Jam-proof Laser Communication:
As hostile jamming in the Baltic Sea and beyond intensifies, Naval Group and Astrolight sign a letter of intent to collaborate. This opens opportunities for Astrolight’s jam-resistant technology to strengthen the capabilities of Lithuanian and European defense at sea.
French shipbuilding giant Naval Group and Lithuanian space-tech company Astrolight signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The MoU marks the beginning of a collaboration between the two companies to test Astrolight’s POLARIS laser terminal on Naval Group’s vessels, exploring the potential for future integration of the technology. The partnership comes as Naval Group works to design a new multi-purpose vessel for the Lithuanian Navy, with plans to equip the ship with POLARIS.
“With the growing threat of electronic warfare at sea, especially in the Baltic, Europe needs ships that can operate reliably in these challenging conditions,” said Laurynas Mačiulis, CEO of Astrolight. “Our interference-resilient laser technology, already successfully tested by NATO and the Lithuanian Navy, provides a secure way to communicate in the most challenging environments. Working with the Naval Group is an exciting step towards establishing laser-based communication as a new standard in European naval security.”
Laser communication uses narrow, focused light beams that are nearly impossible to interfere with and detect. This new technology complements today’s cutting-edge technologies by mitigating risks associated with communication security, bandwidth, and data rate.
“We’re excited to have Astrolight on board for the Lithuanian Navy’s new ship,” said Simon Blanc, International Procurement and Cooperation Manager at Naval Group. “Together, we aim to provide Lithuania with a comprehensive, jam-resistant communication solution for the Baltic Sea and strengthen European defense capabilities.”
The new Multi-Purpose Offshore Patrol Vessel developed by Naval Group is designed to be versatile, capable of adapting quickly to changing mission needs. It can be used for combat, transport, launching unmanned aerial vehicles, and even converting into a floating hospital in an emergency.
The MoU between Naval Group and Astrolight was signed at the Lithuanian Maritime Defence Industry Days in Vilnius, where Naval Group, Belgium Naval & Robotics, and Exail showcased their vision for a new ship tailored to the needs of the Lithuanian Navy. The event was organized by the Lithuanian Engineering and Technology Industry Association.
This year, Astrolight’s POLARIS laser terminal was successfully tested with the Lithuanian Navy, as well as at NATO’s REPMUS/Dynamic Messenger, the largest exercise focusing on maritime unmanned systems in the world, and NATO’s largest military exercise in Latvia, DiBax. There, Astrolight demonstrated jam-proof, undetectable, and high-bandwidth ship-to-ship and land-to-land laser-based communication links.
For more information visit Naval Group and Astrolight.
