Furuno Unveils New SOLION-100 Terminal for Iridium GMDSS

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Iridium Communications (Nasdaq: IRDM) and Furuno announced the new SOLION-100 maritime safety terminal for Iridium GMDSS. Built on Iridium Certus 100, the device combines GMDSS, Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) and Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) in a single platform, offering shipowners and shipyards an additional global LEO satellite safety option, including coverage in polar regions.

According to Iridium, GMDSS over its LEO network supports distress alerts, Safety Voice communications with Rescue Coordination Centers and SafetyCast warnings. The SOLION-100 is expected to be commercially available for retrofit vessels in late 2026 and for newbuild projects in 2027.

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The SOLION-100 combines GMDSS, Ship Security Alert System and Long-Range Identification and Tracking capabilities in a single Iridium Certus 100 terminal for newbuild and retrofit vessels.

HAMBURG, Germany, Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM), a leading provider of global voice, data, aircraft surveillance, and positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) satellite services, and Furuno Electric Co., Ltd. today announced Furuno will offer its new SOLION-100 terminal for Iridium GMDSS. This new Furuno maritime safety terminal is built on Iridium^® Certus 100 technology and integrates GMDSS, Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) and Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) capabilities in a single platform.

Iridium GMDSS entered service in 2020 following recognition by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), becoming the first new provider of satellite GMDSS services since the system was established. It delivers regulated maritime distress and safety communications through Iridium's low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network, with global coverage, including the polar regions.

Furuno's addition of Iridium GMDSS to its portfolio gives shipowners and shipyards greater choice in selecting maritime safety equipment for newbuild and retrofit vessels.

"Furuno has been committed to supporting safer navigation at sea for decades, and maritime safety remains at the heart of what we do," said Kiyoshi Furuno, Head of Marine Electronic Products Division and Sales Management Department General Manager, Furuno. "The new SOLION-100 terminal for Iridium GMDSS allows us to strengthen our safety communications portfolio and provide customers with LEO satellite GMDSS technology alongside the Furuno navigation and communications systems they already rely on."

"Furuno has a long history of supporting maritime safety, and its addition of Iridium GMDSS brings together that expertise with the global coverage of the Iridium network," said Wouter Deknopper, vice president and general manager, maritime, Iridium. "Together, we are giving shipowners and shipyards another way to equip vessels with reliable maritime safety communications, including in the polar regions."

Iridium GMDSS is designed to support crews throughout a maritime safety event, from receiving navigational and meteorological warnings through Iridium SafetyCast^® to initiating a distress alert and establishing Safety Voice communications with a Rescue Coordination Center. A single-button distress alert transmits the vessel's identification, status and position, while Safety Voice enables crews to communicate directly with rescue authorities to provide additional information about the situation.

The SOLION-100 is expected to be commercially available for retrofit applications in late 2026, with availability for newbuild projects expected to follow in 2027.

Iridium is exhibiting this week at SMM Hamburg. Visit booth Hall B6 Stand 313 to learn more about Iridium PNT, Iridium GMDSS, and other critical maritime safety services.

For more information about Iridium GMDSS, visit https://www.iridium.com/gmdss.

About Iridium Communications Inc.
Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM) operates the world's only truly global mobile satellite network. It serves as a platform for innovation, enabling voice, data, and messaging, positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT), and aircraft surveillance services anywhere on Earth. Through its satellite constellation and integrated capabilities like Aireon, the world's only space-based air traffic surveillance system, Iridium delivers services that support safety-focused operations across aviation, maritime, government, industrial, and consumer markets. The company is a leader in satellite Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity and is advancing direct-to-device (D2D) communications based on open standards to expand access to satellite services.

Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Iridium innovates through an ecosystem of more than 500 technology and distribution partners, serving millions of customers worldwide. For more information visit www.iridium.com.

Press Contact:	Investor Contact:
Jordan Hassin	Kenneth Levy
Iridium Communications Inc.	Iridium Communications Inc.
Jordan.Hassin@Iridium.com	Ken.Levy@Iridium.com
+1 (703) 287-7421	+1 (703) 287-7570

 

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SOURCE Iridium Communications Inc.

FAQ

What is the Furuno SOLION-100 terminal announced for Iridium GMDSS (IRDM)?

The SOLION-100 is a Furuno maritime safety terminal using Iridium Certus 100 for Iridium GMDSS. It combines GMDSS, Ship Security Alert System and Long-Range Identification and Tracking on one platform, according to Iridium, simplifying safety communications for shipowners and shipyards.

When will the Furuno SOLION-100 for Iridium GMDSS (IRDM) be commercially available?

According to Iridium, the SOLION-100 is expected for retrofit applications in late 2026. Availability for newbuild vessel projects is expected to follow in 2027, giving shipowners and shipyards a phased timeline to adopt the new Iridium GMDSS-enabled terminal.

What safety functions does the SOLION-100 Iridium GMDSS terminal provide for ships?

The SOLION-100 integrates GMDSS, SSAS and LRIT in a single Iridium Certus 100 terminal. According to Iridium, it supports distress alerts, Safety Voice calls with Rescue Coordination Centers and reception of navigational and meteorological warnings via Iridium SafetyCast services.

How does Iridium GMDSS benefit Furuno SOLION-100 users and IRDM investors?

Iridium GMDSS delivers regulated maritime distress and safety communications through a global LEO satellite network. According to Iridium, coverage includes polar regions, allowing SOLION-100 users to maintain safety connectivity worldwide, which may enhance the attractiveness of Iridium’s maritime safety ecosystem.

Does the Furuno SOLION-100 terminal support polar region coverage via Iridium (IRDM)?

Yes, Iridium GMDSS provides global coverage, including the polar regions, via its LEO satellite network. According to Iridium, the SOLION-100 leverages this network, giving vessels fitted with the terminal consistent maritime safety communications even on high-latitude routes.

What role does Iridium SafetyCast play with the SOLION-100 GMDSS terminal?

Iridium SafetyCast delivers navigational and meteorological warnings to ships equipped with Iridium GMDSS terminals. According to Iridium, SOLION-100 users can receive these broadcasts and also initiate single-button distress alerts plus Safety Voice calls to Rescue Coordination Centers during emergencies.