New Delhi: Olee.space, a leading Indian photonics and defence technology company, has successfully demonstrated a 20 km, 10 Gbps Wireless Laser Communication (WLC) system developed predominantly with indigenous components. Designed, manufactured, and tested in India with nearly 85% local content, the demonstration marks a major milestone in the country’s ability to build long-range, high-capacity optical wireless links for defence and strategic applications under real-world atmospheric conditions.

The system integrates advanced in-house opto-mechanical subsystems, including a high-precision, Indian-manufactured gimbal capable of arc-second level pointing accuracy, along with an internally integrated fast steering mirror assembly. This dual-stage stabilisation architecture, based on voice-coil and piezo-mounted actuators, enables sustained and stable optical links over long distances, even in dynamic atmospheric and platform-induced conditions.

Commenting on the achievement, James Solomon, Founder and CEO of olee.space, said that achieving a 20 km, 10 Gbps optical link with carrier-grade availability under Indian operating conditions is a significant technological breakthrough. He added that the demonstration firmly establishes India’s capability to design, manufacture, and validate advanced Wireless Laser Communication systems using largely indigenous technologies.

During validation, the system achieved a carrier-grade link availability of 99.9999%, meeting the stringent requirements of mission-critical communication. Wireless Laser Communication offers key advantages such as spectrum independence, low probability of interception, and strong resistance to electronic jamming, making it highly relevant for defence and government use cases where conventional RF systems face limitations.

Notably, the complete design, integration, and field demonstration were accomplished within just four months of project funding. This rapid execution highlights the growing maturity of India’s private-sector defence manufacturing ecosystem and its readiness to deliver defence-grade optical communication systems across terrestrial, maritime, aerial, high-altitude, and future space-based platforms, supporting India’s long-term goal of technological self-reliance.