Idirect
AcquiredFounded 1994 Β· 963 employees on LinkedIn Β· 1 known investors
ST Engineering iDirect develops satellite communication technologies and connectivity solutions for defense, government, enterprise, and media customers. The company provides satellite connection platforms and services for global connectivity applications.
Also known as iDirect Β· iDirect Technologies Inc. Β· ST Engineering iDirect
Investors Β· 1
Company profile
researched Aug 2026ST Engineering iDirect is a satellite communications technology company that builds the ground systems behind satellite networks. Its portfolio includes satellite modems such as the iQ 200 rackmount modem, iQ Desktop+, MDM2510 and the 980 board modem, together with unified network and service management software and the Intuition ground system, a cloud-native, multi-orbit satellite networking architecture that uses automation and standards-based technologies. The company positions itself around convergence between space and terrestrial networks, integration of software and hardware, and the migration of legacy satellite systems toward open, interoperable infrastructure.
The company traces its origins to iDirect Technologies Inc. of Herndon, Virginia, a provider of two-way, Internet-protocol-based broadband satellite networking equipment serving telecommunications, oil and gas, construction and marine industries as well as government and military agencies. Following acquisition by Singapore Technologies Engineering in 2005 and a 2019 merger with Newtec, the business operates under the ST Engineering iDirect name with product lines branded iDirect and Newtec. It has been described as the world's largest TDMA enterprise VSAT manufacturer and a leader in broadcast, mobility and military/government segments.
Business model
The company develops and sells satellite ground-system technology β including satellite modems, network and service management software, and the Intuition ground platform β to satellite operators, service providers, telcos, equipment manufacturers and systems integrators, who use the equipment to build and operate their own satellite networks. Historically its core commercial line was two-way IP-based broadband satellite networking equipment sold into telecommunications, oil and gas, construction, marine, government and military markets.
Revenue derives from sales of satellite ground-system hardware (modems, boards, rackmount and desktop units) and network and service management software and related services to satellite network operators and service providers.
Traction
In 2004 the predecessor iDirect Technologies reported more than $50 million in revenue and projected roughly $80 million for 2005, with about 30 percent of revenue from military business. The company has more recently reported strategic defense wins in Asia and Europe.
Latest developments
The company has announced defense wins in Asia and Europe and continues to promote its Intuition ground system and associated modem line, with scheduled participation at satellite and defense industry events in Poland, the Netherlands, France and Dubai during 2026.
βΈFull profile β market position, technology, go-to-market, geography, history
Market position
Described as a global leader in satellite communications and the world's largest TDMA enterprise VSAT manufacturer, with leadership positions cited in broadcast, mobility and military/government markets. As of 2005, the predecessor company's broadband modem business was characterized as among the strongest in the industry.
The company emphasizes decades of ground-system innovation, a combined iDirect and Newtec product portfolio, support for open standards and interoperability, and the Intuition system's cloud-native, multi-orbit architecture with automation for network operations.
Technology
Satellite ground-system technology spanning TDMA VSAT networking, IP-based two-way broadband satellite links, a family of satellite modems (iQ 200 rackmount, iQ Desktop+, MDM2510, 980 board), unified network and service management software, and the Intuition platform β a cloud-native, multi-orbit satellite networking system built on automation and standards-based technologies aimed at bridging space and terrestrial networks.
Go-to-market
Sales run through direct engagement with satellite operators, service providers, telcos, OEMs and systems integrators, supported by presence at satellite and defense industry trade events such as MSPO, IBC, World Space Business Week, the Space Defense & Security Summit and SATEXPO at CABSAT, along with a technical blog and webinar program.
Satellite operators, service providers, telcos, equipment manufacturers and systems integrators, plus defense and government agencies and enterprise, broadcast and mobility customers; historical customer industries include telecommunications, oil and gas, construction and marine.
Geography
Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, United States, with career listings indicating locations in Herndon (US-VA), Erpe-Mere and Sint-Niklaas in Belgium, Killarney in Ireland, plus remote roles in India and the United Kingdom. The company participates in industry events across Europe and the Middle East, including in Poland, Paris and Dubai.
History
iDirect Technologies Inc. was based in Herndon, Virginia, and was described in 2005 as an 11-year-old company. In September 2005 it agreed to be acquired by Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd. for $165 million in cash via ST Engineering's U.S. holding company Vision Technologies Electronics, continuing as a wholly owned subsidiary under its existing management and name. In 2007 iDirect Government was formed to serve U.S. government and defense customers. A 2019 merger with Belgian satcom pioneer Newtec created the current ST Engineering iDirect, which markets products under both the iDirect and Newtec brands and describes the combined business as spanning over 35 years of satellite communications innovation.
Compiled by commissioned research from 8 cited public sources β announcements, filings, and press listed under research sources below.
Key figures
latest reportedCompany-reported or press-reported figures, each dated to when it was claimed β not independently audited.
Timeline Β· 3
launches, deals, and filingsST Engineering iDirect merged with satellite communications company Newtec; the combined business markets products under the iDirect and Newtec brands.
iDirect Government was formed to serve U.S. government and defense communities.
iDirect Technologies Inc. agreed to be acquired by Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd. for $165 million in cash, through ST Engineering's U.S. holding company Vision Technologies Electronics (VTEE). iDirect was to operate as a wholly owned subsidiary under its existing management team and name; the transaction was subject to regulatory approvals, other closing conditions and approval by a majority of iDirect's stockholders.
$165M source β
Dated company events from announcements, filings, and press; legal rows summarize public dockets and regulator releases.
βΈResearch sources Β· 8
primary sources listed
- Idirectidirect.net Β· web
8 public sources were cited for this profile; the first-party ones are listed here.
Frequently asked questions
- What does Idirect do?
- ST Engineering iDirect builds satellite ground systems, modems and network management software for satcom operators and service providers.
- Who are Idirect's investors?
- Idirect's investors include SmartFin.