Call us on 01488 685800

Published on: 22nd July 2025   |   Ellie Hall

In today’s defence environment, robust and secure communication networks are the lifeline of modern defence operations, underpinning everything from mission-critical co-ordination to real-time decision making. On UK-based military airbases and defence sites, network performance is vital to maintaining operational readiness, strategic planning and effective allied support. As the demands on these sites continues to rapidly evolve, so too must the underlying infrastructure that supports them.

This article explores the role of fibre optics in modern military operations and why they are the right choice for this industry. We examine the challenges facing existing systems, explore the potential advancements offered by fibre optics and 5G whilst outlining some key considerations for defence partners planning future-ready infrastructure upgrades.

RAF Fighter Jet taking off from airport runway. Photo credit: Jonny Gios, Unsplash
Photo credit: Jonny Gios, Unsplash

Why Fibre Optics are the Right Choice for Defence Communications

With the rapid evolution of digital capabilities in military operations, fibre optic technology has firmly established itself as the communications backbone for defence environments. It delivers the performance, resilience, and future-readiness required to meet the growing demands of modern military infrastructure. In comparison to copper-based systems, fibre optics offer several key advantages that make them a compelling choice for challenging, military environments:

Improved Performance Icon
High Bandwidth & Speed

Fibre enables rapid, high-volume data transfer, vital for surveillance, real-time communications and command platforms. It outperforms copper with speeds of 100Gbps+ over long distances.

Product Compatibility Icon
Enhanced Security

Fibre transmits light rather than electrical signals, making it harder to tap into without detection. This inherent physical security makes it well suited to handle sensitive or classified communications.

Hands holding heart
Efficient & Sustainable

Fibre requires less maintenance, offers a longer service life and consumes less power than copper. This reduces operational costs and supports MOD goals for efficiency and sustainability.

Rugged Icon
Reliability in Demanding Environments

Unlike copper, fibre is immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and can withstand environmental stress such as vibration, temperature extremes, and moisture.

Versatile Installation
Future Scalability

Fibre can scale to support growing data needs and emerging technologies like AI-driven systems, edge computing, and autonomous platforms without major infrastructure changes.

All Distance
Portability

Lighter and more compact than copper, fibre is easier to transport, deploy and recover in the field. This agility makes it ideal for fixed and mobile operations where flexibility and rapid response are key.

Where Does 5G Fit In?

While fibre forms the backbone of military communications, 5G is increasingly being explored for its speed and flexibility. It enables mobile, rapidly deployable connectivity, supporting applications like remote surveillance, smart base technologies, and real-time data sharing in the field. However, because 5G still relies on a robust fibre backbone to function effectively, it should be viewed as a complementary technology, rather than a replacement of fibre infrastructure. Fibre remains the essential foundation of modern military defence networks, delivering the speed, capacity, and security needed for long-term infrastructure modernisation.

Key Considerations for Future-Ready Defence Communications

For UK defence partners, upgrading legacy communications infrastructure offers the chance to further strengthen operational resilience in an increasingly unpredictable global landscape. As geopolitical tensions rise, UK airbases and other defence sites must operate with greater autonomy and agility, supported by secure, high-performance networks that enable rapid, coordinated response.

The following considerations can help guide strategic, future-ready upgrades across airbases and other critical sites:

Overcoming Legacy Infrastructure Limitations

Where legacy copper cabling or reliance on satellite links and RF systems are in play, fibre optics offer features that overcome their limitations. Whilst each has a distinct role, there are constraints that fibre optic systems can overcome by delivering a more secure, high-speed backbone that enhances existing systems and supports future technologies.

RAF Fighter Jet & Airbase Buildings
Photo credit: Lincoln Holley, Unsplash

Operational Readiness in a Volatile World

In the face of global uncertainty – from the war in Ukraine to shifting US defence priorities – UK airbases need infrastructure that supports fast, integrated action across all domains.

Chinook Helicopter
Photo credit: Berend Verheijen, Unsplash

Improved System Integration and Interoperability

Fibre facilitates seamless integration of communications systems across joint operations, allied forces, and emerging platforms — ensuring UK airbases remain connected, capable, and mission-ready under any operational scenario.

Airport control tower
Photo credit: Jonny Gios, Unsplash

Alignment with MOD Digital Strategy

Fibre optic infrastructure aligns with the MOD’s drive for robust, future-ready capabilities, forming the backbone for secure, resilient communications and enabling emerging technologies like AI, drones and autonomous systems.

Fighter Jets on Tarmac
Photo credit: Lincoln Holley, Unsplash

Secure, Resilient and Scalable Upgrades

Offering superior cyber and EMI protection, fibre enhances resilience while allowing upgrades to be phased in, maximising existing infrastructure and reducing disruption.

RAF Runway
Photo credit: Jonny Gios, Unsplash

Our Experience in Defence Network Modernisation

At Universal Networks, we’ve supported projects across a wide range of defence environments — including high-profile projects for the RAF, MOD, BAE, DSTL. With over 30 years of experience, we support defence partners through expert consultation, trusted communications systems and responsive technical support.

Our trusted solutions include Corning fibre optic products, bulk fibre and associated network hardware to support large scale infrastructure upgrade projects. Every solution is engineered for high-performance defence use, tailored to meet specific customer requirements, and delivered on time to meet budget expectations.

RAF Fighter Jet on runway. Photo credit: Lincoln Holley, Unsplash
Photo credit: Lincoln Holley, Unsplash

Defence Projects: Real-World Solutions

RAF Shawbury: High-Resilience Fibre Network

Multi-Fibre Aircraft Connectivity – Fibre Upgrade for Resilience

With limited existing fibre infrastructure available, RAF Shawbury required a reliable intercom and speaker system across 37 buildings. We supplied over 11km of OM3 fibre, along with Allied Telesis switches to achieve a resilient, high-speed network with zero-delay failover.

Multi-Fibre Aircraft Connectivity – Fibre Upgrade for Resilience

Multi-Fibre Aircraft Connectivity – Fibre Upgrade for Resilience

We replaced multiple individual fibre telemetry connections between aircraft and ground equipment with a 12-fibre Neutrik opticalCON system. The upgrade improved connection reliability and reduced setup time whilst also minimising the high-risk of cable damage in the original system set-up.

Want to see more of our military and defence capabilities? Explore here!

Whether you’re upgrading legacy infrastructure, enhancing interoperability, or preparing for future operational demands, our solutions are designed to help you build secure, resilient communications that meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Ready to upgrade your defence network infrastructure? Our friendly team are ready to help, just get in touch!

NEXT STEPS

Defence Solutions

Defence Solutions

Read more

Contact us

Contact us

Read more

Bespoke Capabilities

Bespoke Capabilities

Read more

Looking For A Bespoke Solution To Suit You?

Contact Us