Gilat Signs a $40 Million Contract for Virtualized SkyEdge IV Platform

Rhea-AI Summary

Gilat Satellite Networks has secured a significant $40 million contract for its virtualized SkyEdge IV platform, with delivery expected over 24 months. The platform features cloud-native architecture and 5G-NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) readiness, representing a major advancement in satellite ground network technology. The SkyEdge IV platform is designed to be deployed on standard cloud-based infrastructure, offering multi-service capabilities and utilizing the DIFI digital interface open standard. This development enables satellite operators and service providers to accelerate the deployment of multi-orbit next-generation services with enhanced adaptability, scalability, and efficiency. The platform's evolution towards 5G NTN aims to provide standard ubiquitous connectivity across terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks while creating new revenue opportunities.

Positive

• Secured substantial $40 million contract for SkyEdge IV platform
• Platform's cloud-native architecture enables deployment on standard cloud infrastructure, reducing costs
• 5G-NTN readiness positions Gilat for future market opportunities
• Implementation of DIFI open standard supports multi-vendor ecosystem integration

Negative

• Extended 24-month delivery timeline may delay revenue recognition
• Significant R&D investment required for 5G-NTN development

Insights

Satellite Telecommunications Analyst

Gilat's $40M virtualized platform contract signals major shift toward cloud-based satellite infrastructure and future 5G integration.

The $40 million contract for Gilat's virtualized SkyEdge IV platform represents a substantial win, delivering material revenue over the next 24 months. This validates Gilat's strategic investment in cloud-native architecture for satellite ground segments—a fundamental technological shift in an industry historically dominated by proprietary hardware solutions.

The virtualization approach enables satellite operators to deploy the platform on standard cloud infrastructure, which typically accelerates service deployment while reducing capital expenditure requirements. By embracing the DIFI digital interface open standard, Gilat positions its technology within the broader industry movement toward interoperability and multi-vendor ecosystems—a critical evolution as the satellite sector matures.

The platform's readiness for 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) addresses the accelerating convergence between satellite and terrestrial communications. This standards-based approach will enable satellite operators to integrate more seamlessly with global telecommunications infrastructure, potentially unlocking new service opportunities beyond traditional satellite applications.

For operators deploying next-generation software-defined satellites, this evolved ground segment architecture provides the flexibility needed to maximize spacecraft capabilities across multiple orbits. The multi-service capabilities suggest applications spanning enterprise connectivity, mobility, cellular backhaul, and consumer broadband segments.

The contract also indicates Gilat's acceleration of R&D toward full 5G-NTN implementation, positioning the company at the forefront of satellite ground segment digital transformation. This evolution toward standardized connectivity across terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks represents a significant market opportunity as new use cases emerge.

Cloud architecture and 5G-NTN future readiness included in this platform define the next phase of Gilat’s ground segment innovation

PETAH TIKVA, Israel, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: GILT, TASE: GILT), a worldwide leader in satellite networking technology, solutions and services, announced today that it has received a $40 million contract for its virtualized SkyEdge IV platform, expected to be delivered over the next 24 months. Designed with a cloud-native architecture and ready for future 5G-NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) standards, the platform marks a major step forward in the transformation of satellite ground networks, enabling satellite operators and service providers to meet the evolving demands of modern connectivity.

This milestone award demonstrates the successful evolution strategy of Gilat’s SkyEdge IV platform, now virtualized over cloud infrastructure and utilizing the DIFI digital interface open standard. The multi-service, fully virtualized SkyEdge IV software platform delivers unprecedented adaptability, scalability, and efficiency, enabling satellite operators to deploy the platform on standard cloud-based infrustructure and thereby accelerate the delivery of multi-orbit next-generation services.

This deployment also marks a significant step in the SkyEdge IV evolution plan for 5G NTN, further solidifying Gilat’s move towards ground segment digital transformation. This evolution promises standard ubiquitous connectivity across terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, a multi-vendor open ecosystem for the satcom industry, and new revenue streams from new use cases.

“We are excited to support new software-defined satellites, delivering a virtualized next-generation ground segment architecture,” said Ron Levin, President Commercial Division at Gilat. “This puts Gilat on an accelerated R&D development path and rapid evolution toward a 5G-NTN standard platform and introduction of new services.”

About Gilat

Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: GILT, TASE: GILT) is a leading global provider of satellite-based broadband communications. With over 35 years of experience, we develop and deliver deep technology solutions for satellite, ground, and new space connectivity, offering next-generation solutions and services for critical connectivity across commercial and defense applications. We believe in the right of all people to be connected and are united in our resolution to provide communication solutions to all reaches of the world.

Together with our wholly owned subsidiaries—Gilat Wavestream, Gilat DataPath, and Gilat Stellar Blu—we offer integrated, high-value solutions supporting multi-orbit constellations, Very High Throughput Satellites (VHTS), and Software-Defined Satellites (SDS) via our Commercial and Defense Divisions. Our comprehensive portfolio is comprised of a cloud-based platform and modems; high-performance satellite terminals; advanced Satellite On-the-Move (SOTM) antennas and ESAs; highly efficient, high-power Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPA) and Block Upconverters (BUC) and includes integrated ground systems for commercial and defense markets, field services, network management software, and cybersecurity services.

Gilat’s products and tailored solutions support multiple applications including government and defense, IFC and mobility, broadband access, cellular backhaul, enterprise, aerospace, broadcast, and critical infrastructure clients all while meeting the most stringent service level requirements. For more information, please visit: http://www.gilat.com

Certain statements made herein that are not historical are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “estimate”, “project”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Gilat to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, among others, changes in general economic and business conditions, inability to maintain market acceptance to Gilat’s products, inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications, rapid changes in the market for Gilat’s products, loss of market share and pressure on prices resulting from competition, introduction of competing products by other companies, inability to manage growth and expansion, loss of key OEM partners, inability to attract and retain qualified personnel, inability to protect the Company’s proprietary technology and risks associated with Gilat’s international operations and its location in Israel, including those related to the hostilities between Israel and Hamas. For additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties associated with Gilat’s business, reference is made to Gilat’s reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.

Contact:

Gilat Satellite Networks

Hagay Katz, Chief Product and Marketing Officer
hagayk@gilat.com

Alliance Advisors:

GilatIR@allianceadvisors.com
Phone: +1 212 838 3777

FAQ

What is the value of Gilat's new SkyEdge IV platform contract?

Gilat has secured a $40 million contract for its virtualized SkyEdge IV platform.

When will Gilat (GILT) deliver the SkyEdge IV platform?

The platform is expected to be delivered over the next 24 months from June 2025.

What are the key features of Gilat's SkyEdge IV platform?

The platform features cloud-native architecture, 5G-NTN readiness, multi-service capabilities, and uses the DIFI digital interface open standard.

How does the SkyEdge IV platform benefit satellite operators?

It enables operators to deploy services on standard cloud infrastructure, offering enhanced adaptability, scalability, and efficiency for multi-orbit next-generation services.

What is the significance of 5G-NTN in Gilat's platform?

5G-NTN capability will enable standard ubiquitous connectivity across terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, creating new revenue opportunities and supporting multi-vendor ecosystems.