Cobham SATCOM

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.

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

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

• Satellite communication terminals
• Maritime VSAT antennas
• GMDSS safety systems
• Government defense satcom
• Critical communications solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Lyngby

HQ country

Denmark

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Land Mobile Satcom Products: Satellite communication terminals and systems for land-based mobile applications including government, enterprise, and emergency services markets.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core 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

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.

• Gatehouse SatcomcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 December 2025Cobham 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 ProductionsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 November 2025Cobham 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 FilmsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 November 2025Co-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 MaritimecoreTechnology or Integration · 3 November 2025Long-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)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 July 2025Cobham 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.
• Space42coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 March 2025Partnership with Space42 to launch IP NEO enabling seamless connectivity across critical sectors through integrated satellite and terrestrial solutions.
• SES (O3b mPOWER)coreTechnology or Integration · 14 March 2023Cobham Satcom rolling out O3b mPOWER Transportable Terminals for SES. Sea Tel 2400 multiband VSAT platform tested for SES's O3b mPOWER system.
• NavarinomajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 6 March 2023Enhanced strategic partnership with Navarino for maritime satellite communications solutions distribution and integration services.
• ViasatmajorTechnology or Integration · 10 November 2022Strategic collaboration with Viasat on maritime connectivity system ahead of ViaSat-3 satellite launch for enhanced maritime broadband services.
• Hytera and Global Beam TelecommajorTechnology or Integration · 28 June 2022Collaboration on new seamless Push-To-Talk communications solution combining satellite and radio technologies for maritime and land applications.
• Mangata NetworkscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 June 2022Partnership 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)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 June 2022Partnership with Inmarsat on new wideband SAILOR XTR GX-R2 antenna systems for future-ready connectivity including new GX satellites and Orchestra network.
• UltiSatminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 2 May 2022Strategic distributor and integrator agreement for Cobham Satcom products in specific market segments.
• Digital IF Interoperability Consortium (DIFI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 February 2022Cobham 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).
• TelesatcoreTechnology or Integration · 31 January 2022Selected by Telesat for Telesat Lightspeed Landing Station Terminals supporting LEO constellation services.
• YahsatmajorTechnology or Integration · 8 September 2021Partnership 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

Broad 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

• Xtwitter.com/cobhamsatcom
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/Seatel
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cobham-satcom

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cobham SATCOM