Thales Group - Experts & Thought Leaders

Iridium Communications Inc. (IRDM) has unveiled Iridium Certus GMDSS, a generational advancement in maritime safety, compliance, and communication. Building on the powerful capabilities of Iridium Certus technology, Iridium Certus GMDSS features distress alert, safety voice and Maritime Safety Information (MSI), while integrating additional regulated services, like Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) and Ship Security Alert System (SSAS). Iridium Certus GMDSS The combination of capabilities offered by Iridium Certus GMDSS terminals sets a new standard for the cost, efficiency, and performance of maritime safety and security solutions, making it the critical connectivity service needed for any ship's hybrid network system. By adding GMDSS, LRIT, and SSAS into Iridium Certus terminals, the maritime industry can take advantage of a single, versatile, and reliable communications solution for its fleets. Industry renowned equipment manufacturers, including Cobham Satcom, Intellian, Lars Thrane, and Thales, will introduce a combination of Iridium Certus 700 and 200 GMDSS solutions within the forthcoming months. Support global, comprehensive safety services Iridium Certus GMDSS will support truly global, comprehensive safety services across the world's oceans In addition to providing broadband and midband voice and data capabilities, Iridium Certus GMDSS will support truly global, comprehensive safety services across the world's oceans, including Polar Regions. The small, lightweight equipment has no moving parts, making it virtually maintenance free. Easily hand-carried aboard any vessel, installation can be quickly completed, while providing a cost-effective and reliable solution that meets safety and regulatory requirements. Powerful and efficient GMDSS-capable solution “When we introduced Iridium® GMDSS a few years ago, we broke a long-standing monopoly, bringing much needed innovation to this life-saving service,” said Matt Desch, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Iridium, adding “But we didn't stop there. We wanted to make the most powerful and efficient GMDSS-capable solution ever, and by getting all this functionality into one terminal, we've once again raised the bar we set with our first GMDSS solution.” Wouter Deknopper, the Vice President of Maritime, Iridium, stated, “Regardless of whether a ship chooses a GEO or LEO broadband provider, Iridium Certus GMDSS solutions are the ideal companion needed to support uninterrupted operations and the critical connectivity that a vessel needs.” Simplify maritime communications and enhance safety Wouter Deknopper adds, “This new and comprehensive solution consolidates and simplifies maritime communications, while enhancing safety, meeting compliance requirements and supporting continuous business operations. It is simply unmatched in the industry.” Standalone, or as a companion to a ship’s Ka/Ku-band broadband system, the Iridium Certus GMDSS system offers the maximum capability for equipment mandated to be on all SOLAS-class ships by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). GMDSS service for ships The GMDSS service ensures that ships can always send distress communications, receive safety information The GMDSS service ensures that ships can always send distress communications, receive important safety information and get help in emergencies. When facing an emergency, crew members can press the red distress button and connect with a rescue coordination centre (RCC) in seconds. Iridium Certus GMDSS equipped vessels will immediately receive a phone call from the responding RCC to ascertain the nature of the distress alert, allowing the vessel to provide pertinent information to assist rescue. Ensuring the safety of crew and cargo As the maritime industry faces evolving environmental, regulatory, and technological challenges, the requirement to communicate effectively and ensure the safety of crew and cargo is paramount. Iridium Certus GMDSS can offer peace of mind and simplicity for fleets around the world, with them knowing that their compliance and critical safety requirements are accounted for along with truly global coverage. The maritime industry is undergoing rapid evolution, and Iridium GMDSS represents the mariner’s vision for a complete and modern safety and communications solution.

Thales is a Gold level sponsor of the 2023 Autonomous VTOL Technical Meeting and Electric VTOL Symposium, which will take place in Arizona, USA, from January 24 to January 26, 2023. The event will bring together thought leaders, professionals and entrepreneurs to share their perspectives on the most pressing topics in autonomy and electric VTOL. On January 25, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT, Yanik Doyon, Vice President, Business Development & Sales, Flight Avionics, North America, will speak on a panel, discussing Thales’ AAM ecosystem portfolio & capabilities.

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) has entered into an agreement to acquire Lithuanian smallsat mission integrator and bus manufacturer - NanoAvionics. The planned acquisition expands KONGSBERG’s space offering to also have products and technology for manufacturing small satellites. NanoAvionics is a globally renowned smallsat mission integrator and bus manufacturer with significant global growth in recent years, including expansions into the United Kingdom and the United States. Acquisition of NanoAvionics With more than 150 employees, the company has contributed to 120 missions and commercial satellite projects, with customers ranging from national space agencies to universities, such as UNSW Sydney and companies, such as Thales Alenia Space, Aurora Insight, the Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, SEN and others. The agreement to acquire NanoAvionics represents a game changer for KONGSBERG’s space ambitions" Geir Håøy, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KONGSBERG, said “The agreement to acquire NanoAvionics represents a game changer for KONGSBERG’s space ambitions. By acquiring NanoAvionics, KONGSBERG expands its portfolio to also have products and technology for designing and manufacturing small satellites.” KONGSBERG - expert in maritime surveillance Geir Håøy adds, “KONGSBERG is the Nordic region’s largest industrial space company and a global leader in maritime surveillance. We have clear ambitions to grow further and with this acquisition, we are taking the next step both for us and for Norwegian space industry.” KONGSBERG will acquire in total - 77 per cent of the company. Current majority owner - AST & Science will divest all its shares, while the management of NanoAvionics will retain 23 per cent of the company. The parties have agreed upon an enterprise value of EUR 65 million (100 per cent basis). Management and leadership structure of NanoAvionics retained Management and leadership structure of NanoAvionics, under the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Vytenis Buzas and the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), Linas Sargautis, both Founders of the company, will remain unchanged. KONGSBERG and NanoAvionics plan to close the transaction, following the conclusion of customary closing conditions, including any required regulatory reviews. Vytenis J. Buzas, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NanoAvionics, said “Joining forces with KONGSBERG, one of the most respected names in the defence, maritime and space domain, further strengthens and broadens our position in the NewSpace sector and provides us access to new markets. It is the right timing and a perfect match for our companies to consolidate our expertise, and create a world class space company, which will be a leading prime contractor for small satellite missions.” Complementary technology and market positions The two companies have complementary technology and positions in the space value chain. NanoAvionics is a leader in the Smallsat segment as a mission integrator and bus manufacturer, while KONGSBERG is an established provider of spacecraft subsystems, and through Kongsberg Satellite Services the world-renowned supplier of satellite ground stations for downloading and processing satellite data. NanoAvionics has customers in more than 40 countries across Asia, Europe and the Americas, complementing KONGSBERG’s global positions, in both the traditional space segment and new space. Cost-efficient solutions and services for customers NanoAvionics has a strong proven track record and we look forward to working closely with this talented team" Eirik Lie, the President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, stated “By joining forces, NanoAvionics and KONGSBERG will be able to provide cost-efficient solutions and services for customers, from manufacturing, payload production and integration, to launch services, and mission control and data processing.” Eirik Lie adds, “The market for small satellite constellations will increase going forward, within commercial, security and defence segments. NanoAvionics has a strong proven track record and we look forward to working closely with this talented team.” Delivering on Norwegian space ambitions The planned acquisition is in line with KONGSBERG’s strategic priorities to grow in the space technology sector and Norway’s space ambitions. In April 2022, KONGSBERG announced the procurement of three microsatellites from NanoAvionics, as a first step of establishing Norway’s first satellite constellation with unique and world-leading capabilities. On July 5 2022, KONGSBERG will open a new 6,000 sq. m building, with specialised facilities for the development and production of products to be launched into space. Development of the Andøya Space Port Eirik Lie continues, “Norway is a leader in the domain of maritime surveillance in the high north. The planned acquisition incorporates world class small satellite technology into our portfolio, enabling further advances in surveillance and other key strategic capacities. NanoAvionics, along with our existing space portfolio and the development of the Andøya Space Port means Norway now has leading positions across the entire value chain.”