Airbus and Omnitronics to collaborate on interoperability

At Comms Connect Melbourne this week, Airbus Defence and Space and Omnitronics formalised a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore collaboration on the development of next-generation interoperable critical communication gateways, in order to facilitate the transition from narrowband to broadband for end users.

Airbus Defence and Space offers mission-critical communication and collaboration solutions which combine traditional narrowband (professional mobile radios including over TETRA networks) and next-generation broadband (4G/5G) technologies. They are designed to support public safety organisations and critical infrastructure operators that require reliable and secure communication capabilities. Meanwhile, Omnitronics brings extensive experience and capabilities in radio dispatch management systems, communications management, Radio over IP, and interoperability solutions across radio infrastructures for mission-critical agencies and enterprises worldwide.

Under the MOU, the two parties will jointly investigate the feasibility of developing gateways that facilitate interoperability between Airbus’s Agnet broadband communication platform as well as Airbus TETRA with narrowband critical communication standards such as P25 and Digital Mobile Radio (DMR), alongside Omnitronics’s radio dispatch management systems. The goal is to create seamless integration and enhanced communication capabilities for mission-critical environments: with interoperable gateways, it will be easier for end users to migrate from narrowband to broadband in the field.

“This collaboration represents a strategic step in enhancing interoperability between different communication systems, a vital factor in mission-critical operations,” said Alain Ruinet, Head of APAC for Public Safety and Security at Airbus Defence and Space. “By combining Airbus’s robust platforms with Omnitronics’s proven technology and expertise, we aim to deliver flexible and reliable solutions tailored to the evolving needs of our customers.”

John Jordan, CEO of Omnitronics, added: “Partnering with Airbus allows us to extend our capabilities and contribute to next-generation critical communication systems. Together, we will explore innovative ways to improve operational efficiency and safety across multiple sectors.”

Image caption: Omnitronics CEO John Jordan with Alain Ruinet, Head of APAC for Public Safety and Security at Airbus Defence and Space.