On May 13, 2026, Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: GILT) reported its first-quarter financial results, highlighted by significant growth in its defense sector and a strategic expansion into the Indian commercial market.
The company announced several major contract wins, including multi-million dollar awards from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), the U.S. Army, and a European Ministry of Defense, reinforcing its position in the military satellite communications (MILSATCOM) supply chain.
Defense Momentum and Proliferated Architectures
The company’s defense division is benefiting from the global shift toward resilient and multi-orbit satellite architectures. During the quarter, Gilat secured a follow-on order from the U.S. Army to sustain and upgrade Satellite Transportable Terminal (STT) units, building upon a $23 million multi-year service contract initiated in April 2025.
Furthermore, the company received a new contract to supply its electronically steered antenna (ESA) technology for an undisclosed European defense customer. This award follows the successful February 2026 demonstration of 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) connectivity over GEO, proving that Gilat’s ground segment can seamlessly bridge legacy geostationary assets with next-generation 5G standards for tactical operations.
Expanding Footprint in India via Nelco Partnership
On the commercial front, Gilat has finalized a significant partnership with Nelco Limited, a leading satellite communication service provider in India. The agreement centers on the deployment of Gilat’s SkyEdge IV multi-orbit platform to meet the growing demand for high-throughput satellite (HTS) services across the Indian subcontinent.
SkyEdge IV will enable Nelco to offer carrier-grade cellular backhaul and maritime connectivity, leveraging both existing GEO capacity and upcoming Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations. This move is timed to capitalize on India’s liberalized space policy, which has opened the door for increased private investment in satellite-based broadband for rural and enterprise sectors.
Technological Rationale: Multi-Orbit Resiliency
The convergence of commercial and military requirements is a key driver for Gilat’s R&D roadmap. By focusing on software-defined ground segments and ultra-low profile ESAs, the company addresses the military’s need for “attritable” and “agile” hardware that can function across diverse orbital shells.
This technological edge allows Gilat to compete in the highly contested MILSATCOM market, where the ability to maintain secure, high-speed connectivity despite jamming or kinetic interference is paramount. The integration of its subsidiary Wavestream’s high-power Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPAs) further enhances this resilience, providing the necessary uplink power for wideband defense networks.
“Our strong start to 2026 reflects the execution of our strategy to lead in the growing MILSATCOM and multi-orbit ground segment markets,” said Adi Sfadia, CEO of Gilat. “The trust shown by the U.S. DoD and our expansion in India with Nelco demonstrate the versatility of our technology and its ability to solve complex connectivity challenges on a global scale.”
Outlook for Fiscal Year 2026
Based on the current backlog and the steady cadence of defense awards, Gilat has reaffirmed its full-year 2026 revenue guidance. The company expects continued demand for its in-flight connectivity (IFC) and maritime solutions as airlines and cruise operators transition to the latest ESA-based terminals.
In the second half of the year, Gilat plans to conduct further field trials of its integrated 5G NTN solution with major mobile network operators, aiming to establish its ground segment as the preferred choice for the emerging Direct-to-Device (D2D) and satellite-to-cell markets.
