SpeedCast International has announced that it has partnered with one of the largest global Defence companies, Airbus Defence and Space, to design, build and provide onsite management for the ground anchor station for the Skynet 5A satellite in Asia Pacific, following its relocation in 2015, to provide extended coverage to the region, including the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific regions.

"SpeedCast is delighted to have been selected by Airbus Defence and Space. This important milestone embodies our commitment to supporting secure defence and government communications in the vital Asia-Pacific region," said PJ Beylier, CEO of SpeedCast.

"Coupled with SpeedCast's cutting-edge Teleport infrastructure, certified and dedicated staff, and the set of core values that underpins our commitment to satisfying our customers' unique connectivity needs, the new anchor facility for Skynet communications in Adelaide brings a new dimension in secure tactical satcoms services," Mr Beylier added.

The ground station was officially opened at the combined SpeedCast and Airbus Defence and Space facility on Monday 16th May, 2016 by Her Excellency Menna Rawlings CMG, British High Commissioner to Australia.

Richard Franklin, Head of Secure Communications at Airbus Defence and Space, said: "We are delighted to be able to announce the opening of the Australian facility, which now allows us to offer our customers a fully managed and anchored service across the globe to the harshest and remotest locations."