New milestone for the P2P-FSO project

ASENSE, as part of the P2P-FSO project consortium, has reached a significant new milestone in the development of next-generation free-space optical communications for defence. This project is part of an EU-funded initiative to overcome the limits of traditional radio frequency (RF) communications by providing very high-speed, secure optical data links for military and autonomous platforms—including land vehicles, naval platforms, and UAVs.

P2P-FSO aims to create innovative free-space optical point-to-point communication systems with exceptional data throughput (from 500 Mbit/s up to 2 Gbit/s), significantly outperforming legacy battlefield solutions. Using high-power short-wave infrared (SWIR) laser sources and advanced gyro-stabilized transmission pods, these systems will connect multiple platforms over distances from 10 meters to 25 kilometers.

Major project milestone: prototype installation

ASENSE and Nexvision SAS have successfully completed the installation of the first derisking prototype of the free-space optical (FSO) communications system. This hands-on achievement validates both the design strategy and technology selection, bringing robust, high-speed, eye-safe SWIR-based optical communications from concept to real-world demonstration on both land and naval platforms. The milestone sets the stage for future deployments, supporting the transformation of C4ISR operations and secure cross-platform data exchange.

Project Vision and Impact

The core mission of the P2P-FSO project is to deliver a gyro-stabilized, medium-to-long range FSO communication module for use across manned and unmanned land, maritime, and UAV platforms. By harnessing short-wave infrared (SWIR) laser technology, the system enables:

• Ultra-secure, eye-safe, high-speed data links capable of operating over 10 to 25 kilometers with transfer rates far exceeding conventional RF systems (500 Mbit/s up to 2 Gbit/s)
• Discreet, jam-resistant links that reliably support vital military applications, including intelligence gathering, platooning, logistics coordination, and force protection
• Seamless integration with existing RF communications, expanding the range and resilience of battlefield networks.

The resulting wireless optical modules offer robust and confidential data exchange, especially vital as RF channels face congestion and jamming threats.

Why It Matters for European Defence

The P2P-FSO project directly addresses the urgent need for secure alternatives to overcrowded, easily-jammed RF communications on the modern battlefield. Its technologies open new export opportunities and bolster European autonomy in mission-critical communication solutions while elevating the EU’s technological leadership. The eye-safe SWIR transmissions are optimized for both operational security and personnel safety, ensuring robust deployment in real scenarios.

Consortium Collaboration & Roles

• Nexvision (France): Project coordinator and lead for optronic pod design—laser emission, stabilization, sensor integration, and signal processing. (https://nexvision.fr/)
• ASENSE (Spain): Specialist in reception optics, responsible for design and prototyping of innovative receiver modules. (https://www.asensenova.com/en/project/p2p-fso/)
• Hellenic Instruments (Greece): Developer of gyro-stabilized mounting platforms for diverse military applications. (https://www.hellenicinstruments.com/)
• Lambda-X (Belgium): Expert in emission-specific optics for robust field operation. (https://lambda-x.com/)
• Amphinicy Technologies (Luxembourg): Cybersecurity partner, crafting advanced protocol interfaces and tamper-resistant data protection. (https://www.amphinicy.com/)

The P2P-FSO project is transforming secure battlefield and mission-critical communications, ensuring European technological leadership and resilience.

For more information about the project visit: https://p2pfso.eu/