New airborne laser comms terminal to fly in 2024
An illustration of a laser-based communications network. (Photo: Airbus)
Laser communications are hard to jam and intercept, giving the medium significant military benefits.
Airbus and VDL Group have joined forces to develop and manufacture a laser communications terminal which will take to the skies for the first time in 2024.
The terminal, known as UltraAir, is based on development work led by Airbus and the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO).
UltraAir enables large amounts of data to be exchanged across a network of ground stations and satellites in geostationary orbit.
Related Articles
Australia eyes up laser target designators
Poland moves on sovereign image intelligence with Airbus satellite deal
The solution will enable crewed aircraft and UAS to connect within a combat cloud environment with the help of laser-based satellite constellations.
The laser medium allows for high transmission rates that are hard to jam and have a low probability of interception.
From 2024, Airbus and VDL Group will industrialise the prototype. A flight test of this industrialised version is planned to fly on an aircraft in 2025.
More from Air Warfare
-
![India’s AMCA fifth-gen fighter roadmap firms up with private sector push]()
India’s AMCA fifth-gen fighter roadmap firms up with private sector push
As a major shortfall in Indian fighter jet capability looms, New Delhi is looking to spread risk and accelerate delivery of its fifth-generation combat aircraft.
-
![USAF plans major CCA expansion with new suppliers and billions in funding]()
USAF plans major CCA expansion with new suppliers and billions in funding
US Air Force leaders say open architecture and broader industry participation will help deliver affordable autonomous wingmen capable of overwhelming future adversaries.
-
![Airbus unveils expansion of uncrewed portfolio with new CCA and helicopter platforms]()
Airbus unveils expansion of uncrewed portfolio with new CCA and helicopter platforms
The manufacturer is betting heavily on the demand for uncrewed systems, revealing the uncrewed H145M – known as the U145 – and the U760 Ravenstorm at ILA Berlin 2026 as the two latest additions to its expanding UAV offering.
-
![FCAS future fighter jet collapse: where does Europe’s next-generation air power go next?]()
FCAS future fighter jet collapse: where does Europe’s next-generation air power go next?
While the New Generation Fighter pillar of the Franco-German-Spanish programme is now officially dead in the water, Germany’s ambition to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet remains – with the country serving as a financially attractive potential partner for other programmes.
-
![Upgrades and fresh orders reinforce demand for Dassault’s Rafale fighter jet (updated 2026)]()
Upgrades and fresh orders reinforce demand for Dassault’s Rafale fighter jet (updated 2026)
The French-made aircraft is lining up potentially huge orders in Asia, with the latest F5 platform designed to keep the jet relevant in the modern battlespace until the 2040s.
