Germany launches new challenge for secure maritime comms

Germany’s cyber security research agency and navy have launched a challenge to discover new options for interference-resistant beyond line-of-sight communications to strengthen the country’s maritime command and control.  

Announced by the research agency on 12 May, the challenge seeks communication systems capable of resisting active jamming and spoofing attempts over distances of 30 nautical miles. It must be able to link operations centres on land with vessels at sea, as well as connect crewed and uncrewed systems in hybrid fleets.  

Solutions should be able to operate under harsh maritime conditions and deliver a high rate of data transmission for time-critical situations. 

In particular, the challenge is focused on innovative systems, seeking “deviation from the norm”. This includes, but are not limited to, technologies that utilise new frequency ranges, rely on laser communication through the atmosphere, focus on innovative relay concepts via drones, or employ quantum technology.  

Alongside SMEs and startups, research institutions, universities, and technology-oriented teams from EU and NATO countries are invited to take part. Prospective participants should have expertise in maritime, intelligence, or security communications, sensor technology, defence, cyber, radio, and network technology. 

Entry submissions for the challenge will be evaluated on not only the originality of an idea, but also its military added value, its feasibility, and the expertise of each team. 

Up to six teams will be selected from these evaluated entries, where a multi-stage process will then be launched focusing on the “concrete development” of solutions. This will include the German Navy testing prototype platforms, with companies able to adapt and improve their systems through direct feedback.  

In the final phase, participants will be tested under real conditions in a “sandbox”, with a jury deciding the winning team. The first prize will be an award of EUR100,000, with the second and third runners up receiving EUR50,000 and EUR30,000, respectively. 

This challenge is the second organised by Germany’s cyber research agency and is intended to help discover and fund maritime technologies at an earlier stage. The competition is supported by Bundeswehr Naval Command, the high command of the navy, responsible for personnel, military readiness, and operations. 

The application deadline is 2 July.