The European initiative OPTIMAS, spearheaded by Navantia's Monodon, has launched, with the objective of creating a free-space optical communication system for use across various defence domains.
The project aims to establish a robust communication network capable of high-speed data transmission, incorporating advanced encryption methods, including quantum key distribution, to enhance security.
As a significant advancement in the field of laser communication technology for airborne systems, OPTIMAS is engineered to function within satellite constellations and cater to the needs of space, aerial, maritime, and terrestrial military operations.
The project will bolster satellite functionalities in low Earth orbits (LEO), with potential extensions to medium (MEO) and geostationary orbits (GEO), thus broadening the operational reach of the system.
A prototype will be designed to showcase the functionality of a high-speed optical connection between an uncrewed aerial vehicle and a satellite in LEO.
Comprising a European consortium of 12 entities from seven countries, OPTIMAS is funded by the European Union.
OPTIMAS brings together a diverse group of partners including CAILABS (France), Centro de Láseres Pulsados (CLPU, Spain), GMV (Portugal), Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (Spain), MBRYONICS (Ireland) and TECNOBIT SLU (Spain) among others.
In 2024, Navantia revealed its involvement in six research and development (R&D) projects, including OPTIMAS, that have received funding from the 2023 European Defence Fund (EDF).
With a total value of €520m ($541m), these projects highlight Navantia's ongoing investment in R&D and its growing contribution to European defence efforts.
The other five projects are European Patrol Corvette (EPC) 2, ADMIRABLE, E=MCM, SEACURE and E-CUAS.
The latest development follows Navantia UK's announcement of its acquisition of Harland & Wolff's facilities in various locations. The company also revealed plans to invest in these facilities to bolster Britain's defence, maritime, and clean energy sectors.
