The Wireless Optical Alliance announced a breakthrough: the first fully functioning optical alliance network tested in the Netherlands, linking a satellite ground station to a LiFi-equipped operational container. Aircision provided the wireless connection between TNO's ground station and Signify's container, where the signal was received via Signify's Trulifi LiFi technology.
The chain the test proved out was ambitious: a laser beam transmitted from a fast-moving satellite, tracked and captured with precision by TNO's optical ground station, then relayed onward via Aircision's free-space optical link, and finally received through Signify's LiFi system, entirely without radio. Every stage of that chain worked flawlessly.
The result matters because it offers a genuine alternative to radio and satellite links that can be intercepted or jammed. Optical connections of this kind are, by nature, very difficult to detect or eavesdrop on, an advantage as relevant to logistics, mobility, and healthcare as it is to defence.
Through complementary technologies, we have proven that communication security can be enhanced while simultaneously enabling highspeeds and rapid deployability. — Luis Oliveira, Aircision
Menno Smeelen of the Ministry of Defence called the result achieved in such a short time "truly remarkable", while TNO's Philip Weimar noted that maintaining a stable link with a fast-moving satellite was, in itself, an impressive feat.
The alliance's next step is now in sight: connecting satellites directly to defence vehicles, naval vessels, and drones, with further tests planned in the coming months. NATO is reported to be following the programme closely, underlining its relevance well beyond the Netherlands.
FAQ
What did the April 2025 optical alliance test prove?
It proved a full chain, satellite laser downlink, TNO's optical ground station, Aircision's free-space link, and Signify's LiFi, could work together to deliver a secure, radio-free connection.
Quick facts
- Date: 23 April 2025
- Partners in this test: Aircision, TNO, Signify, and the wider Wireless Optical Alliance (Ministry of Defence, FSO Instruments, SMART Photonics, Secura, BITS)
- Technologies combined: Satellite laser downlink, TNO optical ground station, Aircision free-space optics, Signify Trulifi LiFi
- Next step: Direct links to defence vehicles, naval vessels, and drones
Original source
Sourced from: Signify, official press release, 23 April 2025. https://www.signify.com/nl-nl/our-company/news/press-releases/2025/20250423-primeur-in-nederland-draadloze-optische-communicatie-succesvol-getest-met-satellie
Also covered by
Brainport Eindhoven,"Breakthrough in secure communication: Optical Alliance Network successfully tested" (23 April 2025). https://brainporteindhoven.com/en/news/breakthrough-in-secure-communication-optical-alliance-network-successfully-tested
Holland High Tech,"Breakthrough in secure communications: Optical alliance network successfully tested" (29 April 2025). https://www.hollandhightech.nl/en/news-calendar/news/breakthrough-in-secure-communications-optical-alliance-network-successfully-tested
BeveiligingNieuws,"Doorbraak in veilige communicatie" (28 April 2025). https://beveiligingnieuws.nl/doorbraak-in-veilige-communicatie/
Industrie Vandaag, "Veiligeoptische communicatie: een doorbraak voor Nederland" (9 May 2025). https://industrievandaag.nl/optische-communicatie-veilige-netwerken/
Related reading: Aircision joins the Dutch Ministry of Defence's Optical Communication Alliance
