Safran Develops Laser Optical Communications
Safran Electronics & Defense is pioneering a new solution for transmitting and receiving optical communications via laser, enabling armed forces to share information at exceptionally high speeds without the risk of jamming or interception. This innovation leverages the company’s extensive expertise in inertial navigation, optronics, and communications.
Safran’s laser optical communication technology is based on sophisticated terminals capable of both transmitting and receiving data encoded in laser beams. One terminal sends the data, while another receives it and converts it into digital information. This system allows users to share messages, images, and videos over distances of tens of kilometres, with the potential for even greater ranges when relay satellites are used.
Laser optical links provide enhanced discretion and are resistant to interference, offering a secure communication channel free from jamming or interception risks. The technology supports data transmission speeds ranging from 5 Gb/s to 50 Gb/s, accommodating the increasing data volumes and demands of data-intensive AI applications.
One of the main challenges is maintaining a stable direct line of sight between terminals during data transfer, even in challenging conditions such as heavy swell at sea. Safran addresses this by leveraging its technological expertise in mobile platform-mounted optronic sights and satellite communication solutions.
“We’re one of the only companies in the world today capable of developing this technology at scale for use by the armed forces,” says Alexandre Ziegler, Executive VP, of the Defence Global Business Unit of Safran Electronics & Defense. “We already have sovereign control over all the necessary technological components. And our teams have a deep understanding of military requirements and related technical issues on land, at sea, in the air, and in space.”
Safran Electronics & Defense will showcase a live demonstration of its optical communication solution at Eurosatory 2024, held from June 17 to 21, at their stand in Hall 6, G25.