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PAL Aerospace First to Deliver Next-Generation Satellite Connectivity to Airborne ISR Fleet with Force Multiplier Program

// 07.18.2025
// 4 min read
// Your mission first
DHC-8-100 Dash 8 100 with SATCOM starlink installed
As the first COCO ISR provider with integrated Starlink fleet connectivity, PAL Aerospace offers government clients real-time mission collaboration for agency decision-makers – empowering faster and more informed decisions when every second counts.

Ottawa, Ontario — PAL Aerospace has integrated next-generation low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity into its Force Multiplier fleet, becoming the first contractor-owned, contractor-operated ISR provider to do so. The first aircraft equipped, PAL Aerospace’s flagship C-GFMX (DHC-8 315), features Starlink technology installed in partnership with AeroMech. This capability enables real-time, high-throughput transmission of full-motion video, radar tracks, imagery, and open-source intelligence directly from the aircraft to ground-based analysts and mission command. The system is now available as a fleet-wide option for defense clients seeking turnkey, no-compromise ISR capability.

Integrating seamlessly with equipped mission software, AIMS-ISR and AIMS-C4 (by CarteNav, a PAL company), this capability enables Force Multiplier operators to cross-reference live airborne data with remote sensor feeds and intelligence sources mid-mission. While SATCOM has been available on ISR aircraft before, this marks a generational leap in cost and performance – delivering persistent, secure, high-bandwidth connectivity at a price point cost-viable for agencies of all sizes.

LEO Satcom-equipped DHC-8-100 special mission aircraft within Force Multiplier fleet

“We collect data for our customers, and this truly revolutionizes how we deliver it – both in terms of speed and volume,” said Dave Keddy, VP of Operations, PAL Aerospace. “We can now transmit full-motion video and other mission data in real time, directly from the aircraft, while still in flight. We’ve already seen it enable collaborative analysis between airborne crews and ground-based teams during live operations. For us, this is a generational step forward in airborne ISR.”

“We are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside PAL Aerospace, and we are excited to see how Starlink’s groundbreaking high-speed connectivity will enhance mission capabilities for the Force Multiplier fleet” said AeroMech COO, Anthony Wiederkehr.

PAL Aerospace is redefining what contractor-operated ISR can deliver—real-time collaboration, faster decisions, and proven operational readiness. Our Force Multiplier program gives defense, domestic security, and public safety agencies access to cutting-edge airborne ISR without the burden of ownership. Learn more about our turnkey solutions here: palaerospace.com/force-multiplier

 

About PAL Aerospace

A proud member of the Exchange Income Corporation family of companies, PAL Aerospace is a Canadian-owned and operated global aerospace and defence company. With a focus on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, in-service support solutions, aircraft engineering and modification and crew resource management training. PAL Aerospace is internationally recognized by governments, militaries, and industry for on time/on budget delivery and high reliability rates. PAL Aerospace offers a single point of accountability for its programs and takes pride in being the trusted choice for clients worldwide.

To learn more, visit us online: palaerospace.com

 

About AeroMech Incorporated

AeroMech provides turnkey solutions for inflight connectivity, avionics and other aircraft systems to aviation customers worldwide. By utilizing its delegations as an FAA STC ODA, Part 21 PMA and Part 145 repair stations at the Orlando/Sanford Airport (KSFB) and in Smyrna, TN (KMQY), AeroMech can provide a dynamic and efficient approach to integrating the latest and most desirable technology into your aircraft.

AeroMech currently holds five (5) STCs for the installation of the Starlink aviation system on various aircraft models, and there are several more AeroMech Starlink STCs currently in development. For more information, contact starlinksales@aeromechinc.com or visit www.aeromechinc.com and the AeroMech LinkedIn Page https://www.linkedin.com/company/aeromech-incorporated/.