European Protected Waveform Consortium Reaches Important Over-the-Air Testing Milestone in Military Communications

Major Milestone in European Military Communications: EPW Over-the-Air Testing

On December 10, 2025, ST Engineering iDirect, based in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, unveiled a significant achievement in military communications with the successful completion of the European Protected Waveform (EPW) consortium's over-the-air testing. This milestone represents a robust step toward Europe's strategic autonomy concerning secure military satellite communications. Conducted on November 26-27, 2025, at the Universität der Bundeswehr München in Germany, this demonstration validated the EPW's efficacy in protecting military satellite communications against various threats, including jamming and cyberattacks, across both GEO (Geostationary) and LEO (Low Earth Orbit) configurations.

Belgian National Armaments Director, Major General Filip Borremans, emphasized the importance of this accomplishment, stating, "These successful EPW demonstrations highlight the European Defence Fund's mission to enable Member States to collectively achieve what cannot be accomplished alone. Our consortium, comprising 19 partners from 13 nations, proves that by working together, Europe can deliver technical excellence and strategic autonomy in defense. Secure satellite communications are foundational to contemporary defense operations. EPW shows that, through collaborative European investment, we can develop solutions that bolster our collective security."

This achievement underscores the urgent need for secure, interoperable communication standards in modern military operations. As security threats from both state and non-state actors escalate and military missions adapt to increasingly diverse operational environments, the need for reliable infrastructure becomes paramount. With security, agility, efficiency, and interoperability as its core design principles, the EPW aims to empower European military forces to maintain secure communications, whether operating independently or alongside coalition partners.

The EPW program, co-funded by the European Union via the European Defence Fund, unites entities from industry and academia throughout Europe, with ST Engineering iDirect Europe leading the consortium under the direction of Belgium's Ministry of Defence. This collaborative initiative addresses both ongoing and emerging challenges in military satellite communications, such as evolving security threats, demands for higher data throughput, and enhanced mobility solutions.

Koen Willems, Vice President for EU Programs at ST Engineering iDirect Europe, remarked, "The successful realization of this major milestone, demonstrated live to supporting military end-users, represents a pivotal progression toward the next phase of the EPW program. This achievement sets the foundation for prototyping and testing the final capabilities that will provide secure and resilient communications across Europe. It highlights our unwavering commitment to advancing Europe’s strategic independence in military communications through innovation and collaboration."

The European Protected Waveform is envisioned as a significant project within the European Defence Fund's objectives, aimed at fostering collaborative defense research and development efforts across Member States. The total estimated cost of the EPW program is €29.9 million, with the European Union contributing a maximum of €25 million within its 39-month timeline. The initiative focuses on developing secure waveform standards for future-proof satellite communications, tackling challenges such as joint operations, mobility prerequisites, and the integration of both GEO and NGSO (Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit) satellites.

ST Engineering iDirect Europe specializes in developing industry-leading ground segment technology and solutions tailored for the EU’s satellite communications projects. With over 35 years of experience, the company is committed to addressing the evolving needs of modern military operations, ensuring that European funded SATCOM programs sustain a competitive edge through innovative solutions.

The significance of this milestone can scarcely be overstated; it not only represents technological advancement but also sets the stage for deeper European cooperation in the field of defense. As the EPW initiative progresses, its implications for enhanced security and collaboration among European nations will continue to unfold, establishing a more robust framework for military communications in the years to come.