Airspan Networks Joins ARES Consortium to Advance Europe’s Sovereign Mission-Critical Communications Infrastructure
Airspan Networks has officially joined the ARES consortium, a major pan-European initiative focused on creating a sovereign, secure, and resilient communications platform designed to support defense, public safety, and emergency-response operations throughout Europe. The move marks a significant milestone in the development of a next-generation communications infrastructure capable of delivering reliable connectivity across air, land, sea, and space-based environments.
As geopolitical tensions, cybersecurity concerns, and the growing frequency of natural disasters continue to challenge governments and emergency agencies, Europe is increasingly prioritizing the development of independent communications capabilities that can operate effectively under all circumstances. The ARES initiative seeks to address these challenges through the creation of a hybrid Air-to-Ground (ATG) and satellite communications architecture that ensures secure, uninterrupted, and high-capacity connectivity for mission-critical operations.
With Airspan Networks now joining founding consortium members Oramach and iVent Mobile, the initiative gains additional expertise in advanced wireless communications, Open RAN technologies, and large-scale Air-to-Ground network deployments. Airspan’s participation is expected to accelerate the development and deployment of a communications platform capable of supporting a wide range of critical governmental and operational requirements across Europe.
Building a Sovereign European Communications Network
ARES was established with a clear objective: to provide Europe with a communications infrastructure that remains operational and secure even during crises, emergencies, and contested operational environments. Unlike traditional communication systems that often rely on fragmented national networks or external providers, ARES is being developed as a unified European platform focused on sovereignty, resilience, and interoperability.
The initiative comes at a time when communications infrastructure is increasingly viewed as a strategic asset. Governments, defense organizations, emergency-response agencies, and public safety authorities require secure and reliable communications systems that remain available regardless of disruptions caused by cyberattacks, natural disasters, or military conflicts.
The consortium’s vision aligns closely with recent policy developments at the European level. On May 27, the European Commission announced that one-third of the 2GHz Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) S-band spectrum would be reserved for critical communications services. This decision reinforces the importance of dedicated spectrum resources for public safety and security applications while creating favorable conditions for initiatives such as ARES.
By utilizing the S-band spectrum and integrating terrestrial and satellite connectivity, the consortium aims to deliver a communications network capable of supporting demanding operational requirements across multiple domains.
Hybrid Air-to-Ground and Satellite Architecture
At the core of the ARES initiative is a sophisticated hybrid communications architecture that combines Air-to-Ground (ATG) connectivity with satellite communications technologies.
This integrated approach is designed to overcome many of the limitations associated with standalone terrestrial or satellite networks. Traditional ground-based systems may face coverage gaps in remote or rural regions, while satellite-only solutions can encounter latency challenges or capacity constraints. By combining both technologies into a unified architecture, ARES aims to provide seamless connectivity across diverse operational environments.
The network is being engineered to deliver secure, high-capacity communications services for users operating in airborne, terrestrial, and maritime domains. This includes communication support for aircraft, emergency vehicles, maritime vessels, unmanned systems, and mobile command centers.
The hybrid design also enhances network redundancy and resilience. If one segment of the communications infrastructure becomes unavailable due to technical failures, cyberattacks, or physical disruptions, other components of the network can continue supporting operational requirements.
This layered approach is particularly important for mission-critical applications where communication interruptions can have serious consequences for public safety, security operations, and emergency response efforts.
Airspan Networks Brings Proven Wireless Expertise
The addition of Airspan Networks significantly strengthens the technological capabilities of the consortium.
Airspan is widely recognized for its expertise in wireless communications infrastructure, including 4G, 5G, Open RAN, and Air-to-Ground networking technologies. The company has extensive experience designing, deploying, and operating large-scale wireless networks in complex and demanding environments.
One of Airspan’s notable achievements includes its role in building the world’s largest 4G/5G Air-to-Ground network. This experience provides valuable operational knowledge that can be applied directly to the development of the ARES platform.
The company’s expertise in Open RAN technologies is particularly relevant as Europe seeks greater flexibility and independence in communications infrastructure. Open RAN architectures allow network operators to utilize interoperable equipment from multiple vendors rather than relying on proprietary systems from a single supplier.
This approach can improve innovation, reduce costs, and enhance strategic autonomy while maintaining high performance and security standards.
Airspan’s contribution is expected to support both the technical design and operational deployment of the ARES network as the consortium advances from pilot projects toward broader implementation.
Supporting Diverse Mission-Critical Applications
One of the key strengths of the ARES initiative is its ability to support a broad range of mission-critical applications.
The network is being designed to facilitate secure communications for drones, helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, emergency-response vehicles, border-security operations, and maritime assets. These capabilities will enable authorities to coordinate operations more effectively while maintaining secure data exchange and situational awareness.
For emergency-response organizations, reliable communications are essential during disasters such as floods, wildfires, earthquakes, and severe weather events. In many cases, existing communications infrastructure can become damaged or overloaded during emergencies, creating challenges for first responders and public safety agencies.
ARES seeks to address these vulnerabilities by providing a resilient communications backbone that can remain operational even when conventional networks are compromised.
In the defense sector, secure communications are critical for command and control functions, intelligence sharing, surveillance operations, and coordination among military units. The network’s hybrid architecture and resilient design are intended to provide continuity in highly demanding operational environments.
Border-security agencies may also benefit from enhanced communications capabilities that support surveillance systems, mobile units, unmanned aerial vehicles, and maritime patrol operations.
Similarly, maritime organizations can utilize the platform to maintain reliable communications with vessels operating in coastal and offshore regions where terrestrial coverage may be limited.
Leveraging Commercially Available Dual-Use Technologies
A significant aspect of the ARES strategy involves leveraging commercially available dual-use technologies.
Rather than relying solely on specialized defense systems, the consortium is incorporating proven commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies into the platform. This approach offers several advantages, including reduced development timelines, lower implementation costs, and access to continuously evolving commercial innovations.
By integrating mature technologies that have already demonstrated reliability in commercial deployments, ARES can accelerate the deployment of operational capabilities while minimizing technical risk.
The use of dual-use technologies also allows the platform to serve both governmental and civilian applications, creating opportunities for broader adoption and long-term sustainability.
Combined with resilient network architecture and dedicated spectrum resources, these technologies form the foundation of a communications platform capable of meeting the stringent requirements of defense, public safety, and civil-protection organizations.
Pilot Programs and Deployment Planning Underway
The ARES consortium has already moved beyond the conceptual stage and into active development and testing.
Regional pilot programs are currently underway, providing opportunities to evaluate network performance, interoperability, and operational effectiveness in real-world environments. These pilot initiatives are expected to generate valuable insights that will inform future deployment strategies and system enhancements.
In addition, the consortium has completed a detailed deployment architecture covering Europe’s eastern border regions. This planning effort reflects the growing strategic importance of secure communications infrastructure in areas where geopolitical and security considerations are particularly significant.
The completed architecture outlines how the network can be deployed to provide coverage, resilience, and operational continuity across key regions while supporting a wide range of mission-critical activities.
As deployment efforts continue, the consortium remains focused on ensuring that the network delivers high availability, cybersecurity protection, and uninterrupted communications capabilities.
Industry Leaders Highlight Strategic Importance
Industry leaders involved in the project have emphasized the importance of strengthening Europe’s communications sovereignty and resilience.
Robin Contius, Managing Director of Oramach, noted that the ARES initiative was created to enhance Europe’s ability to operate secure and independent communications infrastructure under all conditions. He highlighted Airspan’s addition as a major enhancement to the consortium’s wireless technology capabilities and operational readiness.
Carel Begeer, CEO of iVent Mobile, emphasized the need for resilient communications systems capable of seamlessly integrating terrestrial, airborne, and satellite connectivity. According to Begeer, Airspan’s expertise in scalable wireless infrastructure and advanced radio technologies will significantly strengthen the consortium’s capabilities.
Henrik Smith-Petersen, Chief Strategy Officer of Airspan Networks, described the company’s participation in ARES as a strong strategic fit. He noted that Europe is entering a period where secure, sovereign, and rapidly deployable communications infrastructure is becoming increasingly important for defense, security, and emergency-response operations.
Smith-Petersen also expressed Airspan’s commitment to contributing its expertise in advanced wireless networking and Open RAN technologies to support the initiative’s long-term objectives.
Strengthening Europe’s Future Communications Landscape
The inclusion of Airspan Networks represents another important step in the evolution of the ARES initiative and Europe’s broader efforts to establish independent communications capabilities.
As security challenges continue to evolve and operational environments become increasingly complex, governments and public safety organizations require communications systems that are secure, resilient, interoperable, and rapidly deployable.
By combining Air-to-Ground communications, satellite connectivity, Open RAN technologies, and commercially proven networking solutions, ARES aims to deliver a next-generation communications platform capable of supporting critical operations across Europe.
With pilot programs already in progress and deployment planning advancing, the consortium is laying the groundwork for a communications infrastructure designed to safeguard operational continuity and enhance Europe’s ability to respond effectively to emergencies, security threats, and future challenges.
The addition of Airspan Networks strengthens both the technological foundation and strategic vision of the initiative, bringing Europe closer to achieving a sovereign and resilient communications ecosystem capable of serving defense, public safety, and civil-protection missions for years to come.
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