastructure. It provides a secure, high-capacity link ready to address the strategic challenges of the coming decade, in line with the needs of submarine platforms requiring greater bandwidth.

Compatibility with SpainSat NG enables the terminal to make full use of the advanced capabilities of this new satellite generation. The infrastructure delivers communications that are more resilient to interference, cyber-attacks and adverse conditions in the space environment, reinforcing operational continuity during critical missions.

Expanded connectivity for naval operations

With this development, Indra addresses the growing requirement for improved connectivity in demanding operational settings, where the real-time transmission of information has become essential. The TSUB-40Ka gives navies greater freedom of action by equipping them with more robust, higher-capacity links suited to multidomain scenarios requiring interoperability between units and systems.

Indra has an established presence in the naval sector as a technology partner to international shipyards and a supplier of advanced systems. Its solutions include electronic warfare, radars, communications and sensors, alongside emerging technologies related to the combat cloud and seabed protection. This track record strengthens its position as a key provider of next-generation naval capabilities and systems intended to increase connectivity in maritime operations.

Illustrative images of a Spanish Navy S-80 submarine.