COMMUNICATION
Satellite Communication
_The Bundeswehr has acquired its own military communications satellites and laid down the foundations for a secure information network for use by units on deployed missions outside Germany. The network supports the autonomous, global transmission of audio and data as well as video and multimedia applications. The system went into service in 2010 and constituted an important step in implementing the Bundeswehr concept for network-centric operations. Satellite communications are the only way of ensuring information can be transmitted flexibly without having to rely on the infrastructure in the theatre of operations. The communications are also heavily encrypted; satellite communication is also considered more difficult to intercept and therefore offers more secure transmission of confidential information than other communication options. As the Bundeswehr continues to expand the amount of data that can be transmitted, the service is also being offered to foreign customers.