Saltenna Tested Plasmonix Communications System

The company evaluated its signal technology in challenging environments like underground and tropical terrain.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Telecommunications

Isometric editorial illustration showing a submerged industrial radio antenna module inside a large testing tank, representing signal technology development. — Saltenna successfully completed field tests of its Plasmonix communication system in Q3 2026, proving its radio frequency performance in challenging signal environments. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Saltenna successfully field-tested its Plasmonix communication system in Q3 2026, demonstrating radio frequency transmission in environments where traditional radios typically fail. The tests included trials at the UComms 26 event held in Sestri Levante, Italy.

Why it matters

This technology aims to maintain connectivity in areas where conventional radio signals struggle, such as across water, ice, or through submerged infrastructure. Successfully proving these capabilities addresses critical communications gaps in difficult terrain.

The Plasmonix system transmits radio frequency signals along submerged infrastructure using surface wave technology. Saltenna currently holds 7 U.S. patents and 11 WIPO publications related to these communication methods.

The players

Saltenna

This communications company specializes in surface wave technology designed for environments that block conventional radio signals.

U.S. Army

The branch of the United States Armed Forces awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I contract to the firm.

The details

Engineers utilize an in-house saltwater test tank to refine system designs for transmission across water and ice surfaces. The firm is currently preparing to integrate this technology into autonomous underwater vehicles and has secured an Export Administration Regulations designation.

Saltenna received a U.S. Army SBIR Phase I contract in Q2 2026.
The company field-tested the Plasmonix system during Q3 2026.
October 2026 marked the reporting of test results and a new award notice.

The Tech Race

The development of surface wave technology follows a pattern established by the industry-wide shift toward specialized signal propagation in non-traditional environments. Saltenna is actively expanding the functional scope of this tech by moving it into submerged and extreme terrain applications.

While the current tests target military and industrial applications, successful deployment of this tech could eventually lead to more resilient communications for underwater research and exploration. This could reduce reliance on traditional satellite links in remote or deep-water locations.

The takeaway

Advancements in signal transmission through submerged or difficult environments are expanding the operational capabilities of autonomous hardware. Companies focusing on these niche connectivity solutions are likely to see increased integration into specialized infrastructure projects.