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Ministry of Defense contracts to develop a system for Wireless Optical Communication

The Optical Communication Alliance champions end products that enable wireless communication.

Published on November 23, 2024

NEDS: De Commandant der Strijdkrachten (links) en de commandant van het Commando Materieel en IT waren aanwezig op het event.

NEDS: The Commander of the Armed Forces (left) and the commander of the Materiel and IT Command attended the event. Photo © Defense

Bart is the co-founder and co-owner of Media52 (publishing IO+) and a Professor of Journalism at the University of Groningen. He is responsible for all the branches of our company—IO+, events, and Laio—and focuses on commercial opportunities. A journalist at heart, he also keeps writing as many stories as he can.

The Dutch Ministry of Defense signed contracts with several companies this week for various technology projects. This happened during the NIDV Exhibition Defense and Security (NEDS) exhibition at AHOY Rotterdam. “All new technology must help Defense prepare for main task 1, protecting its territory and that of our allies,” the ministry said in a statement.

The Optical Communication Alliance is making the case for all units to be connected through optical wireless communication. Defense, Signify, Aircision, FSO Instruments, SMART Photonics, Secura, TNO & Brainport Development have been joining forces in this area since last year. Today, this alliance signed a contract for the next step in developing a Wireless Optical Communication system. In this system, units can communicate via light, thanks to photonics technology. Both short- and long-range, within spaces, with satellites and with troops on the ground, in the air, and at sea.

The alliance is working together on a “test bed.” With this testbed, the partners are working toward commercial end products that enable wireless communications. Defense will then investigate which technology is interesting for the armed forces. In addition, they will examine what needs exist within Defense and how units can use the technology in their military operations.

Air defense strengthened

This year the NEDS had its fortieth edition. During the fair, government, industry and knowledge institutes come together to advance future military technology. During the NEDS, Defense also signed a contract with Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace. That company supplies Defense with both air and missile defense systems. These are intended for both medium- and short-range air defense. The armed forces have a great need for this niche capability. “Without air and missile defense, units on the ground, in the air and at sea, as well as critical infrastructure, are vulnerable.”

Commander Command Materiel and IT Vice Admiral Jan Willem Hartman signed the contract. “This is an important step in strengthening the Dutch ground-based air defense. But further investments are certainly needed to achieve a fully deployable, layered defense and our goals.” Hartman also signed a contract for two Howitzer Crew Trainers. These are simulation tubes, which the crew of an Armored Howitzer 2000NL can mount at the site of the firing tube. This system allows artillerymen to train effectively in small training areas.