The U.S. Army is testing Amazon’s Leo low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks to augment connectivity options for warfighters.

The Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) C5ISR Center is leading the tests. That organization conducts research and tests technologies to network tactical leaders with boots on the ground.

The efforts saw 400 Mb/s Leo Pro antennas used to send and receive data via laptops at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland to satellites in orbit. Leo Pro weighs 5.2 pounds and is Amazon’s third-most powerful satellite behind the Ultra.

Amazon is set to conduct “more advanced tests” with the U.S. Army, including efforts spanning higher-speed connections and integrations with existing Army tactical networks.

"Amazon has a long track record providing critical cloud and connectivity services to the U.S. Army and this demonstration at Aberdeen Proving Ground is an important step toward an expanded partnership," Liz Martin, head of government for Amazon Leo, noted. "We deeply value our work together and look forward to supporting the needs of tomorrow’s Army as we deploy and scale our satellite constellation.”

The Army tests come as Amazon continues to build out its satellite connectivity portfolio. Its current constellation counts around 400 deployed satellites with the e-commerce giant saying more than 1,000 satellites have been manufactured.

Amazon, which is also notably working with AT&T on a satellite-based broadband offering, has plans for more than 5,000 direct-to-device (D2D) satellites that will power a commercial service set to launch in 2028.