Naval Group, Astrolight to Test POLARIS Laser on Lithuanian Ships
•February 10, 2026
0
Companies Mentioned
Why It Matters
Secure, high‑capacity laser communications address growing electronic‑warfare threats, enhancing Baltic maritime defence and offering a scalable solution for NATO allies.
Key Takeaways
- •Polaris laser terminal trialed on Naval Group vessels
- •MoU signed during Lithuanian Maritime Defence Industry Days
- •Laser communication offers jam‑resistant, high‑bandwidth links
- •Testing aims to equip Lithuania's new offshore patrol vessel
- •Successful NATO and Lithuanian Navy trials validate technology
Pulse Analysis
The maritime domain is increasingly contested by electronic warfare, prompting navies to seek alternatives to traditional radio frequency links. Laser‑based communication, often called free‑space optical (FSO), delivers narrow‑beam, line‑of‑sight data streams that are difficult to intercept or jam. In the Baltic Sea, where dense traffic and hostile actors converge, such resilience is especially valuable. Industry analysts note that FSO can complement existing satellite and HF/VHF systems, expanding bandwidth while reducing electromagnetic signature. As NATO emphasizes interoperable, secure communications, the technology aligns with broader alliance modernization goals.
Astrolight, a Lithuanian space‑tech firm, has partnered with French shipbuilder Naval Group to evaluate its POLARIS laser terminal on the latter’s upcoming multi‑purpose offshore patrol vessel for Lithuania. The MoU, signed at the Lithuanian Maritime Defence Industry Days, formalizes joint testing of ship‑to‑ship and ship‑to‑land links that have already succeeded in NATO’s REPMUS/Dynamic Messenger and Latvia’s DiBax exercises. POLARIS promises gigabit‑class throughput, low latency, and inherent resistance to jamming, addressing the Lithuanian Navy’s demand for secure, high‑capacity communications. If the trials confirm performance, the system could be integrated into the vessel’s combat, logistics, and humanitarian modules.
The successful demonstration could reshape procurement strategies across the region, offering a cost‑effective, export‑ready solution for smaller NATO members seeking to harden their maritime networks. Beyond Lithuania, the technology may attract interest from commercial shipping, offshore energy, and disaster‑response sectors that value undetectable, high‑speed links. Moreover, the collaboration underscores Europe’s drive to develop indigenous defense capabilities, reducing reliance on external vendors. As electronic threats evolve, laser communication is poised to become a standard layer in next‑generation naval platforms, reinforcing situational awareness and operational continuity in contested waters.
Naval Group, Astrolight to test POLARIS laser on Lithuanian ships
Astrolight to trial POLARIS laser terminal on Naval Group vessels
Image: POLARIS laser terminal developed by Astrolight. Credit: NATO DIANA.
Astrolight, a Lithuanian space‑tech company, is set to trial its POLARIS laser terminal on French shipbuilder Naval Group’s vessels, with the goal of assessing the technology for possible future integration. In this connection, the parties have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The agreement was signed during Lithuanian Maritime Defence Industry Days in Vilnius, where a range of companies, including Naval Group, Belgium Naval & Robotics, and Exail, presented proposals for a new vessel for the Lithuanian Navy. The Lithuanian Engineering and Technology Industry Association organised the event.
Naval Group is currently designing a new multi‑purpose offshore patrol vessel for Lithuania’s Navy and is considering equipping the ship with POLARIS. The collaboration will see both companies test the technology to determine its suitability in maritime defence environments.
Image: The image shows three dashboards from GlobalData, one for Thematic Rankings of Confectionery & Snacks, and two for Artificial Intelligence Fillings & Analytics under Technology, displaying rankings, analytics, and data visualizations.
Naval Group international procurement and cooperation manager Simon Blanc said: “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 defence capabilities.”
Astrolight’s POLARIS laser terminal employs narrow‑beam light communication, which is designed to resist detection and interference. The POLARIS system has recently undergone successful tests with both NATO and the Lithuanian Navy. Tests included demonstrations at NATO’s REPMUS/Dynamic Messenger exercise, which specialises in maritime unmanned systems, as well as Latvia’s DiBax exercise. These trials featured ship‑to‑ship and land‑to‑land communication links that used high‑bandwidth, undetectable connections.
Laser‑based communication is being considered as an additional method to current systems to address concerns around data security, bandwidth availability, and susceptibility to jamming. The new vessel under development by Naval Group is intended to be adaptable for multiple mission types including combat operations, transport duties, launching unmanned aerial vehicles, and serving as a floating hospital during emergencies.
Astrolight CEO Laurynas Mačiulis said: “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.”
0
Comments
Want to join the conversation?
Loading comments...