As attacks targeting satellite communications become increasingly sophisticated, the SnT at the University of Luxembourg and the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) announced on 21 July the launch of a research project dedicated to developing artificial intelligence capable of detecting and countering these new jamming techniques. Conducted as part of the Cyber Research Hub, this initiative combines the scientific expertise of the SnT’s Sigcom group with NATO’s operational knowledge in order to strengthen the resilience of communications used during operations.
Satellite communications enable operational command, intelligence-sharing and the control of unmanned aerial systems. When these communications are jammed, the aircraft can no longer transmit their navigation data or the information gathered by their sensors. The project will develop an artificial intelligence model capable of continuously adapting to new jamming techniques. It will be deployed in control stations located within the territories of NATO allies in order to secure communications with unmanned aerial systems operating in conflict zones.
Luxembourg is contributing its expertise
According to the press release, with nearly 100 researchers, the SnT’s Sigcom group is one of the world’s leading organisations in the field of satellite communications. Luxembourg is already contributing to NATO operations through its satellite connectivity capabilities and services. “Satellite jamming poses a growing threat. It is therefore essential that our research responds to this technological development,” explains the project lead at SnT, Dr Jorge Querol.
A response to operational needs
NATO’s RQ-4D Phoenix fleet, operated by the NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force (NISRF), relies on secure satellite links to carry out intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. “Reliable satellite communications are essential to modern intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations,” says Brigadier General John B. Creel, commander of the NISRF. Dr Stergios Isaakidis, head of the NSPA’s AGS & UAS programme, believes that this collaboration will demonstrate that “academic excellence and research can produce tangible results” for operations involving unmanned aerial systems.
