The U.S. Department of Defense is expanding the use of commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite-based space internet services on a large scale to strengthen military communications.
Through the "Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (PLEO) Satellite-Based Service Program," launched in 2023, the U.S. military is pursuing the adoption of civilian space internet services, utilizing commercial services like Starlink for military purposes, with demand far exceeding initial expectations.
When the PLEO program was first announced, a budget of up to $900 million over five years was allocated, but within just one year, the budget increased to approximately $13 billion, nearly tenfold.
This increase reflects the growing reliance of the U.S. military on space internet, a response to additional requests from the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) and the Space Systems Command (SSC).
Experts predict that investment in space internet will continue to grow, and the emergence of competing services like Kuiper will further expand options for the military.
Currently, the U.S. military is known to allocate the largest portion of the PLEO budget to Starshield, the military version of Starlink, although specific figures have not been disclosed.
The PLEO program seeks to maximize the military’s purchasing power and enhance strategic superiority through collaboration with various civilian services.
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U.S. Defense Department Boosts Low-Earth Orbit Internet Budget Tenfold to Strengthen Military Communications
The U.S. Department of Defense is expanding the use of commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite-based space internet services on a large scale to strengthen
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