ST Engineering iDirect, Black Cat Systems unveil Advanced Satcom Lab to bolster ADF communications

Australia – November 18, 2025: ST Engineering iDirect and Australian integrator Black Cat Systems (BCS) have launched an Advanced Satcom Technology Demonstration Lab to showcase secure, resilient, multi-orbit satellite communications capabilities for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Powered by the 450 Software Defined Modem (450SDM), the facility will demonstrate multi-layered SATCOM solutions tailored to mission-critical defence requirements. According to iDirect, the lab “represents a significant step forward” in providing secure communication systems for the ADF.

ADF-focused lab highlights 450SDM capabilities

The lab will be centered on ST Engineering iDirect’s 450SDM, a modem designed for mission-critical communications that operates in both fixed and mobile environments. The 450SDM supports multiple waveforms and enables operations across HEO, GEO, MEO, and LEO satellite orbits, providing flexibility for diverse defence missions. It integrates CSIR interference mitigation technology to address interference affecting defence communications.

iDirect states the 450SDM achieves a 30% reduction in size, weight, and power compared with previous company models. The modem delivers high data rates, supports mobility requirements, includes TRANSEC for transmission security, and meets FIPS 140-3 Level 3 compliance standards. The modem offers flexible key exchange for crypto-agility and removal of CSIR interference in real-time. ST Engineering iDirect said that the dual Tx/Rx SDM would further enhance these capabilities in future updates.

• Multi-orbit operation: HEO, GEO, MEO, LEO
• Security: TRANSEC; FIPS 140-3 Level 3 compliance
• Interference resilience: CSIR mitigation; real-time CSIR removal
• Efficiency: 30% reduction in size, weight, and power
• Crypto-agility: Flexible key exchange for secure operations

Partnership expansion and platform additions

As part of the initiative, BCS has acquired additional Evolution Defense hubs and 9-Series modems, and will feature the capabilities of the new 450SDM at the lab.

ST Engineering iDirect Asia regional vice president Terry Bleakley 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.”

BCS managing director Keith Rosario said: “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.”

Background: Australia’s evolving SATCOM procurement

The lab launch follows shifts in Australia’s defence satellite communications strategy. In November 2024, the Australian Department of Defence ceased its ongoing acquisition process with Lockheed Martin for a single-orbit, GEO-based satellite communications system. Subsequently, in July 2025, the government issued a request for information from industry stakeholders regarding military satellite communication systems. The new demonstration environment provides a venue to exhibit secure, resilient, and multi-orbit SATCOM options in line with Australia’s evolving requirements.

What the lab will demonstrate

According to iDirect, the lab “represents a significant step forward” in providing secure communication systems for the ADF. It will enable the ADF and stakeholders to assess:

• Multi-orbit connectivity and resilient SATCOM architectures
• Interference mitigation via CSIR and real-time removal capabilities
• Security and compliance features, including TRANSEC and FIPS 140-3 Level 3
• Mobility performance, high data rates, and crypto-agility
• Integration with the Evolution Defense platform, hubs, and 9-Series modems

Conclusion: Next steps for ADF SATCOM modernization

The Advanced Satcom Technology Demonstration Lab establishes a platform for the ADF to evaluate secure, resilient, and multi-layered SATCOM solutions built around the 450SDM and the Evolution Defense platform. With future updates planned for a dual Tx/Rx SDM, the partners aim to expand capability demonstrations as Australia refines its military satellite communications approach following the 2024 program cessation and the 2025 RFI.