Naval Group and Astrolight Partner for Jam-Proof Laser Communication on Naval Vessels

Strategic Partnership to Enhance Naval Communication Security

French shipbuilding giant Naval Group and Lithuanian space-tech company Astrolight have officially partnered to advance secure naval communication. The two entities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on February 9, 2026, during the Lithuanian Maritime Defence Industry Days in Vilnius. This collaboration aims to test and potentially integrate Astrolight's advanced POLARIS laser communication terminals onto Naval Group's vessels, including a new multi-purpose offshore patrol vessel (MP-OPV) currently being designed for the Lithuanian Navy.

POLARIS: A New Standard in Jam-Resistant Communication

The core of this partnership revolves around Astrolight's POLARIS laser terminal, a technology designed to provide highly secure and interference-resilient communication at sea. Unlike traditional radio frequency systems, laser communication utilizes narrow, focused light beams that are significantly harder to detect, intercept, or jam. This capability is crucial in environments where electronic warfare threats are prevalent, such as the Baltic Sea. Astrolight CEO Laurynas Mačiulis emphasized the importance of this technology, stating, 'With the growing threat of electronic warfare at sea, especially in the Baltic, Europe needs ships that can operate reliably in these challenging conditions. 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.' The POLARIS system has demonstrated its effectiveness in previous tests with the Lithuanian Navy and at major NATO exercises like REPMUS/Dynamic Messenger and DiBax.

Equipping Lithuania's Next-Generation Naval Fleet

The collaboration specifically targets the new Multi-Purpose Offshore Patrol Vessel that Naval Group is developing for the Lithuanian Navy. This vessel is designed to be highly versatile, capable of performing various roles including combat operations, transport, launching unmanned aerial vehicles, and even serving as a floating hospital in emergencies. Integrating Astrolight's POLARIS terminal will provide this new ship with a critical advantage in maintaining secure and high-bandwidth communications. Simon Blanc, International Procurement and Cooperation Manager at Naval Group, highlighted the strategic benefits: 'We're excited to have Astrolight on board for the Lithuanian Navy's new ship. Together, we aim to provide Lithuania with a comprehensive, jam-resistant communication solution for the Baltic Sea and strengthen European defense capabilities.'

Broader Implications for European Defense

Astrolight, a Lithuanian space-tech company founded in 2019, specializes in end-to-end optical connectivity solutions, including laser communication terminals and optical ground stations for space-to-ground, space-to-space, and ship-to-ship links. The partnership with Naval Group underscores a broader trend towards adopting advanced laser communication technologies to bolster defense capabilities against evolving threats. This move is expected to significantly enhance the resilience and security of naval communications, contributing to stronger European defense in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.