Em Solutions
EM Solutions designs and manufactures multi-band satellite communications-on-the-move terminals (Cobra, King Cobra, Taipan) and GaN-based RF subsystems for global defence navies and tier-1 defence primes, with deep Australian sovereign manufacturing capability.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1998
- HeadquartersTennyson, Australia
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Em Solutions does
EM Solutions Pty Ltd, founded in 1998 by Dr. John Ness and headquartered in Tennyson, Brisbane, designs and manufactures microwave and satellite communications-on-the-move (COTM) systems for the global defence industry. Its core products are multi-band SATCOM terminals — the Cobra, King Cobra (dual-band, LEO-to-GEO capable) and Taipan land-mobile terminal — supported by the Diamond Series family of GaN-based Ka-band block upconverters (BUCs) and solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs), plus an Antenna Diversity System (ADS). Key proprietary technologies include single-channel monopulse satellite tracking capable of operation in Sea State 5 conditions, analogue predistortion linearizer technology that boosts amplifier output by at least 1dB while maintaining IM3 below -22dBc, and GaN-based RF subsystems. All design, assembly, test and support are performed in-house at the Brisbane facility (ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 certified).
The company's commercial model centres on large, multi-year fixed-price defence procurement contracts, direct engagement with naval ministries (notably the Royal Australian Navy under the AU$150m SEA1442 Phase 5 programme and a AU$25.7m three-year support contract), and sub-contractor relationships with tier-1 defence primes including Thales, Raytheon Australia, L3Harris, BAE Systems Australia, and Astrium/Airbus Defence and Space. Revenue streams combine hardware sales (terminals and RF subsystems), build-to-print manufacturing, custom design/engineering services, and ongoing repairs & sustainment. International customers include the Portuguese Navy (AU$21.7m contract for Vasco da Gama-class frigate upgrades), the Australian Border Force, and unnamed government/defence customers across Europe, North America, and Asia. Following divestment by Electro Optic Systems in November 2024, EM Solutions was acquired by UK-listed Cohort plc in February 2025 for an implied enterprise value of AU$144 million, becoming the seventh independent business in Cohort's Communications and Intelligence Division.
Em Solutions firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Em Solutions
- Legal name
- EM Solutions Pty Ltd
- Website
- https://emsolutions.com.au
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1998
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- EM Solutions designs and manufactures multi-band satellite communications-on-the-move terminals (Cobra, King Cobra, Taipan) and GaN-based RF subsystems for global defence navies and tier-1 defence primes, with deep Australian sovereign manufacturing capability.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Em Solutions industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Defence Satellite Communications (Naval SATCOM)
- NAICS
- Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing (334220), Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing (334290)
- SIC
- Computer Communications Equipment (3576), Communications Equipment, Nec (3669)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Satellite Broadband Terminals & Gateways (VSAT/LEO CPE) (HDAFAIAM)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- UAS Communications, Datalinks, SATCOM & Remote Control Systems (IMABAIAJ)
Keywords
Where Em Solutions is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Tennyson
- HQ country
- Australia
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices1 record
Markets served
Em Solutions business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Defence Government Contracts: EM Solutions generates revenue primarily through large-scale defence procurement contracts for SATCOM systems. Major contracts include the AU$150m Royal Australian Navy fleet upgrade (SEA1442 Phase 5), AU$21.7m Portuguese Navy contract, and $25.7m RAN support services contract. These are typically multi-year, fixed-price contracts with government defence ministries.
- Terminal Products and Subsystems: Sale of satellite communication terminals (Cobra, King Cobra, Taipan) and microwave subsystems (BUCs, SSPAs, LNBs) to defence customers and system integrators. Products sold directly to navies and through tier-1 defence primes.
- Support and Sustainment Services: Ongoing support services for installed terminal fleet including Introduction into Service and Support Services for RAN's existing Cobra Maritime SATCOM terminals, typically through 3-year contracts.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | RAN SATCOM Support Services Contract |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Portuguese Navy Satcoms Contract |
| Other | Multi-year contract | RAN Fleet SATCOM Upgrade (SEA1442) |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels3 records
Em Solutions product offering
Product offeringCore offering
EM Solutions designs, manufactures, and supports multi-band satellite communication-on-the-move (COTM) terminals — including the Cobra and King Cobra naval SATCOM systems and the Taipan land mobile terminal — together with GaN-based Ka-band RF subsystems (BUCs and SSPAs). The company operates a vertically integrated model spanning design, engineering, build-to-print manufacture, and repairs and sustainment for global defence and government customers.
Product overview
EM Solutions provides a vertically integrated family of satellite communications products and services for the global defence industry. The core product portfolio includes the Cobra and King Cobra SATCOM terminal systems for maritime applications, the Taipan land mobile terminal, and the Diamond Series Ka Multi-band BUCs and SSPAs for microwave subsystems. The company operates a full product lifecycle from design and engineering through assembly, test, and support. Services include build-to-print manufacturing, custom design and engineering, and repairs and sustainment. All products are developed and manufactured in-house at the company's Brisbane facility. The company specializes in multi-band terminals that can access defence and commercial satellite constellations across multiple frequency bands (X, Ka) and operate with satellites in different orbits (LEO to GEO).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Cobra Naval SATCOM System World's first deployed naval SATCOM system certified on both defence and commercial SATCOM constellations across multiple frequency bands. Provides simultaneous operational and crew welfare communications support for naval fleets.
- King Cobra SATCOM System Next-generation dual-band naval SATCOM terminal capable of simultaneous transmit and receive across multiple SATCOM frequencies. Operates on Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) constellations and communicates with satellites from low-Earth orbit to geostationary orbit.
- Taipan Satellite Terminal Land mobile satellite terminal delivering unbreakable communications links for operation at X and Ka Band. Combines robust MIL-STD design with state-of-the-art antenna feed for military or commercial Ka-band operation.
- Diamond Series Ka Multi-band BUCs and SSPAs Family of GaN-based Ka-band block upconverters (BUCs) and solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs) offering up to 3GHz bandwidth in compact form factors. Includes 305 Series (5W), 360 Series (15W, 25W), 322 Series (50W, 100W), and 357 Series SSPAs (16W, 25W).
- Build to Print Manufacture Contract manufacturing services producing RF subsystems and satellite communication components to customer specifications.
- Design & Engineering Professional engineering services for design of SATCOM technologies and customisation of specific systems to suit customer requirements, from initial concept through commercial production.
- Repairs & Sustainment Maintenance and sustainment services for delivered products and systems, supporting fleet operations and system longevity for installed terminal fleets.
Quantifiable outcome
- Successfully tracks satellites in Sea State 5 conditions - 'blows away all other aero and maritime terminals on pointing accuracy'
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Em Solutions
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Em Solutions technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Em Solutions partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Cohort plccoreCohort plc completed acquisition of EM Solutions in February 2025, expanding its naval defence offer and reinforcing presence in Australasia. EM Solutions became the seventh independent business within the Group, reporting through Cohort's Communications and Intelligence Division. The acquisition provides EM Solutions with increased market presence in the SatCom market segment.
- ThalescoreEM Solutions awarded AUD$6.5M contract by Thales for supply of satellite radio systems under 2016 framework agreement. In 2018, EM Solutions won Thales Australia's Supplier of the Year award for Export Achievement.
- Raytheon AustraliacoreEM Solutions contracted by Raytheon Australia to supply Cobra X/Ka tri-band Maritime Terminals for SEA1654 program delivering two new supply vessels to RAN.
- L3HarrisminorEM Solutions received second order to supply Ka-band transceivers for undisclosed L3Harris application.
- InmarsatcorePartnership to develop world's first combined MilSatCom/Global Xpress (GX) maritime satcom terminal, initially created for Australian Government customer. Terminal contains innovative monopulse tracking and easy switching between GX and MilSatCom systems.
- TelesatminorEM Solutions completed first system level tests for transponder developed for Telesat's LEO 3 demonstration satellite, marking entry into space communications.
- CSIROminorPartnership to develop one of world's highest speed microwave radios. EM Solutions contributed microwave innovation expertise to CSIRO's national science initiative.
- BAE Systems AustraliaminorPartnership under Australia's Defence Capability & Technology Demonstrator (CTD) Program Round 12 for Ka-band On-The-Move Satellite Communications System development.
- Insitu Pacific (Boeing Company)minorEM Solutions engaged by Insitu Pacific to provide specialist RF engineering design and manufacturing services to support ScanEagle UAV platform.
- Astrium UK (now Airbus Defence and Space)minorEM Solutions delivered Linearised 40W Ka-band RF SSPA/BUC's and LNB's forming part of US$1.66 billion Yahsat project.
- Australian Space AgencyminorEM Solutions signed Statement of Strategic Intent and Co-operation with Australian Space Agency outlining intention to leverage experience in satellite communications for space applications.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Em Solutions competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Thales: Thales designs and supplies naval satellite communications systems and is both a direct competitor in naval SATCOM terminals and a key channel partner (Thales Australia awarded EM Solutions an AU$6.5m contract under a 2016 framework agreement).
- L3Harris Technologies: L3Harris is a major US defence electronics and communications equipment manufacturer with overlapping naval and tactical SATCOM product lines; EM Solutions has supplied Ka-band transceivers to L3Harris, indicating both competition and collaboration.
- Viasat: Viasat is a leading provider of military and commercial satellite communications terminals and operates the Global Xpress network with which EM Solutions' Cobra terminal integrates; directly comparable in defence/government SATCOM markets.
- General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies: General Dynamics Mission Systems' SATCOM Technologies business manufactures maritime and tactical satellite communications terminals and antennas, directly comparable to EM Solutions' Cobra/King Cobra and Taipan product families.
- Cobham Advanced Electronic Solutions: Cobham (now under TransDigm) supplies airborne, maritime and land SATCOM terminals and RF subsystems to defence customers, directly overlapping EM Solutions' monopulse-tracking and GaN-based amplifier product portfolio.
- Comtech Telecommunications: Comtech's government SATCOM division designs and manufactures satellite ground terminals and RF subsystems for the US DoD and allied forces, competing directly with EM Solutions in defence Ka-band and high-power amplifier markets.
- Ultra Electronics: Ultra Electronics is a Cohort Group sister company focused on naval and defence electronics, making it a directly comparable peer in maritime communications and sonar, with potential for cross-portfolio collaboration under the same parent.
Broad incumbents
- Raytheon: Raytheon Australia contracted EM Solutions for Cobra X/Ka tri-band Maritime Terminals under the SEA1654 programme; as part of RTX, the broader Raytheon business is a broad incumbent in defence electronics and integrated naval communications.
- Elbit Systems: Elbit Systems is a broad Israeli defence electronics incumbent offering tactical SATCOM terminals and RF subsystems across naval, land and airborne platforms, comparable to EM Solutions' multi-domain defence communications portfolio.
- Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI): IAI's ELTA Systems and space divisions manufacture defence SATCOM terminals, RF subsystems and satellite payloads, making IAI a broad incumbent peer overlapping with EM Solutions' naval SATCOM and RF amplifier offerings.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Em Solutions social profiles
Digital presenceEm Solutions compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Em Solutions financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Em Solutions leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Em Solutions subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Em Solutions funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Em Solutions 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 Em Solutions
What does Em Solutions do?
EM Solutions designs, manufactures, and supports multi-band satellite communication-on-the-move (COTM) terminals — including the Cobra and King Cobra naval SATCOM systems and the Taipan land mobile terminal — together with GaN-based Ka-band RF subsystems (BUCs and SSPAs). The company operates a vertically integrated model spanning design, engineering, build-to-print manufacture, and repairs and sustainment for global defence and government customers.
Is Em Solutions a public or private company?
Em Solutions is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Em Solutions founded?
Em Solutions was founded in 1998. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Em Solutions based?
Em Solutions is headquartered in Tennyson, Australia, in the Oceania region.
How does Em Solutions make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Defence Government Contracts are the primary driver. The others are terminal Products and Subsystems and support and Sustainment Services.
Who are Em Solutions's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Thales, L3Harris Technologies, Viasat, General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies, Cobham Advanced Electronic Solutions, Comtech Telecommunications and Ultra Electronics. Broad incumbents are Raytheon, Elbit Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
Does Em Solutions have an API?
No public API is recorded for Em Solutions.
What industry is Em Solutions in?
Em Solutions's product category is Defence Satellite Communications (Naval SATCOM). Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAFAIAM, Satellite Broadband Terminals & Gateways (VSAT/LEO CPE), with a secondary code of IMABAIAJ, UAS Communications, Datalinks, SATCOM & Remote Control Systems. Its NAICS code is 334220 and its SIC code is 3576.