Baltic Sea States Select Persistent Systems’ Coastline Surveillance Network

Persistent Systems has received $29 million in contracts to provide coastline surveillance network systems to several Baltic Sea states.

Under the project, the company will provide its Wave Relay MANET network system, enabling real-time communication and data sharing to improve coordination and threat response among participating nations.

The system will cover 2,500 miles (4,023 kilometers) of the Baltic Sea coastline and will link vessels, aircraft, ground forces, coastal security units, and mobile operations centers.

Wave Relay MANET will be powered by a Persistent MPU5 networking radio device, allowing for peer-to-peer sharing of voice, video, sensor, and GPS data, even in challenging and contested environments.

“Interoperability in the Baltic Sea has long been a challenge to NATO integrated readiness,” said Tom Hanlon, Director of Business Development for Persistent Systems.

Under the initiative, the company will also deploy tower-mounted integrated antenna solutions to expand coverage across maritime and coastal areas.

“This network represents a groundbreaking leap forward for the Baltic Sea Region. It is the first of its kind in Europe at this scale and will provide NATO mission partners with an unprecedented level of connectivity, coordination, and situational awareness,” Hanlon added.

Baltic Security

Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Baltic countries have been reinforcing their defense capabilities and deepening their reliance on NATO to enhance security along the alliance’s eastern flank.

In response to recent damage to telecommunications and power cables, which several European countries attribute to Russian interference, NATO launched a Baltic Sea monitoring mission in January.

Similar episodes have occurred in the region since 2022, with European nations accusing Moscow of conducting hybrid operations and sabotage against underwater infrastructure in the area.