emirates7 - UAE-based communications solutions provider Yahsat has signed an agreement with Al Seer Marine to equip unmanned vessels with the Comms-on-the-Move (COTM) satellite communication (SATCOM) system, thedefensepost reported.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by company representatives during the World Defense Show in Riyadh.

As part of the deal, Yahsat and Al Seer will pre-qualify COTM solutions to work on Al Seer’s uncrewed vessels. They will also collaborate to deliver highly secure SATCOM services for mission-critical applications.

The next-generation satellite communications system is expected to support a variety of maritime missions, including exclusive economic zone protection, security, anti-human trafficking, anti-piracy, and coastal patrol, according to thedefensepost.

“Yahsat has developed a strong business model and value proposition, which will reduce the integration and timeline risks, ensures platforms’ structural and design integrity, warrants onboard combat systems and sensor compatibility, and more importantly, optimizes system integration costs,” Yahsat said in a press release.

Yahsat explained that combining its communications solutions expertise with Al Seer Marine could offer high performance and improved reliability and security to future customers.

It also said that by using the firm’s pre-equipped and pre-tested solutions, “Al Seer Marine will be able to provide its customers additional value, while trimming unwanted costs associated with testing and qualification.”

According to Al Seer Chief Executive Officer Holger Schulte-Hillen, the partnership is an important development for the country’s technology and maritime defense sector.

“Al Seer Marine continues to consolidate its position as a pivotal contributor to improving the industry,” he said. “Our two organizations share common interests in promoting the technologies that are needed in today’s world.”