Ground Control & VIAVI Partner to Secure Maritime Navigation Against GNSS Jamming

Why It Matters

The integration delivers uninterrupted, secure navigation for ships operating in contested waters, reducing vulnerability to GNSS interference that can jeopardize safety and mission success.

Key Takeaways

• VIAVI's STL-1000 adds LEO‑based backup to RockFLEET system
• Compact, low‑power receiver mitigates GPS jamming and spoofing threats
• Solution supports both commercial shipping and military vessels
• Enhances resilience of critical infrastructure in denied‑space environments

Pulse Analysis

The maritime sector is increasingly exposed to intentional GNSS interference, as state‑backed actors and criminal groups deploy jamming and spoofing tools to disrupt navigation. Traditional reliance on GPS leaves commercial vessels and naval ships vulnerable to signal denial, which can lead to costly delays, safety incidents, or compromised missions. As global trade routes become more contested, the demand for alternative positioning technologies that can operate independently of terrestrial satellites has surged, prompting a wave of innovation in resilient PNT (positioning, navigation, timing) solutions.

VIAVI’s Secure µPNT STL‑1000 receiver, a compact software‑defined unit, taps into SecureTime’s low‑Earth‑orbit altGNSS constellation to deliver precise timing and holdover capabilities even when GPS is unavailable. Integrated into Ground Control’s RockFLEET Assured platform, the STL‑1000 provides a marine‑grade A‑PNT service that maintains accurate vessel tracking and authenticated navigation. Its low power draw and small footprint make it suitable for retrofitting existing fleets, while the LEO‑based backup ensures continuous operation in denied‑space environments, addressing a critical gap in maritime cybersecurity.

The partnership signals a broader shift toward multi‑constellation, hybrid navigation architectures across defense and commercial domains. By offering a resilient, secondary positioning source, the combined solution enhances the operational readiness of critical infrastructure at sea and reduces the strategic leverage of adversaries employing GNSS attacks. Industry analysts expect increased adoption of LEO‑augmented PNT systems, driving further investment in secure, low‑latency satellite services and prompting regulators to consider standards that mandate redundant navigation capabilities for high‑risk maritime operations.