ST Engineering iDirect Leads the European Protected Waveform Consortium into Phase 2
SINT-NIKLAAS, Belgium, May 7, 2025 /CNW/ -- ST Engineering iDirect's EU Satcom Centre of Excellence, ST Engineering iDirect Europe, based in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, today announced the advancement of the European Protected Waveform (EPW) project to its second phase. Under the leadership of Belgium's Ministry of Defence and with ST Engineering iDirect Europe as the consortium lead, this milestone marks significant progress in enhancing secure and autonomous satellite communications for Europe.
The project brings together a consortium of 22 organisations from 12 EU Member States, encompassing experts from industry, government and academia. This collaborative effort aims to develop a comprehensive, end-to-end waveform solution designed to ensure resilient and secure communications for military operations and critical government needs in increasingly complex operational environments.
With the foundation established during Phase 1 that laid the framework for the waveform's initial development, Phase 2 focuses on the prototyping and integration of the EPW system. The goal is to provide secure, interoperable systems that align with Europe's strategic initiatives, including the future IRIS² satellite constellation and the EU GovSatCom programme.
"Together with ST Engineering iDirect Europe, we are investing in the backbone of modern military operations: secure and reliable communication," said Theo Francken, Belgian Minister of Defence. "With support from the European Defence Fund, we are advancing technological innovation, strengthening strategic autonomy, and enhancing the safety of our troops. In today's uncertain world, European cooperation in research and development is not a luxury — it's an absolute necessity. This project aligns perfectly with our broader mission to modernise Defence and deepen European collaboration in R&D."
"The advancement to EPW Phase 2 underscores the strategic importance of this initiative to bolster European autonomy in secure satellite communications," said Koen Willems, Vice President, EU Programmes, at ST Engineering iDirect Europe. "This recognition by the European Defence Fund demonstrates the urgent necessity to address emerging threats and foster resilience for critical operations across Europe."
The total investment in the EPW project now stands at €65 million, with €35 million dedicated to Phase 2 following the €30 million allocation in Phase 1. This investment highlights Europe's commitment to advancing protected satellite communications and strengthening collaborative defence capabilities among its Member States.
The European Protected Waveform (Phase 2) is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of ST Engineering iDirect Europe only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
About ST Engineering iDirect Europe
ST Engineering iDirect Europe, located in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, is ST Engineering iDirect's EU Satcom Center of Excellence specialising in the development of ground segment technology and solutions specifically for the EU. As a legal Belgian entity, ST Engineering iDirect Europe has its own board of directors to comply to the guidelines and conditions as put forward by the EU Commission and the Belgian Government. With over 35 years of experience, the ST Engineering iDirect portfolio of high-value product lines and services in addition to a dedicated team of domain specialists, and a ISO9001 certified manufacturing center the team has a portfolio of capabilities to cater to the specific needs of European funded satcoms programs.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Toronto Star
4 hours ago
- Toronto Star
THEON announces new strategic US and European investments and partnerships to build global leadership in Digital and Augmented Reality defense optronics domain under the THEON NEXT initiative
PRESS RELEASE Bloomberg (THEON:NA) / Reuters ( Strategic Investment and Partnership with KOPIN Corporation - Augmented Reality System Development Long-Term Supply Agreement with eMagin Corporation – OLED Displays Strategic Industrial Partnership with ALEREON – Wireless Communication Extending AR-MR-VR Capability via Investment in VARJO 11 August, 2025 – Theon International Plc (THEON) is proud to announce new strategic investments and strategic partnerships as part of its THEON NEXT initiative, building a platform to drive the development of next-generation soldier systems through targeted investments, collaborations, and co-development initiatives. With a focus on the creation of innovative Digital and Augmented Reality (AR) solutions THEON NEXT aims to onboard best-in-class partners in their field of expertise to help shaping the future of operational dominance in modern warfare environments. To this end, THEON is announcing four major investments / strategic cooperations in the United States and Europe, marking a significant milestone in its journey to continue being a global leader in man-portable electro-optics. These transactions reinforce THEON's commitment to innovation, supply chain security, and transatlantic cooperation in defense technologies. Following the establishment of a leading position in night vision systems, THEON has successfully expanded into thermal and digital solutions with its new A.R.M.E.D. product family. Similarly to the approach adopted for traditional Night Vision systems, favoring vertical integration and long-term supply agreements, THEON is now proactively stepping further into the rapidly growing Digital and AR domain, which relies on three critical technologies: ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Augmented and Virtual Reality Software – the foundation of next-generation soldier systems, enabling immersive situational awareness, enhanced decision- making, and digital overlays in real-world environments. Micro-displays – essential for next generation visual augmentation systems, with a strategic focus on developing a US-European microLED technology. Near-Range Wireless Connectivity – enabling seamless, cable-free integration of soldier gear with real-time data transmission. To successfully face these challenges, THEON announces four major initiatives and agreements that not only constitute relevant milestones in its technological roadmap but also deepen the US-European industrial cooperation: First, THEON is investing a total of $15 million in Kopin Corporation (KOPIN, NASDAQ: KOPN), a US-based defense micro-display and sub-system specialist with operations in the US and Scotland, UK. This comprises a $7 million interest bearing loan, convertible in preferred stock of KOPIN at a share price range of $3 to $4.5 in THEON's option, and $8 million capital increase for the acquisition of a 49% stake in KOPIN's Scottish subsidiary, which will serve as the foundation for a new European joint venture acting as the global (non-US) conduit for the production and distribution of AR-enabled systems co-developed between KOPIN and THEON and microLED display production. The whole investment in KOPIN of $15 million, is geared towards the co-development of products and reflects the belief by THEON, that the already extensive R&D investments that KOPIN has undertaken have established the necessary foundation, for a cooperation that can promptly translate into cost efficient, AR-enabled products. This strategic partnership will also see THEON US subsidiary (T-Industries) moving their relevant industrial and product development operations at KOPIN's facility in Reston, VA, which shall become the US manufacturing hub for THEON's AR-enabled and future digital electro-optic products. As part of T-Industries' normal course of business, THEON, over the next five years, will be investing $8 million to support its US operations, as well as the new KOPIN -THEON co-development efforts. This new cooperation will not affect THEON's two existing partnerships in the night vision domain. Secondly, THEON has signed a renewable minimum two-year supply agreement with eMagin, a US-based manufacturer of OLED micro-displays and virtual imaging technologies. eMagin specializes in high-resolution displays for military aviation, night vision, AR/VR, and other near-eye imaging applications. eMagin is a strategic supplier to THEON, providing most OLED displays used in THEON's products, including A.R.M.E.D. products, including foremost IRIS-C. Thirdly, THEON has entered into a strategic partnership with ALEREON, a U.S.-based leader in Ultra-Wide-Band (UWB) wireless technology. ALEREON provides battle- proven UWB solutions that form the established Intra-Soldier communication protocol for the U.S. Army, enabling secure, jam-resistant communication between devices such as between THEON's THERMIS, THEA, IRIS-C, and ORION. Unlike conventional protocols like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, ALEREON's UWB technology delivers unparalleled security, low latency, and resilience in battlefield conditions. Through this partnership, THEON will fully integrate UWB into its A.R.M.E.D. product line, produce it in Greece and will promote this unique solution in Europe and the Middle East as ALEREON's primary partner in the regions. Lastly, THEON announces a strategic minority investment in Varjo Technologies Oy (VARJO), a Finnish deep-tech company specializing in Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR) headsets and applications, deepening THEON's reach into the European innovation ecosystem. VARJO was founded in 2016 and supplies the most relevant aerospace and defense companies globally, delivering advanced military-grade VR/MR technology for training and simulation. The strategic collaboration between THEON and VARJO will combine THEON's technological know-how with VARJO'S advanced virtual and mixed reality hardware and software, with the companies having agreed to collaborate closely on multiple product and business initiatives. The agreement envisages an investment in VARJO via a €5 million convertible loan, structured to be converted into VARJO share capital upon the occurrence of defined events. THEON also holds an option to invest an additional €5 million under the same terms. This investment will support VARJO'S continued development of immersive technologies and reinforce THEON's digital expansion strategy under the THEON NEXT initiative, particularly on the development of high-tech products for defense applications. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Christian Hadjiminas, CEO of THEON, stated: 'Following the recent significant KAPPA acquisition, THEON has managed to sign such pioneering agreements, ensuring it retains its leading position in man-portable electro-optics. We are very proud that these arrangements bring the US and Europe closer together to develop the next generation of soldier-borne systems. The partnership initially involves operations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Finland as well as Greece and will be eventually enlarged into Germany and Belgium where our EU thermal/digital hub is being established. Together, we are pushing the frontier of Augmented Reality defense capabilities. These initiatives and investments will be further expanded upon during our announced Capital Markets Day to be held in Athens in November 2025 (details to be publicized). I am very proud of our commercial and R&D teams that have helped secure these agreements in a short time frame following a thorough review of essential technologies and potential partners over the past 12 months.' Dimitrios Mandridis, CTO of Theon Sensors stated: 'THEON has managed to establish an advanced global technical cooperation framework combining all key technologies of the new inter-connected AR-capable-soldier era, as can be seen by the introduction of THEON's A.R.M.E.D. product line and its ever-growing adoption by modern armies. Every piece of this cooperation ensures that THEON will be at the forefront of new developments in the digital and AR technology space which further evolve THEON's A.R.M.E.D. product line for the benefit of our final customers. THEON's R&D department has been expanded and restructured to enable the integration of all these partnerships.' Dimitris Parthenis, CFO of THEON, stated: 'Obtaining key technologies—especially when these relate to large companies also operating in the civil sector—through such agreements represents a flexible and financially efficient investment and rapid outcome for all our stakeholders. THEON's option to convert such development funds into equity positions would positively affect its future financial results. The current investment, totaling €25 million over two to five years, is expected to be paid back quickly, through enhancing the features and the price positioning of our current offer and also via the future growth of these companies that have some of the most promising civil and defense technologies. We are proud to be looking to the future with these compelling partners who share our leading entrepreneurial spirit.' Michael Murray, CEO of KOPIN, stated: 'With defense investments accelerating globally, especially among European NATO allies, strategic partnerships have become critical to delivering next-generation, mission-ready technologies. We are proud to collaborate with THEON in a partnership that exemplifies innovation, agility, and shared purpose. By integrating KOPIN's cutting-edge micro-displays and application-specific optical subassemblies with Theon's advanced expertise in night vision, thermal imaging, and Electro-Optical ISR systems, we are not only meeting the evolving demands of modern defense operations, but we are also actively shaping the future of battlefield awareness and operational effectiveness.' Amal Ghosh, CEO of eMagin stated: 'We are excited to partner with Theon, a leader in advanced optics and imaging systems, to integrate eMagin's state-of-the-art OLED microdisplay technology into their next generation of products. This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to delivering unmatched image quality, performance, and reliability for mission-critical applications. By combining eMagin's innovation in microdisplays with Theon's expertise in precision optics, we are poised to create solutions that set a new standard in the field and deliver exceptional value to customers worldwide.' David Shoemaker, CEO of ALEREON, stated: 'We're excited to partner with THEON and be part of this forward-looking initiative. THEON'S proven expertise in electro-optics and extensive international business development network make them an ideal ally in expanding the reach and implementation of ALEREON's UWB technology. With THEON as our key partner in Europe and the Middle East, we look forward to bringing our battle- proven communication solutions into the hands of many more allied soldiers.' ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Timo Toikkanen, CEO of VARJO, added: 'We are proud to welcome THEON as a strategic investor in VARJO. Since our inception, VARJO has been creating the most advanced VR/XR military systems globally. THEON's extensive experience and leadership in the defense sector make them an ideal partner as we expand our impact in mission-critical training and simulation, enabling unprecedented levels of realism, readiness, and operational effectiveness.' For inquiries, please contact: Investor Relations Nikos Malesiotis E-Mail: ir@ Tel: +30 210 6772290 Media Contact Elli Michou E-Mail: press@ Tel: +30 210 6728610 About THEON GROUP THEON GROUP of companies develops and manufactures cutting-edge night vision and thermal Imaging systems for Defense and Security applications with a global footprint. THEON GROUP started its operations in 1997 from Greece and today occupies a leading role in the sector thanks to its international presence through subsidiaries and production facilities in Greece, Cyprus, Germany, the Baltics, the United States, the Gulf States, Switzerland, Denmark, Belgium, Singapore and South Korea. THEON GROUP has more than 220,000 systems in service with Armed and Special Forces in 71 countries around the world, 26 of which are NATO countries. ΤΗΕΟΝ ΙΝΤΕRNATIONAL PLC has been listed on Euronext Amsterdam (AMS: THEON) since February 2024. Attachment ΤHEON announces new strategic US and European investments and partnerships
Global News
5 hours ago
- Global News
Carney backs Ukraine role in peace talks in calls with Zelenskyy, Starmer
Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke with the leaders of Ukraine and Britain on Monday amid a flurry of international diplomatic efforts to shore up support for Ukraine ahead of negotiations between the U.S. and Russia aimed toward a peace deal. Carney's conversations came as U.S. President Donald Trump previewed his approach to Friday's planned summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, and suggested Kyiv and Moscow will both have to cede land to end the three-and-a-half-year war in Ukraine. A readout from the Prime Minister's Office of Carney's call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — who has yet to be invited to the upcoming talks — said the two leaders 'agreed on the categorical imperatives of ending Russia's barbaric war' to achieve a lasting peace. 'The two leaders underscored that decisions on the future of Ukraine must be made by Ukrainians, that international borders cannot be changed by force, that diplomatic engagement must be reinforced by continued pressure on Russia to end its aggression, and the need for robust and credible security to enable Ukraine to defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty,' the readout said. Story continues below advertisement It added Carney and Zelenskyy 'welcomed the leadership of President Trump and the United States in working toward securing peace in Ukraine,' but also noted Carney endorsed a joint statement by European leaders on Saturday that emphasized Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be protected. 'Prime Minister Carney affirmed Canada's steadfast support for Ukraine,' the readout said, pointing to billions of dollars in newly-committed military aid and last week's move to lower the price cap on Russian oil alongside European partners. 2:09 Zelenskyy rejects territorial concessions as Trump and Putin plan Alaska summit Carney and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also spoke on Monday and welcomed diplomatic efforts toward peace 'and agreed that this must be built with Ukraine — not imposed upon it,' according to a readout from Downing Street. The PMO has yet to provide its own readout of the call with Starmer. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Ukraine's European allies have been pushing for Ukraine's involvement in U.S. talks with Russia over fears that a negotiated deal could otherwise favour Moscow. Story continues below advertisement European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Monday that 'transatlantic unity, support to Ukraine and pressure on Russia' were needed to end the war and 'prevent future Russian aggression in Europe.' Trump told reporters on Monday that his upcoming talks with Putin will be 'really a feel-out meeting,' adding he would know 'probably in the first two minutes' whether progress was possible toward ending the war. Trump also said 'there'll be some land swapping going on' that will be 'for the good of Ukraine,' but also acknowledged there will be 'some bad stuff for both' sides. 'It's good and there's bad, but it's very complex because you have lines that are very uneven and there'll be some swapping,' he said. 'Russia's occupied a big portion of Ukraine. They've occupied some very prime territory. We're going to try and get some of that territory back for Ukraine.' 2:38 Zelenskyy rejects negotiations that exclude Kyiv as Trump-Putin meeting set for Alaska Putin is expected to be unwavering in his demands to keep all the territory his forces now occupy and to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO, with the long-term aim of returning it to Moscow's sphere of influence. Story continues below advertisement Zelenskyy has strongly condemned suggestions that Ukraine should have to give up any territory seized by Russia, noting Ukraine's territorial borders are enshrined in the country's constitution and any changes will need to be approved democratically by the Ukrainian people. Trump said Monday he's 'a little bit bothered' by that. He also said that, after his meeting with Putin, 'The next meeting will be with Zelenskyy and Putin' but it could also be a meeting with 'Putin and Zelenskyy and me.' Zelenskyy warned on Monday that any concessions to Russia would not persuade it to stop fighting and more pressure was needed on the Kremlin, which he noted was showing no signs it was preparing to wind down its military operations. 'Russia refuses to stop the killings, and therefore must not receive any rewards or benefits,' he wrote on X. 'Concessions do not persuade a killer.' German Chancellor Friedrich Merz invited Zelenskyy, Trump and a number of European leaders to meetings on Wednesday, his office said Monday. Other invitees included U.S. Vice-President JD Vance, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and the leaders of France, Italy, Britain, Finland and Poland. Carney's office and the office of Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand have not responded to questions about whether Canada has been invited to take part. Story continues below advertisement —With files from the Canadian Press, The Associated Press and Reuters
Vancouver Sun
9 hours ago
- Vancouver Sun
Why the French are outraged that Perrier filtered its water: 'This really is our Water-gate'
An iconic French brand dating back more than 160 years, Perrier's reputation has been rocked by a scandal. Last year, a joint investigation by Le Monde and Radio France revealed that at least a third of the country's mineral water brands — including Perrier, Contrex, Vittel and Hépar, owned by Nestlé Waters — had been illegally treated. According to the investigation, French President Emmanuel Macron's government knew about the practices and responded by 'quietly' easing the regulations. Here's what you need to know about the Perrier scandal, and why some are calling it France's 'Water-gate.' Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. At the heart of the controversy is whether brands such as Perrier can continue to market themselves as 'natural mineral water.' The 2024 Le Monde and Radio France investigation found that bottlers had been using illegal purification techniques for 'spring' and 'natural mineral' water for years, including carbon filters, micro-meshes and ultraviolet light. 'This really is our Water-gate,' Stéphane Mandard, a Le Monde journalist who worked on the investigations, told the BBC . 'It's a combination of industrial fraud and state collusion.' After a six-month inquiry, a French Senate report released in May supported Le Monde and Radio France's findings. 'Despite the fact that this method of disinfection is a fraud against consumers, authorities chose not to pursue legal action following these revelations. They decided not to inform the public of this fraud, not to inform European authorities, and not to inform local authorities who would have had direct oversight,' Alexandre Ouizille, a senator who led the committee on mineral water, said in a press conference. Natural mineral water costs 100 to 400 times more than tap water, and France is one of the world's largest producers, The Guardian reports. Unlike tap water, which is filtered and treated, mineral water can't be altered, according to European regulations. To be labelled 'natural mineral water,' rules prohibit it from being treated in any way that changes its characteristics. Ouizille said that France's agency in charge of fraud control estimated the total amount of the deception to be over 3 billion euros ($4.8 billion). Originating from protected, underground sources, mineral water traditionally didn't require treatment to make it safe to drink. This is no longer the case, experts say. Human activity and extreme weather, such as flooding, are resulting in increased groundwater contamination. In April 2024, Nestlé destroyed two million bottles of Perrier 'as a precautionary measure' because of bacterial contamination in one of its wells in Vergèze, southern France. 'The commercial model of the big producers has worked very well. But it is absolutely not sustainable at a time of global climate change,' hydrologist Emma Haziza told the BBC. 'When you have big brands that feel they have no choice but to treat their water, that means they know there is a problem with the quality.' Following the Le Monde and Radio France investigation, Nestlé Waters admitted using prohibited filters and ultraviolet treatment on mineral waters and paid a fine of 2 million euros ($3.2 million) to avoid legal action. The French Senate inquiry put the issue back in the spotlight. In February, Macron said , 'I am not aware of these things.' Adding that there hadn't been an 'agreement' with Nestlé and that 'there is no collusion with anyone.' However, the Senate report found that the government was involved in concealing Nestlé's prohibited water treatment methods. 'The presidency of the republic had known, at least since 2022, that Nestlé had been cheating for years,' the commission concluded . The findings have further rocked consumer confidence. 'I trust tap water more now,' one French grocery shopper told France 24 . Another said, 'I feel like we've been cheated.' The commission interviewed 120 people in its inquiry, including CEO Laurent Freixe and senior managers at Nestlé, the Swiss food and beverage giant. At a Senate hearing earlier this year, Freixe admitted that Perrier had used prohibited water treatments and that an official hydrologists' report recommended against renewing 'natural mineral water' status at the company's groundwater aquifer between Nîmes and Montpellier in southern France. On July 3, Nestlé said it had removed prohibited filtration devices but has yet to prove that Perrier springs can meet the legal 'natural mineral water' criteria, Le Monde reports. Perrier wells are located in a heavily populated, hot agricultural area that felt the effects of five years of successive droughts, Haziza told the BBC. Though Perrier may be the most prominent bottler to face issues, she expects more to follow. 'We can foresee that what has happened first at Perrier's site will happen to other producers in the years to come. That's why we need to move away from our current model of consumption.' Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our cookbook and recipe newsletter, Cook This, here .
