Gilat Secures Multimillion Order for Sidewinder ESA Terminals

Gilat Satellite Networks has secured a new multimillion-dollar contract for its Sidewinder electronically steered antenna (ESA) terminals, reinforcing the company’s growing role in the rapidly evolving in-flight connectivity market. The order was placed by an unnamed large global avionics manufacturer and will be fulfilled through Gilat’s Commercial Division, with deliveries expected to take place over the next six months.

The Sidewinder ESA terminals are designed by Gilat’s aerospace-focused subsidiary, Gilat Stellar Blu, and are engineered to support next-generation high-throughput satellite networks. As airlines and aircraft manufacturers continue to prioritize reliable, high-speed connectivity for passengers and crew, demand for advanced antenna technology has accelerated, particularly solutions that reduce operational complexity while improving performance.

According to Gilat, the Sidewinder ESA uses fully electronic beam steering rather than traditional mechanical steering systems. This approach allows for faster satellite acquisition, improved link stability, and enhanced reliability in dynamic flight conditions. By eliminating many moving parts, the ESA design also reduces long-term maintenance requirements, an increasingly important consideration for airlines seeking to lower operating costs and improve aircraft availability.

The antenna is compatible with both geostationary (GEO) satellite networks and low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations, including OneWeb. This multi-orbit capability gives operators flexibility to deploy connectivity solutions across different satellite architectures, supporting seamless coverage and future-proofing aircraft installations as networks evolve. As LEO constellations expand and hybrid GEO-LEO strategies become more common, antennas capable of operating across multiple orbits are expected to play a critical role in aviation connectivity strategies.

Industry analysts note that electronically steered antennas are becoming a key differentiator in the competitive in-flight connectivity landscape. Compared with mechanically steered systems, ESAs offer lower profile designs, reduced drag, and improved reliability, all of which align with airline priorities around fuel efficiency, passenger experience, and lifecycle costs.

For Gilat, the new order underscores growing confidence from major avionics players in its ESA technology and aerospace roadmap. While the customer has not been disclosed, the scale and timing of the contract suggest continued momentum in the commercial aviation segment, as aircraft manufacturers and connectivity providers prepare for increased demand for high-speed, low-latency inflight broadband across global fleets.

Related News: https://airguide.info/category/magazineonline/airlines/airline-in-flight-services/

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, aircraftinteriorsinternational.com