Iridium Communications has launched a dedicated, miniature application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), the Iridium® PNT ASIC, enhancing the security of GPS and other Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)-reliant devices against jamming, spoofing and timing interruptions.
The Iridium PNT ASIC will provide authenticated, pole-to-pole positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) data. The chip is designed for seamless integration into a wide range of electronic devices, providing a resilient alternative to traditional GNSS and protection against spoofing and jamming for consumer, industrial, and government applications.
Features & Capabilities
Iridium’s device measures 8mm by 8mm and is capable of fitting into devices ranging from consumer products to major infrastructure systems, such as power grids, transportation systems and telecom networks. The Iridium PNT ASIC democratizes GNSS resilience.
When embedded in a device, it receives a cryptographically secure time and location signal from the Iridium satellite network, which is 1,000 times stronger than GPS and can work indoors. This helps GNSS-dependent applications detect problems and maintain operations until issues are resolved.
The Iridium PNT ASIC also continuously verifies signal integrity, making it an ideal alternative, or even primary, source of PNT data.
Iridium PNT protects digital infrastructure for financial markets, governments, and major corporations. Its applications include data centers, 5G wireless networks, aviation, maritime, land mobile, and IoT, making it a foundational service for the future of secure, connected systems.
Matt Desch, CEO of Iridium, stated, “This is a first. To provide this type of capability on a global basis has never been done before. The size, low cost, and scalability of this solution to protect GPS is a major breakthrough.”
Mike O’Connor, executive vice president, PNT, Iridium, added, “The market for alternative PNT solutions is shifting rapidly toward compact, integrated technologies. 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.
“Whether in government, enterprise, or consumer applications, every device that relies on GNSS needs a dependable backup or reliable primary service in the event of disruption. The Iridium PNT ASIC delivers that dependability in a compact, all-in-one chip.”
Importance & Market Need
GNSS jamming and spoofing have escalated from occasional threats to near-daily occurrences in recent years. High-profile incidents include the September 2025 jamming of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s aircraft navigation system and a GNSS malfunction near Qatar in October 2025, which temporarily halted maritime operations. A September 2024 OPSGROUP report noted a 500% increase in GPS spoofing targeting commercial airliners, with an average of 1,500 flights affected daily.
This sharp rise in threats, combined with the enormous economic risks, estimated at billions of dollars per day worldwide, underscores the urgent need for simple, easily integrated protection.
The alternative PNT market is expected to reach $3.5 billion by 2032, driven by demand for secure, reliable timing and location data across all sectors of critical infrastructure.
Demonstrations & Availability
Iridium showcased the ASIC’s capabilities during Jammertest 2025, an annual event which evaluates the resilience of GNSS and alternative PNT technologies under jamming and spoofing attacks. The Iridium PNT ASIC maintained both timing accuracy and reliable navigation during controlled exercises.
Iridium is inviting organizations to apply for beta trials. Selected participants will receive Iridium PNT ASIC evaluation kits, allowing them to integrate and test the chip early.
The Iridium PNT ASIC is expected to be commercially available by mid-2026.
