Kymeta and JDI to Produce New Multi-Band Satellite Antennas
Kymeta and Japan Display Inc (JDI) have agreed to partner on the development and production of next-generation multi-band metasurface antennas. Initial terminals will target defense customers.
Updated February 3, 2026
Satellite communications company Kymeta has entered into an agreement with Japan Display Inc (JDI) to develop and produce new multi-band metasurface antennas. The collaboration aims to enable simultaneous operation across Ku and Ka-band satellite frequencies, resulting in the industry's first multi-band, metasurface-based terminal.
According to Kymeta, this technology represents a significant step forward in satellite communication evolution. It allows for rapid beam switching across different frequency bands and networks, improves performance in terms of size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-c), and reduces electromagnetic observability. The partnership leverages JDI's expertise in manufacturing thin, thin-film transistor (TFT) based flat-panel displays and its capacity for high-volume production.
Kymeta CEO Manny Mora described the partnership as a pivotal transition, moving the company from technology development to product development and preparing for high-volume applications. The initial Ku/Ka-band terminals will primarily target defense sector needs, responding to demands from entities such as the U.S. Department of Defense for flexible and resilient Ku/Ka-band communication solutions.
The collaboration also lays the groundwork for future scalable solutions suitable for drones, autonomous systems, and other applications where low-profile, low-power, and cost-effective electronically steered antennas are critical. Commercial applications are expected to follow quickly, advancing a shift away from proprietary, fixed-frequency systems towards a more cellular-like model where user equipment can seamlessly roam across networks and frequency bands.