Modirum and State Networks Finland to launch real-time video services on Virve 2

18 June 2025

Modirum and State Networks Finland (Erillisverkot) have announced a strategic partnership to deploy advanced, real-time group video services on Finland’s next-generation nationwide public safety network, Virve 2.

This collaboration introduces a state-of-the-art video platform designed to enhance situational awareness, operational coordination, and decision-making for authorities and organizations in safety-critical environments.

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Space42 opens first HAPS manufacturing facility in MENA region in Abu Dhabi

18 June 2025

Space42 announced the opening of Mira Aerospace’s new high-altitude platform station (HAPS) manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi, marking the first such facility in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

The 4,500-square-meter plant aims to produce over 20 HAPS UAVs annually to support civil, environmental, and defense applications.

This facility will enhance Mira Aerospace’s research, development, and commercialization efforts for HAPS technology, which is experiencing rapid growth. Khaled Al Marzooqi, CEO of Mira Aerospace, highlighted the increasing global demand and Space42’s strategic investments to solidify its leadership in this market.

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Arabsat to lease capacity on Lightspeed LEO constellation

18 June 2025

Saudi Arabia’s Arabsat and Canada’s Telesat have announced the signing of a term sheet under which Arabsat will lease multi-gigabit capacity from Telesat’s upcoming Lightspeed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation.

Building on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last year, this term sheet establishes the framework for integrating Telesat Lightspeed’s LEO services into Arabsat’s multi-orbit satellite network. The capacity will be supported by committed information rates (CIRs) and service level agreements (SLAs), ensuring reliable performance.

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Viasat and BMW demonstrate satcoms for vehicles

18 June 2025

Viasat and BMW claim to have successfully demonstrated the ability for vehicles to connect via satellite (non-terrestrial networks) for emergency messaging and hazard warnings. This technology aims to complement existing terrestrial 4G and 5G connectivity solutions — many modern cars already feature similar capabilities.

The demonstration, which involved members of the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA), took place in Paris and included the first live, on-road traffic test of 5G-V2X Direct technology for detecting vulnerable road users (VRU) in real traffic conditions. It also showcased the current capabilities of Vehicle-to-Network (V2N) services.

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