Kratos to Acquire Israel’s Orbit for Satellite Communications

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has announced plans to acquire Israel-based Orbit Technologies for $356.3 million, aiming to strengthen its footprint in satellite-based communications for unmanned and military systems.

The acquisition, expected to close by March 2026, will fold Orbit into Kratos’ Microwave Electronics Division, headquartered in Jerusalem.

Orbit specializes in mission-critical satellite communications hardware and systems for mobile, unmanned aerial, seaborne, undersea, and land platforms. Its customers span Israel, the US, Europe, India, and the Pacific region.

Kratos executives highlighted the strategic rationale: combining its microwave technologies with Orbit’s satellite communications capabilities would enhance offerings for both established defense contractors and emerging unmanned systems companies.

Orbit CEO Daniel Eshchar called the acquisition a milestone for the company, noting it would help expand business operations and strengthen its position in the US defense market.

Satellite-Based Comms for Unmanned Systems

Unmanned systems increasingly rely on satellite communications (SATCOM) for real-time control, navigation, and data transmission, particularly when operating beyond line-of-sight. 

Drones, autonomous vessels, and remotely operated ground vehicles all depend on reliable, high-bandwidth satellite links to maintain operational awareness and mission flexibility.

Beyond Orbit, other examples illustrate the critical role of SATCOM. The US Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray unmanned refueling aircraft uses satellite links for beyond-line-of-sight control. 

The MQ-9 Reaper drone relies on MILSATCOM for real-time intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance feeds, and autonomous surface vessels such as DARPA’s Sea Hunter prototype transmit navigation and sensor data via satellite networks. 

Additionally, satellite-enabled ground vehicles, like the US Army’s Robotic Combat Vehicle, depend on SATCOM to receive remote commands and share battlefield data securely with command units.