ST Engineering iDirect Advances European Protected Waveform Consortium to Phase 2 for Enhanced Satellite Security
On May 7, 2025, ST Engineering iDirect Europe, located in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, proclaimed a pivotal advancement in the European Protected Waveform (EPW) project. This announcement marks the transition to Phase 2 of the project, underlining the commitment to bolster secure satellite communications for military operations across Europe. Led by Belgium's Ministry of Defence, this initiative cements the collaboration of 22 organizations from 12 EU Member States, combining expertise from various sectors, including industry, government, and academia.
The EPW project aims to create a robust and adaptable communication framework essential for military operations in increasingly complex environments. With the foundation established during Phase 1, which focused on the initial development of the waveform, Phase 2 now shifts toward prototyping and system integration. This development is crucial in ensuring that the EPW system remains secure and interoperable, aligning with strategic EU objectives, particularly concerning the upcoming IRIS² satellite constellation.
Belgium's Minister of Defence, Theo Francken, expressed that investing in this project means prioritizing secure and reliable communication for modern military operations. He emphasized that, with the support from the European Defence Fund, ST Engineering iDirect Europe is not only driving technological innovation but also enhancing the strategic autonomy of European military communications. In a world rife with uncertainty, he stressed, cooperation in research and development is a necessity, significantly modernizing Defence and fostering collaboration in R&D efforts across Europe.
Koen Willems, Vice President of EU Programmes at ST Engineering iDirect Europe, also highlighted the strategic significance of the EPW initiative. He noted that the recognition from the European Defence Fund reflects the urgent need to address emerging threats and enhance resilience for critical military operations throughout Europe. The total investment allocated for this project has now reached €65 million, with €35 million assigned for Phase 2, following €30 million from the initial phase. This financial backing showcases Europe's determination to advance protected satellite communications, fortifying collaborative defense capabilities among EU Member States.
The European Protected Waveform (Phase 2) project receives funding from the European Union, but the views expressed are solely from ST Engineering iDirect Europe and do not necessarily represent those of the EU or the European Commission. This partnership underscores the importance of both public and private sectors working together in facing contemporary challenges in defense technologies.
ST Engineering iDirect Europe serves as the EU Satcom Center of Excellence, specializing in the development of communication technology and solutions tailored for European needs. With an experienced team and adherence to EU Commission guidelines, the organization has positioned itself as a key player in the field of satellite communications. With over 35 years in the industry, ST Engineering iDirect offers a comprehensive array of high-value products and services, in addition to maintaining an ISO9001 certified manufacturing center specifically geared toward EU-funded satellite communication programs. This collaborative effort is poised to strengthen not only military capabilities but also the overall resilience of Europe’s defense infrastructure, ensuring that as threats evolve, so too will the technology that supports Europe’s security and peacekeeping missions.
For additional information on ST Engineering iDirect Europe, please visit ST Engineering iDirect.
The EPW project aims to create a robust and adaptable communication framework essential for military operations in increasingly complex environments. With the foundation established during Phase 1, which focused on the initial development of the waveform, Phase 2 now shifts toward prototyping and system integration. This development is crucial in ensuring that the EPW system remains secure and interoperable, aligning with strategic EU objectives, particularly concerning the upcoming IRIS² satellite constellation.
Belgium's Minister of Defence, Theo Francken, expressed that investing in this project means prioritizing secure and reliable communication for modern military operations. He emphasized that, with the support from the European Defence Fund, ST Engineering iDirect Europe is not only driving technological innovation but also enhancing the strategic autonomy of European military communications. In a world rife with uncertainty, he stressed, cooperation in research and development is a necessity, significantly modernizing Defence and fostering collaboration in R&D efforts across Europe.
Koen Willems, Vice President of EU Programmes at ST Engineering iDirect Europe, also highlighted the strategic significance of the EPW initiative. He noted that the recognition from the European Defence Fund reflects the urgent need to address emerging threats and enhance resilience for critical military operations throughout Europe. The total investment allocated for this project has now reached €65 million, with €35 million assigned for Phase 2, following €30 million from the initial phase. This financial backing showcases Europe's determination to advance protected satellite communications, fortifying collaborative defense capabilities among EU Member States.
The European Protected Waveform (Phase 2) project receives funding from the European Union, but the views expressed are solely from ST Engineering iDirect Europe and do not necessarily represent those of the EU or the European Commission. This partnership underscores the importance of both public and private sectors working together in facing contemporary challenges in defense technologies.
ST Engineering iDirect Europe serves as the EU Satcom Center of Excellence, specializing in the development of communication technology and solutions tailored for European needs. With an experienced team and adherence to EU Commission guidelines, the organization has positioned itself as a key player in the field of satellite communications. With over 35 years in the industry, ST Engineering iDirect offers a comprehensive array of high-value products and services, in addition to maintaining an ISO9001 certified manufacturing center specifically geared toward EU-funded satellite communication programs. This collaborative effort is poised to strengthen not only military capabilities but also the overall resilience of Europe’s defense infrastructure, ensuring that as threats evolve, so too will the technology that supports Europe’s security and peacekeeping missions.
For additional information on ST Engineering iDirect Europe, please visit ST Engineering iDirect.
Topics Telecommunications）
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