Global MilSatCom 2025: UK tests range extension technologies to improve Asgard capability

British soldiers during Operation ‘Clockwork' in Bardufoss, Norway, on 26 February 2025 set up portable internet/WiFi satellite communications equipment. (UK MoD/Crown Copyright)

The UK has tested a number of range extension technologies aimed at increasing the satellite capability of the British Army's Project Asgard, a senior defence source told Janes on 4 November on the sidelines of SAE Media Group's Global Military Satellite Communications (Global MilSatCom) 2025 conference, held in London from 3 to 6 November.

The technologies that were tested as part of Asgard will undergo further development for follow-up exercises as part of Asgard 2, which will take place in 2025, according to the defence source.

In July the UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD) revealed a new artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted digital targeting network known as Asgard. The network follows an accelerated sense-identify-weapon-decide-effect sequence. The main aim is to connect any sensor including satellites and use AI to identify and prioritise targets and suggest effectors.

The range extension testing is aimed at increasing the British Army's “communication frame [area of effective communication] in order to be able to increase its strike range capabilities, which increases the duality [of using communications networks for targeting purposes]”, said the defence source.

Apart from the digital targeting web, Asgard also includes other intervention methods including the optimisation of a so-called ‘recce-strike' complex. Russia's war in Ukraine has shown the need for NATO and allies to be able to see further and conduct deep strikes. The UK MoD announced in December 2024 that it had awarded a GBP7.5 million (USD9.8 million) contract to Modini to supply the Dart 250 one-way effector (OWE).

For more information, please seeUK MoD crafts open framework tender for Project Asgard digital tools and