Indra develops new satellite communications terminal for submarines

March 31, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Defense and aerospace company Indra has completed the development and certification testing of its new satellite communications terminal for submarines, the TSUB‑40Ka.

The terminal uses the Ka band, which, unlike the traditional X band (for military use) or Ku band (for civilian use), allows the use of more compact antennas and offers higher transmission speeds, enabling broadband communications on platforms with severe space constraints, such as submarines.

The use of Ka‑band terminals also provides a significant operational advantage by combining the robustness of military standards (MIL‑STD/STANAG) with advanced connectivity capabilities, Indra noted.

The TSUB‑40Ka terminal enables submarine platforms to take advantage of the advanced capabilities of the new Ka‑band satellite systems, such as SpainSat NG, expanding secure connectivity options for governmental and military operations. These capabilities help enhance communications resilience against interference, cyberattacks and adverse conditions in the space environment.

The certification of the TSUB‑40Ka by HISDESAT to operate with the SpainSat NG system, a satellite integrating X, military Ka and UHF bands, to ensure secure, high‑capacity, sovereign‑infrastructure‑based connectivity.

With this development, Indra is responding to the growing need to incorporate higher‑bandwidth communications capabilities into demanding operational environments.