AUSA 2026: JSOC to test new Thales multi-orbit satcom terminal

United States Joint Special Operations Command is preparing to evaluate the Thales Raider Blade portable satellite communications terminal, designed to connect through multiple orbital networks. The electronically steered Ka- and Ku-band equipment is intended to give small deployed teams access to satellites in low, medium and geostationary Earth orbit without a mechanically pointed dish. Its design supports integration of different service providers and modems, improving flexibility when one network is unavailable or unsuitable. The scheduled evaluation is a special-operations technology test, not a confirmed acquisition order or fielding decision for the entire command.