The Scenario
Maritime Security under pressure: The geopolitical situation demonstrates daily just how fragile peace at sea is. Areas such as the Baltic Sea or the Strait of Hormuz are today hotspots for maritime security. Critical infrastructure on the seabed and international trade routes are the focus of hybrid threats.
Imagine: A network of manned ships and autonomous underwater drones is operating in a highly sensitive maritime area. Suddenly, the situation escalates. A technologically advanced hostile actor launches massive electronic warfare attacks (EW). The electromagnetic spectrum is flooded with noise, GPS signals are jammed, and satellite connections collapse under targeted interference. At the same time, a storm whips up the sea, with spray and rain further worsening conditions.
In this “blackout” situation, the operations center must nevertheless be able to receive a precise situational picture and send tactical orders in real time. At the same time, units at sea need stable connections to their unmanned systems so as not to lose the hybrid fleet’s core capabilities.
The Challenge
MARLIN is the answer to this blackout. We are seeking the “disruptive lifeline” that defies these massive disruptive influences and maintains connections when all other solutions fail.
The challenge is aimed at individuals and teams capable of conceiving and implementing technological innovations for maritime and security-related applications. We are particularly interested in interdisciplinary teams that approach communication, sensor technology, cybersecurity, and networking not in isolation, but as an integrated solution.
With the concluding demo week and validation under realistic conditions, the MARLIN Challenge creates a framework in which not only the originality of an approach counts, but also its resilience in practical testing.
Important to Know
Any questions?
We have compiled all the important questions and answers about the challenge here.