Gilat Secures More Orders for Sidewinder IFC Terminals

Why It Matters

The contract reinforces Gilat’s leadership in next‑generation aircraft antennas and signals accelerating demand for versatile GEO/LEO solutions across the airline industry.

Key Takeaways

• Multimillion-dollar Sidewinder order from major avionics firm
• ESA works with GEO and OneWeb LEO constellations
• Supports SES and Panasonic in‑flight connectivity programs
• Delivery slated within six months
• Gilat's Sidewinder orders exceed $60M last year

Pulse Analysis

The in‑flight connectivity market is entering a rapid growth phase as airlines seek to offer broadband services that match ground‑based expectations. Traditional GEO satellites provide wide coverage but struggle with latency, while low‑Earth‑orbit constellations like OneWeb deliver low‑delay, high‑throughput links. Antennas that can seamlessly switch between these layers are becoming essential, and Gilat’s Sidewinder ESA meets that need by combining dual‑band capability with a compact, electronically steered design that fits modern airframes.

Gilat’s acquisition of Stellar Blu last year gave it direct control over the Sidewinder technology, accelerating product development and market rollout. The recent multimillion‑dollar order adds to a pipeline that already topped $60 million in commitments for the next twelve months, highlighting strong OEM confidence. By integrating the Sidewinder into its portfolio, Gilat can offer airlines a single antenna solution that supports both legacy GEO services and emerging LEO networks, simplifying certification and reducing weight and power penalties.

For airlines and aircraft manufacturers, the deal translates into faster deployment of high‑speed connectivity, a key differentiator in passenger experience and ancillary revenue streams. Satellite operators benefit from broader market reach as aircraft can tap multiple constellations without hardware changes. As more carriers adopt dual‑band antennas, the industry is likely to see a surge in demand for flexible, high‑performance IFC solutions, positioning Gilat as a pivotal supplier in the next wave of aviation connectivity.