Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT), a U.S.-based defence technology company providing advanced all-domain drone and robotic solutions for defence and national security, today announced that Kymeta, a flat-panel satellite terminal manufacturer, has joined the Red Cat Futures Initiative to support resilient connectivity for autonomous maritime operations.
Red Cat’s maritime division, Blue Ops, will integrate Kymeta’s communications technology into its Variant 7 uncrewed surface vessel (USV), enabling communications on the move for autonomous maritime operations and allowing systems to maintain connectivity across dynamic, long-range environments.
The partnership shows Kymeta can deliver resilient multi-orbit connectivity by integrating GEO, LEO, and MEO satellites to maintain communications in demanding environments. With low power consumption, GNSS-denied persistence, and proven performance in contested operations, Kymeta provides the solution that supports mission-critical requirements where traditional systems fall short.
“As uncrewed surface vessels take on more complex and distributed missions, reliable connectivity becomes a critical enabler for coordinated operations, including swarming and real-time data sharing,” said Barry Hinckley, President of Blue Ops, Red Cat’s maritime division. “Integrating Kymeta’s technology into our Variant 7 platform allows us to support these emerging capabilities and deliver USVs with greater range, coordination, and effectiveness in maritime environments. Multi-layered communication channels also ensure secure and resilient connectivity even in the presence of electronic warfare disruption.”
Kymeta’s Intelligent Communications Platforms provide continuous connectivity for mobile and remote operations by integrating satellite and cellular networks, enabling communications on the move. The systems can switch between multiple networks and orbital layers to maintain connectivity in degraded or contested environments.
This capability is critical for maritime autonomous systems operating over long distances, supporting distributed missions while maintaining reliable communications without fixed infrastructure.
“Autonomous maritime systems are only as effective as the communications that connect them, especially when operating at range and in contested environments,” said Manny Mora, Chief Executive Officer and President at Kymeta. “Our technology is designed to deliver resilient, on-the-move connectivity across LEO, MEO, and GEO networks, and its integration into Blue Ops’ Variant 7 enables persistent command and control for distributed USV operations. This collaboration is about ensuring operators can rely on real-time data and coordination even in challenging conditions.”
Kymeta’s solutions are deployed globally across government, military, maritime, transport, and public safety sectors, with more than 9,000 units shipped across over 80 countries and territories.
The Red Cat Futures Initiative brings together robotics and autonomy innovators to accelerate deployment of advanced capabilities, including artificial intelligence, computer vision, target acquisition, swarming, and resilient control systems. It aims to reduce integration friction, speed time to fielding, and deliver mission-ready systems to operators at the tactical edge.
Red Cat plans to demonstrate the Blue Ops Variant 7 USV, including Kymeta integration, in Tampa during SOF Week, May 18–21, highlighting autonomous maritime operations supported by reliable communications on the move, offering partners and customers a firsthand look at the platform’s capabilities.
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