Press Release
American–Hungarian strategic cooperation agreement to establish satellite mass-production capabilities in Europe
The objective of the trilateral agreement is to introduce productized satellite platforms and constellation-scale production processes in Europe
- 4iG Space and Defence Technologies Zrt. (4iG SDT) and its subsidiary REMRED Zrt. (REMRED) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Apex Technology, Inc. (Apex), a leading U.S.-based satellite platform manufacturer, to develop satellite mass-production model in Europe.
- The partnership aims to establish a serial satellite manufacturing capability specifically designed to serve customers who need to deploy large constellations.
- This approach significantly reduces development costs and manufacturing lead times, while ensuring consistent quality standards.
- The collaboration builds on Apex’s experience in large-scale satellite manufacturing, combined with 4iG SDT’s and REMRED’s engineering expertise and system integration skills, which lay the groundwork for a competitive European satellite industry from development to deployment.
4iG Space and Defence Technologies Zrt. (4iG SDT) and its subsidiary REMRED Zrt. (REMRED) signed an MoU with Apex Technology,
Inc., one of the leading American satellite platform developers. The cooperation aims to establish a scalable and competitive
European satellite mass-production capability based on Apex’s experience mass-producing satellites in America.
"The collaboration announced today is about redefining what’s possible in high-rate satellite manufacturing for proliferated
constellations,” said Apex CEO Ian Cinnamon. “By harnessing Apex’s proven mass-production enterprise with the innovation and ambition of our
European partners, we’re accelerating the transition to a future where satellite constellations can be deployed at unprecedented
speed and scale on a global basis.”
As part of the trilateral cooperation, the parties are exploring the possibility of establishing a joint venture and developing
a manufacturing model optimized for satellite constellation applications. This model will transfer standardized and scalable
mass-production principles, proven in the automotive industry, to satellite manufacturing. This approach can significantly
reduce development and delivery timelines, ensure predictable quality standards and cost-efficient production, while meet
the requirements of governmental, defense, and commercial customers worldwide. As a result of this cooperation, a fast, cost-effective,
and progressively scalable satellite mass-production capability - unique in Europe - may be established, tailored to the needs
of the global satellite market. This includes short delivery lead times (12–18-month delivery cycles) and solutions based
on flight-proven technologies as well as the delivery of satellite constellations.
The companies participating in the partnership contribute complementary, high value-added capabilities to the achievement
of the shared objectives. Apex provides serial–production–optimized satellite platforms that are already flight-proven, along
with their industrial-scale integration and manufacturing processes, which currently enable the production of more than one
hundred satellite platforms annually. REMRED Zrt. strengthens the development and manufacturing base with engineering expertise
aligned with European space industry standards, as well as integration and testing infrastructure built around the REMTECH
Center in Martonvásár. 4iG SDT supports collaboration through vertical integration, covering nearly the entire satellite value
chain, with program integration capabilities and extensive international market access.
“One of the key objectives of our collaboration is to implement a mindset similar to that was used for Ford Model T mass production
in the European satellite market. This approach has already been successfully adopted by Apex in the American space industry.
This method can fundamentally change the pace of satellite development and manufacturing, as well as the cost structure, just
as it had revolutionized the automotive industry one hundred years ago. Building on Apex’s experience, we are exploring an
industry model that can transform the European space industry through the active involvement of Hungarian expertise," said István Sárhegyi Dr, CEO of 4iG Space and Defence Technologies.
As part of the cooperation, the parties are also exploring the possibility of a joint demonstration satellite mission, which
- building on Apex’s flight-proven technologies - would support rapid space heritage and lay the groundwork for the launch
of subsequent constellation programs. The demonstration mission may be implemented through the development and qualification
process aligned with European standards.
The cooperation between the three companies creates the opportunity for the partners to develop the foundations of a competitive
European satellite industry. In the coming period, experts will prepare detailed technical and business analyses to determine
possible implementation models and the gradual expansion of manufacturing capacities in Hungary and Europe.
16 December 2025
4iG Space and Defence Technologies
4iG Space and Defence Technologies Zrt. (4iG SDT) is a Hungarian company within 4iG Group, specialising in the research, development,
system integration and international commercialisation of defence and space technologies. Its mission is to contribute to
the development of NATO-compliant defence capabilities through innovative solutions, while building a bridge between the Hungarian
technology sector and the global defence industry. 4iG SDT is a key player in Hungary’s defence-innovation ecosystem and is
actively involved in preparing the civil utilisation of dual-use technologies. www.4igsdt.hu
REMRED
REMRED Plc is the satellite manufacturing portfolio company of 4iG SDT. Founded in 2016, the company specializes in the design,
development, and production of small- and medium-sized satellites in accordance with the ECSS standards. REMRED will operate
with modern engineering and integration infrastructure, including the REMTECH and HULAB facilities, scheduled for completion
in 2026, which will enable rapid MAIT and qualification processes. REMRED aims to be a key player in the Hungarian and European
space industry, offering competitive, scalable satellite solutions to institutional, defence, and commercial customers. www.remred.space
Apex
Apex is the world’s first mass-manufacturer of productized satellite bus platforms designed to meet the demands of the rapidly
expanding space industrial base. Founded in 2022 by Ian Cinnamon and Max Benassi, Apex manufactures scalable spacecraft solutions
for both commercial and government customers. The company set a world record with its first satellite bus as the fastest clean-sheet
design to production spacecraft operating in space. Backed by some of the country's leading investors, Apex is committed to
accelerating space innovation through high-rate manufacturing of productized, reliable satellite platforms that enable the
next generation of critical constellations. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Apex was named one of Fast Company's
most innovative space companies in 2025 and was named to Silicon Valley Defense Group’sNatSec100—which recognizes the top
venture-backed, dual-use and defense technology companies. For more information, visit: www.ApexSpace.com
Further information - 4iG
Péter ELKÁN
Group Corporate Affairs and Communications Director
sajto@4ig.hu
Further information - Apex
Claude Chafin
chafin@invariantgr.com