Vienna, 6 February 2025 – OPTIMAS, a European project led by “monodon by  Navantia”, has begun with the aim of developing an advanced free-space optical  communication system for multi-domain defence applications in collaboration with Schiebel. 

OPTIMAS is an ambitious project that seeks to provide high-speed data transfer  communications with an exceptional level of security, integrating cutting-edge  encryption technologies, such as quantum key distribution (QKD). 

OPTIMAS will mark a milestone in the development of airborne laser communication  systems, providing secure and high-speed communications. It is designed to operate  in satellite constellations with applications for space, air (drones), naval and ground  units.  

The project’s final demonstrator will focus on achieving high-speed, secure,  bidirectional optical communications. It will enable advanced satellite pointing,  acquisition and tracking capabilities in Low Earth Orbits (LEO). Application in Medium  Earth Orbits (MEO) and Geostationary Orbits (GEO) will be also explored, expanding  the scope and possibilities of the system. 

OPTIMAS is a European consortium with Spanish leadership. It is a powerful group made up of 12 entities from 7 countries, highlighting a strong Spanish presence with 6  organizations involved. Among these, monodon by Navantia assumes the role of  project coordinator, reaffirming Spain’s leadership in advanced defence and  communications technologies. Schiebel’s CAMCOPTER® S-100 will be the dedicated  Unmanned Air System (UAS) for this project and the company is in charge of  integrating a novel optical laser communication technology into the S-100, enabling  the communication between the air segment and a satellite. 

The project is developed within the framework of the 2023 work programme of the  European Defence Fund (EDF), consolidating international cooperation in  technological innovation for defence. 

OPTIMAS is formed by: 

  • monodon by Navantia (Spain) as coordinator
  • CAILABS (France)
  • Centro de Láseres Pulsados – CLPU (Spain)
  • TECNOBIT SLU (Spain)
  • GMVIS SKYSOFT SA (Portugal)
  • Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (Spain)
  • MBRYONICS LIMITED (Ireland)
  • ODYSSEUS Space SA (Luxemburg)
  • REFLEX AEROSPACE GMBH (Germany)
  • SCHIEBEL ELEKTRONISCHE GERAETE GMBH (Austria)
  • SENER (Spain)
  • Universidad de Valencia (Spain)
  • Universidad de Vigo (Spain)

OPTIMAS is positioned as a key project in the advancement of cyber-secure laser  communications, consolidating European collaboration and the technological  leadership of Schiebel in the field of multi-domain defence. 

Project funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however  those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European  Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible  for them.