The security of GPS and other global positioning devices reliant on GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) have long been hampered by jamming, spoofing and timing interruptions.
Now, a new technology promises to block the blockers, says Iridium Communications, a global provider of voice, data, and satellite communications.
Iridium has unveiled a miniature application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) called the Iridium PNT ASIC. Engineered for seamless integration into a wide range of electronic devices, it will deliver authenticated, pole-to-pole positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) data. It will provide a resilient alternative to traditional GNSS, offering protection against spoofing and jamming for consumer, industrial, and government applications.
“This is a first. To provide this type of capability on a global basis has never been done before,” said Iridium CEO Matt Desch. “The size, low cost, and scalability of this solution to protect GPS is a major breakthrough.”
The jamming and spoofing of GNSS systems have gone from being an occasional threat to a near constant occurrence over the past few years. Recent high profile events include the September 2025 jamming of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s aircraft navigation system, and a malfunction of GNSS systems in the waters outside of Qatar, causing a pause in maritime operations in October 2025. A September 2024 report from OPSGROUP cited a 500% increase in the spoofing of commercial airliners, specifically stating that on average 1,500 flights a day are encountering GPS spoofing.
Couple this dramatic rise in threats with the economic risks, estimated at billions of dollars per day globally, and the need for a simple, easily integrated solution is clear. For example, in 2019, a single day GPS outage in the United States was estimated by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to cost the economy approximately $1-billion. When adjusted for inflation in 2025, this could be well over $1.3-billion per day.
How the Iridium PNT ASIC works
Measuring just 8mm by 8mm and capable of fitting into devices ranging from consumer products up through major infrastructure systems like power grids, transportation systems and telecom networks, the Iridium PNT ASIC is claimed to democratise GNSS resilience.
When embedded in a device, the Iridium PNT ASIC receives a cryptographically secure time and location data signal from the Iridium satellite network that is 1,000 times more powerful than GPS and capable of working inside buildings. This can help GNSS-dependent applications to not only detect a problem but also maintain operations until it is resolved. The Iridium PNT ASIC will also continuously verify signal integrity, making it the ideal alternative or primary source of PNT data.
“The market for alternative PNT solutions is shifting rapidly toward compact, integrated technologies,” said Mike O’Connor, executive vice president of PNT at Iridium. “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.”
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. Available today, Iridium PNT protects digital infrastructure for financial markets, governments, and major corporations. Its applications span data centers, 5G wireless networks, aviation, maritime, land mobile, and IoT, making it a foundational service for the future of secure, connected systems.
“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,” O’Connor said. “The Iridium PNT ASIC delivers that dependability in a compact, all-in-one chip.”
Iridium is inviting organisations to apply to participate in beta trials, and, if selected, they will receive Iridium PNT ASIC evaluation kits, enabling early integration and testing. The Iridium PNT ASIC is planned for commercial availability in mid-2026.
Organisations with devices that rely on GNSS and are seeking to enhance resilience against jamming, spoofing or time and frequency interruptions, or those developing innovative technologies in the PNT domain, can learn more and express interest at www.iridium.com/pnt/asic.
Iridium is highlighting the Iridium PNT ASIC at the International Timing and Sync Forum (ITSF), currently under way (27-30 October 2025) in Prague.