Laser Tech Steps Up to Secure NATO Communications

In a world where electronic warfare is becoming the norm, NATO is turning to innovative solutions to keep its communications secure. Astrolight, a Lithuanian tech company, has been putting its POLARIS laser communication terminal through its paces in recent NATO exercises. The POLARIS terminal was tested in two major NATO exercises this year. First, it was put to the test in Latvia during the Digital Backbone Experimentation (DiBaX) exercise. This exercise took place over nine days, and the POLARIS terminal operated continuously, even in harsh weather conditions like rain and fog. It successfully connected a military base to a remote command post, showing that it can work well with existing military communication systems. But why is this important? Well, traditional radio frequencies (RF) have some big problems. They're slow, easy to jam, and can even give away a military unit's position. With GPS and RF jamming on the rise, especially from Russia, NATO needs a better way to communicate. That's where laser communications come in. They can't be jammed using conventional electronic warfare equipment and can transmit data up to 100 times faster than RF. Plus, they can work well even in bad weather. Astrolight's CEO, Laurynas Mačiulis, highlighted that POLARIS is compact and easy to install, making it suitable for various military operations. The POLARIS terminal wasn't just tested on land. It was also successfully used for ship-to-ship communications during the REPMUS/Dynamic Messenger exercise, led by the Portuguese Navy and NATO. But the challenges don't stop at communication. NATO members like Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Belgium have been dealing with drone incursions from Russia, raising concerns about regional security. As electronic warfare pressure increases, the need for secure communication systems becomes even more critical.