ST Engineering iDirect Verified ground-based technologies and local industry expertise in South Korea will support secure, resilient, and scalable critical maritime operations.
Hernandez, Virginia, November 4, 2026 / PRNewswire / -- Global leader in satellite communications, ST Engineering, announced today that the company has been selected as part of a consortium led by KT SAT to provide its satellite ground systems for a maritime communication modernization and expansion project for the Korean government.
According to this project, ST Engineering and iDirect will upgrade the existing iDirect and Ku band environments of the Korean government, while also building a new generation of Ka band satellite communication systems to modernize maritime communications and provide reliable connectivity for government maritime operations. This solution combines the satellite and service expertise of KT SAT, the proven ground technologies of ST Engineering and iDirect, the local integration capabilities of Waldo, as well as the antenna systems of Intellian, to deliver a network designed to support evolving operational needs.
This deployment will utilize two hubs located in different geographical areas to enhance network availability and minimize operational disruptions in the government communication environment. By adopting the verified platforms of ST Engineering and iDirect in both the existing Ku band and the new Ka band environments, a phased transition will be supported, while also attempting to reduce implementation risks and interference with ongoing maritime communications.
ST Engineering iDirect indicates that its ground-based system will provide advanced network monitoring, operational support, and centralized network management capabilities, enabling operators to more clearly understand and more effectively control network performance and availability, while also simplifying operations. The platform will also enhance the security of sensitive communications.
KT SAT Executive Vice President Hyunbae Park stated: "As the main contractor and leader of the consortium, KT SAT will be responsible for the end-to-end deployment and integration of the system to meet the requirements of the Korean government. By combining KT SAT's rich experience in satellite communications and government projects, as well as the proven ground technologies of ST Engineering iDirect, we will deliver a maritime communication system that not only supports current stable operations but also has the flexibility to meet future needs."
ST Engineering iDirect Senior Vice President of Global Sales Brian Jakins stated: "This project demonstrates the value of our proven satellite ground technology in supporting government communications, especially in scenarios where performance, availability, and operational reliability are of paramount importance. We are working together with KT SAT, Waldo, and Intellian to deliver modern maritime communication capabilities that not only meet current needs but also lay the foundation for future growth and innovation."
ST Engineering iDirect indicates that this deployment is built upon the company's long-term experience in supporting global governments, mobile, and mission-critical communication networks, which includes recent naval and maritime communication projects in Southeast Asia and Europe. The company states that this also reflects an increasing investment in modern satellite infrastructure by the market, which can provide higher operational agility, visibility, and long-term scalability for maritime operations.
ST Engineering and iDirect are subsidiaries of ST Engineering and are also global leaders in the field of satellite communications, providing technology and solutions to help customers expand their businesses, achieve service differentiation, and optimize their satellite communication networks. The company states that, with over 40 years of continuous innovation and a focus on solving the most critical economic and technical challenges in the satellite industry, it is committed to shaping the future of global connectivity. Its product portfolio, under the brand of iDirect, represents high standards of performance, efficiency, and reliability, enabling customers to enjoy the best satellite communication experiences anywhere in the world. ST Engineering and iDirect hold leading positions in key industries such as mobile, broadcasting, and military/government sectors. In 2007, iDirect and Government were established to better serve U.S. government and defense sector customers. For more information, please visit www.idirect.net.
