PhotonFirst and Active Electronics are joining forces to bring aerospace-grade fiber optic sensing into the mainstream supply chain for aerospace, defense, and other high‑reliability markets. This partnership combines PhotonFirst’s integrated photonic sensing technology with Active Electronics’ long-standing role as a trusted supplier and service provider to qualification‑driven programmes.
Active Electronics has supported the aerospace and defense ecosystem for decades, supplying high‑reliability components and assemblies into demanding applications such as avionics, engine systems, power management, communications and maritime systems.
With AS9120 and ISO9001 accreditations and participation in initiatives like ADS SC21, they are recognized for strong quality processes and deep understanding of their customers’ technical and logistical requirements. PhotonFirst adds to this foundation with fiber‑optic sensing systems that deliver precise, real‑time data on strain, temperature, pressure, vibration and loads in the harshest environments.
Modern aerospace and defense platforms rely on lightweight structures, advanced composites and complex systems that must perform reliably under extreme conditions, such as high vibration, large temperature swings and strong electromagnetic fields. Traditional electrical sensors can struggle with EMI, cabling complexity and integration in tight spaces, limiting the fidelity and coverage of structural and usage monitoring.
PhotonFirst’s fiber‑optic sensing technology uses optical fibers as the sensors themselves, enabling multipoint measurements along a single, lightweight fiber that can be embedded into structures without compromising integrity. This approach is inherently EMI‑immune, intrinsically safe, and suited for monitoring critical assets such as aircraft, rotorcraft, space structures and defense platforms across their full lifecycle.
At the core of PhotonFirst’s solutions are Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors and integrated photonic interrogators that convert changes in light into high‑resolution data streams. These systems monitor structural loads, fatigue, temperature, pressure and vibration in real time, providing a continuous view of the health and usage of critical assets.
For operators, this unlocks condition based and predictive maintenance strategies that reduce unplanned downtime, extend asset life and enhance safety across fleets. For manufacturers and system integrators, it offers new design flexibility and the ability to qualify lighter, smarter structures without compromising reliability.
Through this partnership, Active Electronics will offer PhotonFirst’s fiber‑optic sensing solutions as part of its established portfolio of interconnect, power, networking, cable, EMC, opto-electronic and sensor technologies. Customers in aerospace, defense, space and other hi‑rel sectors can now source advanced photonic sensing through a supplier they already trust for component supply, logistics support and value‑added services.
PhotonFirst contributes end‑to‑end capability from concept and prototyping to industrialized sensing systems, building on nearly two decades of experience with leading aerospace and defense partners. Together, the two companies aim to make high‑performance structural health and usage monitoring more accessible, scalable and easier to integrate into next‑generation platforms.
PhotonFirst and Active Electronics are aligned on a straightforward goal: help customers operate critical assets more safely, more efficiently and with greater confidence in the data behind every decision. By combining trusted supply‑chain performance with advanced photonic sensing, the partnership is set to support new aerospace and defense programmes as well as upgrades to existing fleets and systems.
If you are looking for more information about this cooperation and the solutions we provide for aerospace and defense, check this page on aerospace and defense.