Tackling NavWar and PNT Threats

With Safran Federal Systems

GNSS simulation has evolved well beyond accuracy testing. It now covers full-spectrum NavWar and PNT validation. Today’s simulators are expected to generate real-time GNSS, LEO signals, inertial measurement units (IMU), alternative navigation sources, jamming and spoofing — all from a single system.

“The number of signals continues to grow with the rise of multi-PNT sources and advanced threat capabilities,” said Jaemin Powell, senior product manager, NavWar & Simulation at Safran Federal Systems. “Our customers are preparing for GPS-denied operations, validating NavWar responses and ensuring resiliency in contested domains.”

Powell noted that Safran Federal developed BroadSim Genesis to enable simultaneous streaming of L1, L2, L5 and L6 GNSS and LEO signals with integrated jamming and spoofing — all within a compact 4U platform.

The company’s strategy is built on a software-defined architecture, allowing for rapid adoption to evolving threats and mission requirements, Powell said. Safran Federal collaborates closely with government stakeholders and defense primes to stay up-to-date with new requirements and incorporate real-world threat vectors, such as spoofing and jamming. The BroadSim platform supports software upgrades for every feature, from adding constellations and LEO signals to enabling hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) support or integrating additional PNT resources.

While defense and aerospace continue to serve as core markets, rising demand also is coming from space companies, LEO-PNT developers, and advanced electronic warfare laboratories now relying on Safran simulators.

“These users value the scalability, fidelity and flexibility of our simulation solutions, especially in environments with high dynamics,” Powell said. “They are looking beyond traditional GNSS, and we address that need with a simplified, all-in-one platform.

Large-Scale Simulation 

“Large-scale simulation is technically demanding,” Powell added. “Generating thousands of signals across multiple bands with ultra-low latency and 1000 Hz update rates pushes both hardware and software boundaries.”

Maintaining the intuitive Skydel interface while adapting to evolving NavWar requirements remains a top priority for the company. For example, Safran Federal introduced real-time automated calibration for BroadSim Wavefront, which executes before every scenario. This allows users to power up and immediately begin testing, eliminating recalibration and setup delays.

“Simulation is more than just signal generation. It is about enabling operational confidence,” Powell said. 

“Our platform gives users the ability to stress test systems, visualize behavior in real time and adapt quickly without relying on range time or live sky testing…We are enabling teams to meet their toughest NavWar and PNT challenges with confidence and flexibility. If you have demanding requirements, we are ready to deliver a solution that is intuitive, capable and built for the future.”