Zero trust and AI: Modernising voice communication

As air traffic management (ATM) evolves, air navigation service providers (ANSPs) face increasing demands for secure, innovative, and adaptable voice communication solutions. As a global company, Frequentis is leading this transformation, ensuring that ANSPs are equipped with future-proof communication systems that enhance safety, security, and efficiency. Martin Chaloupek, Managing Director Frequentis Singapore, explains how this is being made possible. (PHOTO: Frequentis) A cyber-fit, software-centric future Security must be embedded into every aspect of systems, which is why Frequentis is transitioning towards a software-centric, cyber-fit approach, while maintaining its strong hardware foundations. A key example of this commitment is the VCS X10, a next-generation voice communication system (VCS) designed with an embedded security framework. ”Following the ‘zero trust’ security architecture as a cybersecurity paradigm, the VCS X10 applies a layered security model, ensuring domain security for all hosts and services within the system. It assumes no user, device, or application is trustworthy by default, whether inside or outside the network. This design is flexible, adaptable, and compliant with ANSP security policies, making security not an afterthought but a key component of the solution,” says Martin Chaloupek. But security isn’t the only challenge – ANSPs also need technical flexibility and long-term reliability. Technical expertise for security and flexibility Having deep technical expertises make a company stand out and recognising that security and recording functionalities are critical to ANSP operations is something Frequentis has done. Rather than treating these as additional features, they are treated as fully integrated into the VCS X10 system, offering unparalleled flexibility and control. With all ATM applications developed under the OneATM ecosystem, Frequentis provides full flexibility and control throughout the system’s design and entire lifecycle. “Our approach of managing all critical systems under the OneATM ecosystem ensures that our customers receive secure, reliable, and future-proof solutions. This approach also strengthens our ability to deliver full lifecycle support globally,” adds Martin. This comprehensive strategy enables Frequentis to provide strong, localised support, including in the Asia-Pacific region. (PHOTO: Frequentis) Keeping ANSPs information protected and compliant Beyond secure voice communication, ANSPs require reliable recording solutions to meet compliance and safety regulations. The Frequentis GuardX recording platform is a flexible and highly adaptable solution, enabling ANSPs to simultaneously record multiple channels, including both voice and screen recording. “The component-based software design of GuardX is flexible and highly configurable, which makes it well-suited for diverse use cases. Its architecture also allows easy integration with various data sources, ensuring the system’s scalability and adaptability,” continues Martin. GuardX ensures secure storage and retrieval of recorded data, independent of the data source, for maximum compliance and operational efficiency. Ensuring long-term security and innovation The Frequentis Evergreen® system lifecycle ensures that products remain up-to-date with regular software updates and security enhancements. “This regular maintenance and update process ensures the continued security of the system, providing our customers with long-term protection and peace of mind,” confirmed Martin. By developing and producing all components in-house, Frequentis guarantees compatibility across all core subsystems, reinforcing its “Under One Roof” philosophy, which offers unique advantages throughout a product’s lifecycle. But how do these advancements fit into the bigger picture of aeronautical communications? The vision for unified aeronautical communications Looking ahead, Frequentis envisions a unified framework for aeronautical communications, simplifying operations while enhancing safety and efficiency. The VCS X10 and GuardX solutions are already designed to integrate seamlessly into this unified system built on modular, container-based architecture and open interfaces. Martin also emphasised that VCS X10 and GuardX solutions, combined with the MosaiX digital platform, provide a seamless implementation of innovative concepts, allowing for effective collaboration and communication in the ATM space. Frequentis is also actively engaged in shaping the future of airspace communication systems. As part of this commitment, the company is involved in key industrial initiatives, such as the EuroCAE WG-126 working group, where Frequentis is contributing to the development of a standard for the integration between VCS and ATM systems. A future built on innovation and security. Some elements of Frequentis’ Unified Aeronautical Communications concept are already being successfully demonstrated, including: AI voice enhancement: This advanced technology uses artificial intelligence (AI) to remove noise from radio channels, improving clarity and reducing the cognitive load on air traffic controllers, which in turn enhances operational safety. Speech recognition: This allows confirmation and read-back validation, ensuring pilot read-backs match controller clearances As Frequentis continues to push the boundaries of technology in ATM, the future of voice communication for ANSPs is secure, innovative, and adaptable. Integrated voice and automation will create a smarter, safer, and more intuitive ATC environment. It also lays the foundation for trajectory-based operations, enabling more predictable, collaborative, and data-driven traffic management. Frequentis is not just addressing the challenges of today – it is actively shaping the future of ATM. With solutions like VCS X10 and GuardX, Frequentis ensures that ANSPs remain at the cutting edge of secure, innovative, and adaptable voice communication. Talk to us about how integrated voice and automation can transform your operations and prepare your control rooms for tomorrow’s challenges –  [email protected]. About Frequentis Frequentis ensures the safety of 95% of the world’s passengers and aircraft. It’s safety-critical communication and information solutions leverage more than seventy-five years of cross-industry experience in civil aviation, defence, public safety, and public transportation markets. The company’s ATM department helps ANSPs worldwide deliver safer and more secure capacity for airspace users in a cost-efficient way, while the Frequentis OneATM portfolio is driving innovation in unified aeronautical communications and the future of digital ATM systems. Discuss mission‑critical voice communications with our specialists at Singapore Airshow 2026, with live demonstrations of Frequentis VCS X10 and GuardX taking place. For more information, go to: Unified aeronautical communications | Frequentis For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]