ST Engineering iDirect and Black Cat Systems are working together to establish an Advanced Satcom Technology Demonstration Lab to support the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Central to this lab is the ST Engineering iDirect 450 Software Defined Modem (SDM), which provides multi-waveform and multi-orbit capabilities, as well as interference mitigation technology tailored for defense needs. Sydney, Australia (SPX) Nov 18, 2025
ST Engineering iDirect and Black Cat Systems are working together to establish an Advanced Satcom Technology Demonstration Lab to support the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Central to this lab is the ST Engineering iDirect 450 Software Defined Modem (SDM), which provides multi-waveform and multi-orbit capabilities, as well as interference mitigation technology tailored for defense needs.
Black Cat Systems has purchased additional Evolution Defense hubs and 9-Series modems and will demonstrate the new 450SDM model. This modem is designed for mission-critical communications and operates across HEO, GEO, MEO, and LEO orbits, supporting several waveforms on a single platform. It offers a 30 percent reduction in size, weight, and power compared to earlier models and integrates security features such as TRANSEC and FIPS 140-3 Level 3 compliance.
Terry Bleakley, Asia Regional Vice President at ST Engineering iDirect, said, "Our expanded partnership with Black Cat Systems underscores our commitment to delivering cutting-edge satcom solutions to the Australian Defence Force. The 450SDM, combined with our Evolution Defense platform, showcases our ability to meet the ADF's critical communication needs with unmatched flexibility, reliability, security, and performance."
Keith Rosario, Managing Director at Black Cat Systems, stated, "Black Cat Systems has been a trusted Australian provider of satcom solutions and services for the ADF for 18 years, and is investing to strengthen the sovereign industrial base through lab systems, advanced training, and local support to ensure a strong secure supply chain, seamless integration, operational excellence and 100 percent mission focus. We are proud to strengthen our partnership with ST Engineering iDirect. Our Advanced Satcom Technology Demonstration Lab will be used to showcase the 450SDM and other advanced technologies from ST Engineering iDirect that deliver secure, resilient, and mission-critical communication capabilities to empower the ADF in current and future environments."
When paired with iDirect Evolution Defense 4.6, the 450SDM provides enhanced security, resiliency, and mobility for defense uses. The modem features flexible key exchange for crypto-agility and real-time interference removal, supporting stable and secure communications in demanding scenarios. Additional capabilities will be developed for the modem in future releases.
The Advanced Satcom Technology Demonstration Lab marks a step forward in providing secure, mission-critical communications to the ADF.
Related Links
ST Engineering iDirect and Black Cat Systems
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