Iridium Communications Inc., a prominent supplier of global voice, data, and PNT satellite communications, announced a strategic step forward in the security of GPS and other GNSS-reliant devices against jamming, spoofing and timing interruptions with the unveiling of a dedicated, miniature application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), the Iridium® PNT ASIC.
Manufactured for easy integration into a broad range of electronic devices, the Iridium PNT ASIC will deliver authenticated, pole-to-pole positioning, navigation, as well as timing (PNT) data. It will provide a resilient alternative to traditional GNSS, offering protection against spoofing and jamming for consumer, industrial, and government applications.
The jamming and spoofing of GNSS systems have become a near constant occurrence over the past few years. Several high profile events, like the September 2025 jamming of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's aircraft navigation system and a malfunction of GNSS systems in the waters outside of Qatar, causing a pause in maritime operations in October 2025, are two recent examples.
A September 2024 report from OPSGROUP cited a 500% increase in the spoofing of commercial airliners, specifically stating that on average 1,500 flights a day are encountering GPS spoofing.
As per Coherent Market Insights, the Satellite Data Services Market will grow at a 21.1% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2025 to 2032, from USD 14.44 Bn in 2025 to around USD 55.17 Bn by 2032. The satellite data services market is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The rising demand for earth observation and remote sensing services across various industry verticals such as agriculture, energy & power, defense, and infrastructure is driving the market growth.
"This is a first. To provide this type of capability on a global basis has never been done before," said Iridium CEO Matt Desch. "The size, low cost, and scalability of this solution to protect GPS is a major breakthrough."
"The market for alternative PNT solutions is shifting rapidly toward compact, integrated technologies," said Mike O'Connor, executive vice president, PNT, Iridium. "While Iridium PNT is already available in some systems, the Iridium PNT ASIC will take it to the next level to deliver the only truly global alternative to GPS in the smallest form factor available."
Iridium reflected the ASIC's capabilities during last month's Jammertest, an annual event that evaluates the resilience of GNSS as well as alternative PNT technologies under jamming and spoofing attacks. The Iridium PNT ASIC maintained both timing accuracy and reliable navigation during controlled activities.
Iridium is provoking organizations to apply to participate in beta trials, and, if selected, they will receive Iridium PNT ASIC evaluation kits, ensuring early integration and testing. The Iridium PNT ASIC is planned for commercial availability in mid-2026.
Source:
News: Iridium
