This Q&A brings together ST Engineering iDirect and Paradigm to discuss how both companies are advancing resilient, future‑proof SATCOM for government and defense users operating at the tactical edge. Keith Blanchet and Ulf Sandberg share insights on modernization, multi‑orbit readiness, secure communications, and the role of software‑defined technologies like the 450SDM and Paradigm’s PIM architecture in shaping next‑generation mission success.
Keith Blanchet – Vice President International Government & Defense at ST Engineering iDirect
Keith Blanchet is the Vice President of Government and Defense at ST Engineering iDirect, where he leads Government Relations, strategic initiatives, and oversees business development efforts in the international government and defense sectors.
Ulf Sandberg – Managing Director & Founder at Paradigm
Ulf Sandberg has over 35 years’ experience in the global satellite and telecommunications industry. Founded in 1996, Paradigm is an independent, highly regarded manufacturer of satellite communication equipment. Trusted by end-users globally Paradigm delivers the most advanced satcom, made simple.
About Paradigm
Paradigm is a Satcom solutions provider based in the United Kingdom with a global presence. Paradigm’s mission is to make the world’s most advanced Satcom simple to deploy and operate. With the intelligent Paradigm Interface Module (PIM) at the core, Paradigm terminals offer exceptional flexibility, operating across multiple frequency bands, constellations, and networks. The company’s range of secure, rapid deploy, low-SWaP terminals includes the single-case HORNET and the ultraportable, backpack-ready RAGNO – both tested and proven in demanding field environments.
With a long history of collaboration with ST Engineering iDirect, Paradigm has reinforced its market leadership through intelligent solutions powered by the unique PIM. Enabled by the ST Engineering iDirect 950mp modem and the next generation 450SDM modems, integrations like the PIM950 and PIM450 give users unparalleled flexibility, allowing seamless movement between different software defined profiles at the touch of a button.
Keith: Paradigm and ST Engineering iDirect have fostered a long-standing relationship working together over many years, how have both parties grown?
Ulf: Paradigm and ST Engineering iDirect share a common philosophy: delivering flexible, mission-ready solutions that evolve with operational demands. We both take an agnostic approach, ensuring that solutions are not constrained by a single architecture but instead built to meet real-world requirements, today and in the future.
Over time, this alignment has enabled deeper integration between modem technology and terminal design. Paradigm’s PIM-powered architecture has been central to our growth, allowing seamless integration of iDirect modems such as the 950mp and now the 450SDM into a unified, adaptable platform. The result is a collaboration that delivers not just compatibility, but future proof solutions where hardware and software work together to simplify deployment while maintaining performance and reliability in the field.
Keith: A key driver behind your success is staying aligned with rapid technological innovation. What do you mean by ‘future-proof solutions’ and how does the 450SDM contribute to that?
Ulf: For Paradigm, “future-proof’ is not about predicting every requirement, it’s about designing systems that can adapt as those requirements evolve, like a Lego model where you can add and take away. This starts with understanding the end-user; they need solutions that are reliable, easy to use, and capable of supporting multiple missions without increasing complexity.
The introduction of the 450SDM supports this approach. Its compact form factor and flexible architecture enable integration into lightweight and deployable systems, such as Paradigm’s RAGNO terminal, while also supporting multi-orbit and multi-waveform operations. Also, reinforced by Paradigm’s PIM which provides a stable, proven foundation for continuous enhancement. With our in-house design and R&D team, we can rapidly respond to emerging needs, adding capabilities without compromising reliability. Together, the PIM and the 450DSM ensure that our HORNET and RAGNO terminals are not only fit for today’s missions but remain upgradeable as technology and operational demands advance.
Keith: Do you think it is about redefining SATCOM or simply embracing modernization with the transition toward next-generation communications?
Ulf: It is less about redefining SATCOM and more about enabling its evolution. Modern operations demand greater flexibility, interoperability, and resilience across multiple domains, and this requires a shift in how networks are designed and managed with both Milsat (such as WGS application) and commercial networks.
We see this with iDirect’s first software defined modem, the 450DSM and Paradigm’s intelligent PIM controller we are both focused on the latest, greatest capabilities featured through software-design. An example would be the latest PIM tool: Multi-orbit WAN and PACE planning which is not just a hot topic but with our terminals a field-proven, loved feature. GEO remains the primary layer for its trusted reliability, but the ability to integrate additional systems ensures an “always-on” service even in contested or degraded environments, operating seamlessly across multiple orbits and frequencies. This is not simply modernization; it is a practical step toward a more adaptive and resilient SATCOM architecture, that both the PIM and appliance like the 450SDM are achieving.
Keith: With evolving threats and advancing technology, how is Paradigm strengthening security and resilience at the tactical edge?
Ulf: The priority for many of our users in the field is still secure, resilient SATCOM and Paradigm addresses this through the PIM integration of modems such as 950mp, 450SDM which are leveraging CSIR, FIPS 140-2 & 140-3 Level 3 TRANSEC, and Paradigm’s own embedded security features like anti-tamper protection.
Beyond encryption, resilience and entire data path flexibility is built into our system design with field-proven IP67 rating. Paradigm terminals are engineered to fully operate in GPS-denied environments, ensuring continuity of communications where it matters most and extending the robust capabilities of iDirect modem with intelligent terminal design. The result is a solution shaped by operational experience, one that reflects lessons listened and learnt from the field and deliver secure, reliable communications under real-world conditions.
Keith: So, with an acceleration of SATCOM modernization, how does operational efficiency remain a decisive factor for mission-success and user safety?
Ulf: Operational efficiency is driven by reducing complexity and deployment time, Paradigm terminals can be deployed in under five minutes, ready for immediate plug and play operation. The rapid deployment of Paradigm terminals is further enhanced through intuitive, AI-assisted, accurate pointing without the need for specialist expertise. This simplifies operation in high-pressure environments and reduces the risk of error. You also have to think of minimizing the downtime which Paradigm’s PIM uniquely offers through pre-configured/stored mission profiles, allowing users to get connected with minimal setup.
Combined with the high performance and reliability of iDirect modems, users benefit from consistent, seamless connectivity. The result is a system like our RAGNO with unrivalled SWaP, just like the 450SDM with a 30% reduction in size so ultimately usability and performance are faster and more powerful with the final solution.
Experience Paradigm and ST Engineering iDirect technology firsthand at upcoming events—where innovation meets mission-ready solutions:
- SOF Week (Tampa, FL) – May 18-21
- iDirect Defence Technology Day (Munich, Germany) – June 10
- DALO Industry Days (Herning, Denmark) – August 19-20
- TechNet Augusta (Augusta, GA) – August 17-20
Find out more about Paradigm solutions by contacting: enquiries@paracomm.co.uk