ISTANBUL, May 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- (IDEF 2015; Hall 3-Stand 315) -- Aydin Yazilim ve Elektronik San. A.S. (AYESAS) of Turkey and ViaSat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), an innovator in broadband and communication technologies and services, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cover exploration of and cooperation in identifying Tactical Data Link (TDL) products and services opportunities in Turkey and other international markets. The MOU areas of focus include manufacturing of components, software and hardware development and testing, and maintenance and repair services.

AYESAS is a Tactical Data Link software supplier to the Turkish Armed Forces for ATDL-1, Link-1, Link-11/B and Link 16 requirements as well as an advanced electronics and electro-mechanical assembly supplier for major global aerospace and defense companies. AYESAS is recognized globally for its ability to offer great flexibility, cost efficiency, accuracy and innovation power along the entire value chain of tactical data link solutions.

ViaSat is a leading supplier of Multifunctional Information Distribution System Low-Volume Terminals including MIDS-LVT(1) to F-16 fleets worldwide and MIDS-LVT(2) terminals for integration into a variety of platforms. With a full range of terminals, support equipment, training, and field support, ViaSat provides complete turnkey systems to support command and control, surveillance, intelligence, weapon status and situational awareness communications over Link 16.

"With the signing of the MOU, AYESAS and ViaSat are building a strong synergy that will focus on providing Tactical Data Link products and services to joint and coalition forces," said Mr. Aziz Sipahi, general manager of AYESAS. "The MOU is the ideal approach to support armed forces communications requirements by utilizing both companies' well-known expertise and know-how."

"Our partnership with AYESAS is a testament to our commitment to expand the provision of Link 16 products and services not only in Turkey but throughout NATO and our coalition allies," said Dr. Jay Kaufman, general manager, Tactical Data Links, ViaSat. "With Tactical Data Link software expertise provided by AYESAS and ViaSat's vast experience providing Link 16 communications systems, we can help military personnel exchange real-time situational awareness information and voice communications across the battlefield."

About AYESAS

AYESAS is a joint venture of Zorlu Group of Turkey (60%) and L-3 Communications of the USA (40%), located in Ankara, Turkey and has around 250 employees. As an internationally competitive Engineering and Manufacturing Service provider, AYESAS offers best valued solutions in air defense systems, advanced electronics assemblies for naval and airborne systems and safety critical avionics & embedded software.

About ViaSat

ViaSat engineers creative ways to connect people to new communication applications with networking systems and services that enable a fast, cost-efficient, secure, and high-performance connection to virtually any location.  The Company offers Exede^® high-speed internet and broadband services in North America; worldwide mobile satellite services, including global tracking and messaging as well as high-speed in-flight internet; satellite broadband networking systems; Wi-Fi and other hotspot operations, support, and management systems; network-centric military communication systems for the U.S. and allied governments; cybersecurity; and communication system design. Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, ViaSat employs more than 3,300 people worldwide in the areas of technology development, customer service, and network operations. For more information, please visit ViaSat at www.viasat.com, or follow the Company on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward looking statements include statements about the success of the MOU and TDL products and services, exploration and cooperation in identifying opportunities, and commitment to expansion. Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: contractual problems, product defects, manufacturing issues or delays, regulatory issues, technologies not being developed according to anticipated schedules, or that do not perform according to expectations; and increased competition and other factors affecting the defense industry generally. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in ViaSat's SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including ViaSat's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. ViaSat undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.

Copyright © 2015 ViaSat, Inc. All rights reserved. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners. Exede is a registered trademark of ViaSat Inc.

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SOURCE ViaSat Inc.