Clif Basnight
Vice President of Strategic Technologies, Ultra I&C
Over the past 12-18 months, Clif Basnight supported the launch of Ultra I&C’s sixth-generation family of high-capacity line-of-sight radio terminals, Orion Gen 6; the company’s latest data-centric tactical waveform, High-Throughput Mesh; and its first-ever, industry-leading troposcatter system, Archer. These products have delivered best-in-class performance demonstrations around the globe.
Aligned with the current administration’s priorities, the company designs modular solutions that build on existing product success — just as Archer was developed by leveraging the Hunter SATCOM terminals. This approach lowers costs, streamlines production and increases efficiency, all while delivering two powerful capabilities from a shared foundation.
Why Watch
In 2025, Ultra I&C is focused on advancing transport diversity to support hyperconnected warfare across DOD and coalition partners — backed by proven capabilities in SATCOM, troposcatter and tactical data-centric radios.
“Clif brings a blend of operational insight and technical expertise that’s helping shape the future of our communications portfolio,” said Jon Rucker, president and CEO of Ultra I&C. “His experience as a former end user gives him a valuable perspective — one that ensures we’re delivering real-world solutions that meet mission and customer needs. Clif has been instrumental in driving key strategic technologies forward, and his leadership continues to elevate our team and our impact.”
Fun Fact: Before he became a technologist, Basnight was a vocalist in the Army Band.