Cobham SATCOM
Cobham SATCOM is a Denmark-headquartered provider of satellite communication terminals, VSAT antennas, and tracking systems for maritime, government/defense, and critical communications markets, serving customers globally through a network of 477 channel partners.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1953
- HeadquartersLyngby, Denmark
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Cobham SATCOM does
Cobham SATCOM (legal entity Thrane & Thrane A/S) is a Denmark-headquartered private company that designs, manufactures, and sells satellite communication terminals, VSAT antennas, and tracking antenna systems for maritime, government/defense, and critical communications markets. The company traces its origins to 1953 with the SAILOR maritime radio brand and has been involved in satellite maritime safety communications since the establishment of Inmarsat in 1979. Its product portfolio spans GMDSS safety terminals (SAILOR 7200, SAILOR Fleet-C), VSAT antennas (SAILOR XTR, Sea Tel 2400), defense tracking systems (TACTICAL TRACKER, TRACKER gateway antennas), and the PRISM PTT+ IP-based critical communications platform, marketed under the SAILOR, Sea Tel, EXPLORER, TRACKER, and PRISM PTT+ sub-brands.
The company serves three primary verticals: commercial maritime (shipping, fishing, cruise/ferry, yachting), government and defense (US DoD, NATO, and allied defense agencies), and critical communications (emergency services, utilities). It has deployed more than 300,000 maritime L-band antennas globally and supports both the Inmarsat and Iridium GMDSS safety service ecosystems. Cobham SATCOM is the only manufacturer producing GMDSS equipment compatible with both satellite safety networks, an exclusivity reinforced by ITAR registration and CMMC Level 2 compliance on the defense side.
The company's go-to-market combines direct enterprise sales for government and defense programs with a global distribution network of 477 channel partners, resellers, and dealers plus 161 Technical Service Partners. Operations span Denmark (Lyngby headquarters and Aalborg R&D), the United States (Concord, California production facility for defense products and large antenna systems), Singapore (APAC hub), and Shanghai (China sales office). Cobham SATCOM was acquired by Solix Group in April 2025 and has subsequently announced the acquisition of Gatehouse Satcom, a 5G NTN software company, signaling strategic expansion into next-generation non-terrestrial network software.
Cobham SATCOM firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Cobham SATCOM
- Legal name
- Thrane & Thrane A/S
- Website
- https://cobham-satcom.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1953
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- Cobham SATCOM is a Denmark-headquartered provider of satellite communication terminals, VSAT antennas, and tracking systems for maritime, government/defense, and critical communications markets, serving customers globally through a network of 477 channel partners.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Cobham SATCOM industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Satellite Communication Equipment
- NAICS
- Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing (334220), Communications Equipment Manufacturing (3342), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing (33429)
- SIC
- Radio & Tv Broadcasting & Communications Equipment (3663), Communications Equipment, Nec (3669), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Computer Communications Equipment (3576)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Satellite Broadband Terminals & Gateways (VSAT/LEO CPE) (HDAFAIAM)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Defense Communications (Secure Radios, SATCOM Terminals, Crypto) (IMABAGAG), Military Aerospace Communications, Datalinks & Networking (IMABAMAK), Enterprise Satellite Connectivity & Managed Services (VSAT, SD-WAN over Satcom) (HDAIAJAB)
Keywords
Where Cobham SATCOM is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Lyngby
- HQ country
- Denmark
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices5 records
Markets served
Cobham SATCOM business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales - Maritime Terminals: Sale of satellite communication terminals, VSAT antennas, radio systems, and safety equipment for maritime vessels including shipping, fishing, cruise, ferry, and yachting segments.
- Hardware Sales - Government and Defense: Sale of rugged, MIL-compliant satellite communication terminals and tracking antenna systems to US DoD, NATO, and allied defense agencies for navy vessels, fixed installations, and transportable terminals.
- Hardware Sales - Critical Communications: Sale of PRISM PTT+ solutions including EXPLORER Mobile Gateway, EXPLORER 323 satellite antenna, and related critical communications equipment to emergency services and utilities.
- Land Mobile Satcom Products: Satellite communication terminals and systems for land-based mobile applications including government, enterprise, and emergency services markets.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Channel partner and dealer network for global distribution |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Cobham SATCOM product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Cobham SATCOM designs and manufactures satellite communication terminals, VSAT antennas, GMDSS safety systems, multi-band tracking antennas, and an IP-based critical communications platform for maritime, government/defense, and emergency services customers. Products are sold under the SAILOR, Sea Tel, EXPLORER, and TRACKER brands and support LEO, MEO, and GEO constellations including Inmarsat, Iridium, SES, and Telesat.
Product overview
Cobham Satcom is a market-leading provider of radio and satellite communication solutions for maritime and land segments. The product portfolio is organized around three core verticals: Maritime (SAILOR, Sea Tel, EXPLORER brands), Government and Defense Solutions (TRACKER, TACTICAL TRACKER, Multi-band Tracking Antennas), and Critical Communications (PRISM PTT+ platform with EXPLORER Mobile Gateway). Maritime products include GMDSS safety terminals (SAILOR 7200 for Iridium Certus, SAILOR Fleet-C for Inmarsat), VSAT antennas (SAILOR XTR series), and TVRO systems (Sea Tel). Government/Defense offerings include transportable TACTICAL TRACKER terminals, multi-band tracking antennas for WGS certification, and O3b mPOWER/Telesat Lightspeed terminals. Critical Communications centers on the PRISM PTT+ IP-based platform enabling hybrid voice/data over LMR, LTE, and satellite with remote management, encryption, tracking, and interoperability features. All products share common themes: multi-orbit/multi-network support (LEO/MEO/GEO), hybrid connectivity, and mission-critical reliability.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- SAILOR: Primary brand for maritime safety terminals, VHF radios, GMDSS equipment, and VSAT antenna systems for commercial and government maritime applications
- Sea Tel
- EXPLORER
- TRACKER
- PRISM PTT+
Products and services
- SAILOR 7200 GMDSS Terminal Next-generation GMDSS safety terminal for Iridium Certus LEO constellation, offering truly global coverage including polar regions. Combines GMDSS, Ship Security Alert System (SSAS), and Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) in a single integrated platform with compact omni-directional antenna and built-in intelligence.
- SAILOR Fleet-C Safety Terminal GMDSS terminal for Inmarsat Fleet Safety, providing up to 99.9% network availability with mandatory GMDSS functions including Distress Alerting, Maritime Safety Information, and Distress Chat for commercial maritime vessels.
- SAILOR 6110 mini-C GMDSS System GMDSS system supporting Inmarsat services with printerless operation to reduce cost, noise and waste for commercial maritime operators.
- SAILOR XTR GX-R2 VSAT 1m VSAT antenna system purpose-built for Inmarsat Maritime services, fully compatible with NexusWave fully managed bonded connectivity solution. Features high reliability, performance, and future-ready flexibility for multi-orbit, multi-network environments.
- SAILOR XTR Marine Satellite TV Antennas Marine satellite TV antennas designed to boost the viewing experience at sea for maritime customers.
- SAILOR 4300 L-band L-band antenna providing high-performing connectivity across maritime fleets, approved for use in Japan.
- Sea Tel 2400 Multi-Band VSAT Multi-Band VSAT antenna platform designed for cruise vessels and offshore energy platforms, providing global high-quality connectivity with multi-antenna installation capability for hybrid connectivity supporting the most powerful and complex maritime satellite services.
- Sea Tel TVRO Antenna Flagship TVRO antenna for cruise ships and mega yachts, improving program choice and service quality for maritime leisure customers.
- Sea Tel 3700 TVRO TVRO antenna system for maritime vessels providing satellite TV reception capability.
- TACTICAL TRACKER Transportable tracking terminals for government and defense applications with quick deploy capability, rugged design meeting MIL environmental and EMI/EMC requirements, built-in cybersecurity features, and simplified field maintenance.
- Telesat Lightspeed Landing Station Terminals Ground segment terminals for Telesat's LEO Lightspeed constellation developed in partnership with CPI as RF supplier.
- O3b mPOWER Transportable Terminals Transportable terminals for SES's O3b mPOWER MEO constellation, enabling high-performance connectivity for government and enterprise applications.
- Multi-band Tracking Antennas (US DoD) Next-generation multi-band tracking antennas for US DoD and US Military operations, certified for WGS (Wideband Global SATCOM) for mission-critical defense applications.
- PRISM PTT+ IP-based critical communications platform combining two-way radio, LTE, and satellite into one resilient communication network. Provides 100% remote management, voice and data, AES-256 encryption, asset tracking, interoperability between agencies, and supports hybrid LTE and satellite connectivity.
- EXPLORER Mobile Gateway Vehicle-mounted gateway that converts existing LMR/DMR radios into a future-proof radio over IP solution. Features GPS for real-time tracking and seamlessly switches between radio, LTE, and satellite networks.
- EXPLORER Mobile Gateway 3 Enhanced mobile gateway with improved capabilities for critical communications applications, extending the EXPLORER Mobile Gateway product family.
- EXPLORER 323 Satellite Antenna Vehicle satellite antenna providing always-on data connection and extending radio coverage beyond line-of-sight using LTE and satellite connectivity for critical communications customers.
- TRACKER Gateway Antennas 4.0M gateway antenna systems for LEO and MEO constellation operators, providing scalable, cost-effective ground station solutions with proven performance and reliability.
Quantifiable outcome
- 99.9% network availability for GMDSS and new safety services with SAILOR Fleet-C safety terminal
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Cobham SATCOM
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Cobham SATCOM technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration6 records
Feature6 records
Cobham SATCOM partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.
- Gatehouse SatcomcoreCobham Satcom is acquiring Gatehouse Satcom, a 5G NTN software company, to strengthen satellite infrastructure offerings and develop integrated 5G NTN solutions. The deal is subject to regulatory approval.
- Centerboro ProductionsminorCobham Satcom partnered with Centerboro Productions as a corporate brand sponsor for the Hollywood sci-fi film Helios. The company's tactical antenna systems, including the TACTICAL TRACKER, will be featured in the film depicting a mission to save humanity from a solar storm in 2030.
- All in FilmsminorCo-production partnership with All in Films, a Los Angeles-based full-service film and entertainment studio, for the Helios feature film. Michelle Danner serves as director of the sci-fi space action-thriller.
- Inmarsat MaritimecoreLong-standing partnership with Inmarsat Maritime for satellite connectivity services. Cobham Satcom supplies SAILOR XTR GX-R2 VSAT antennas compatible with Inmarsat's NexusWave fully managed connectivity solution. The partnership enables operational excellence and crew welfare through high-performance connectivity.
- Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA)coreCobham Satcom joined MSSA to advance development of direct-to-device (D2D) and IoT connectivity through Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) providers. The association drives integration of terrestrial and satellite networks using L- and S-band spectrum.
- Space42corePartnership with Space42 to launch IP NEO enabling seamless connectivity across critical sectors through integrated satellite and terrestrial solutions.
- SES (O3b mPOWER)coreCobham Satcom rolling out O3b mPOWER Transportable Terminals for SES. Sea Tel 2400 multiband VSAT platform tested for SES's O3b mPOWER system.
- NavarinomajorEnhanced strategic partnership with Navarino for maritime satellite communications solutions distribution and integration services.
- ViasatmajorStrategic collaboration with Viasat on maritime connectivity system ahead of ViaSat-3 satellite launch for enhanced maritime broadband services.
- Hytera and Global Beam TelecommajorCollaboration on new seamless Push-To-Talk communications solution combining satellite and radio technologies for maritime and land applications.
- Mangata NetworkscorePartnership to deploy multiple Cobham Satcom 4.0M TRACKER gateway antennas globally for Mangata's HEO and MEO satellite constellation services. Supports Mangata's innovative architecture for cloud technology, backhaul, IoT services, and 5G coverage.
- Inmarsat (XTR GX-R2)corePartnership with Inmarsat on new wideband SAILOR XTR GX-R2 antenna systems for future-ready connectivity including new GX satellites and Orchestra network.
- UltiSatminorStrategic distributor and integrator agreement for Cobham Satcom products in specific market segments.
- Digital IF Interoperability Consortium (DIFI)coreCobham Satcom joined DIFI Consortium, an independent space industry group advancing interoperability in satellite and ground system networks. Supports development of industry interoperability standards based on VITA 49 (IEEE-ISTO Std 4900-2021).
- TelesatcoreSelected by Telesat for Telesat Lightspeed Landing Station Terminals supporting LEO constellation services.
- YahsatmajorPartnership with Yahsat to deliver industry-leading capabilities for mobile satellite systems in government and enterprise markets.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Cobham SATCOM competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Furuno: Furuno is a Japanese incumbent in marine electronics with radar, navigation, and communications products for commercial and fishing fleets. It shares the maritime end-customer base with Cobham Satcom and increasingly overlaps in integrated bridge communications.
- Iridium Communications: Iridium is the operator of the L-band LEO constellation and Iridium Certus service, a core technology partner for Cobham's SAILOR 7200 GMDSS terminal. While primarily a satellite operator, Iridium's growing terminal and IoT ambitions intersect with Cobham's product roadmap.
- L3Harris Technologies: L3Harris is a major defense electronics prime with a broad portfolio including tactical communications, SATCOM terminals, and resilient waveforms. It competes for US DoD and allied SATCOM procurement alongside Cobham's tactical tracking portfolio.
- Thales Group: Thales is a large defense and aerospace incumbent offering military SATCOM terminals, secure communications, and avionics. It overlaps with Cobham Satcom's defense product line but as part of a much broader portfolio across multiple defense domains.
- Honeywell: Honeywell provides aerospace and defense SATCOM solutions, including JetWave and tactical communications, as part of its larger aerospace portfolio. It overlaps with Cobham in defense and high-end commercial aviation satcom.
- Inmarsat (Viasat): Inmarsat, now part of Viasat, operates the Fleet Safety/GX network that anchors much of Cobham Satcom's maritime VSAT and GMDSS sales. As both a customer/partner and an operator, Inmarsat's roadmap and NexusWave bundling strategy directly affects Cobham's product strategy.
Emerging players
- Kratos Defense & Security Solutions: Kratos provides ground systems, antennas, and signal processing for defense and commercial satellite operators. It is an emerging player in the satellite ground segment where Cobham supplies tracking and gateway antennas.
- SatCube: SatCube builds compact portable satellite terminals for government, broadcast, and emergency-response markets, partially overlapping with Cobham's EXPLORER and TACTICAL TRACKER portable terminal portfolio.
Direct peers
- Intellian Technologies: Intellian Technologies is the closest direct competitor, manufacturing maritime VSAT antennas and L-band terminals for shipping, cruise, and offshore customers. Both companies compete head-to-head on Inmarsat GX-certified hardware and LEO-ready antenna platforms.
- KVH Industries: KVH Industries provides maritime VSAT, satellite TV, and content services to commercial shipping and leisure marine markets. Both serve similar merchant, cruise, and yacht customers with overlapping Ku-band and hybrid connectivity product lines.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Cobham SATCOM social profiles
Digital presenceCobham SATCOM compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Cobham SATCOM financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Cobham SATCOM leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Cobham SATCOM subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Cobham SATCOM funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Cobham SATCOM M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Cobham SATCOM
What does Cobham SATCOM do?
Cobham SATCOM designs and manufactures satellite communication terminals, VSAT antennas, GMDSS safety systems, multi-band tracking antennas, and an IP-based critical communications platform for maritime, government/defense, and emergency services customers. Products are sold under the SAILOR, Sea Tel, EXPLORER, and TRACKER brands and support LEO, MEO, and GEO constellations including Inmarsat, Iridium, SES, and Telesat.
Is Cobham SATCOM a public or private company?
Cobham SATCOM is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Cobham SATCOM founded?
Cobham SATCOM was founded in 1953.
Where is Cobham SATCOM based?
Cobham SATCOM is headquartered in Lyngby, Denmark, in the Europe region.
How does Cobham SATCOM make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales - Maritime Terminals are the primary driver. The others are hardware Sales - Government and Defense, hardware Sales - Critical Communications and land Mobile Satcom Products.
Who are Cobham SATCOM's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Furuno, Iridium Communications, L3Harris Technologies, Thales Group, Honeywell and Inmarsat (Viasat). Emerging players are Kratos Defense & Security Solutions and SatCube. Direct peers are Intellian Technologies and KVH Industries.
Does Cobham SATCOM have an API?
Yes. PRISM PTT+ features an open API and standards like Asterisk for console integration and system integrations. The API enables dispatchers and HQ functions to have data like geo-positioning and connection status for in-field vehicles integrated and displayed on native control screens. GIS systems can display vehicle location, caller ID, and active talk groups in real time.
What industry is Cobham SATCOM in?
Cobham SATCOM's product category is Satellite Communication Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAFAIAM, Satellite Broadband Terminals & Gateways (VSAT/LEO CPE), with a secondary code of IMABAGAG, Defense Communications (Secure Radios, SATCOM Terminals, Crypto). Its NAICS code is 334220 and its SIC code is 3663.