New satcom lab boosts secure comms for Australian Defence Force missions
ST Engineering iDirect and Black Cat Systems are expanding their partnership to create an Advanced Satcom Technology Demonstration Lab intended to support the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The facility will showcase a range of secure satellite communications technologies, including the introduction of the 450 Software Defined Modem (450SDM).
Lab focus
The lab will be dedicated to demonstrating satcom solutions designed to meet the ADF's requirements for mission-critical communications. Central to the lab is the 450SDM, developed by ST Engineering iDirect, which is designed to support multiple satellite orbits and waveform types from one platform. Security features include TRANSEC and FIPS 140-3 Level 3 compliance, as well as support for interference mitigation technology.
Technology investments
Black Cat Systems has added further Evolution Defence hubs and 9-Series modems to its offering and will use the lab to showcase the capabilities of the new 450SDM modem. The modem is built for flexibility, supporting orbits such as HEO, GEO, MEO, and LEO. It is also engineered for use in both stationary and mobile defence environments. The hardware has been reduced in size, weight, and power needs by 30% compared to earlier models, and supports high data rates and advanced mobility.
Security and integration
The partnership will demonstrate the combination of the 450SDM and the iDirect Evolution Defence 4.6 platform, aiming to highlight their security, resilience and mobility for defence operations. Key technical features include a flexible key exchange mechanism and real-time CSIR interference removal. The new hardware is expected to be further enhanced in future releases to enable dual transmit and receive capabilities on the same software-defined platform.
Sovereign industry support
Black Cat Systems is contributing its experience as a satcom provider to the Australian defence sector by investing in lab facilities, training, and local support. This investment is aimed at bolstering sovereign supply chains and ensuring operational integration.
"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% mission focus," said Keith Rosario, Managing Director, Black Cat Systems.
Flexibility and performance
The 450SDM's platform is intended to provide adaptability for the changing landscape of military communication needs. With support for multi-orbit connectivity and various waveform standards, the modem is designed to offer a single solution for secure connectivity in defence environments. The system also aims to deliver crypto-agility and reliable performance even where network activity may be compromised by interference.
ST Engineering iDirect's 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 Defence platform, showcases our ability to meet the ADF's critical communication needs with unmatched flexibility, reliability, security, and performance."
