The Dutch armed forces have signed a framework agreement with Thales Nederland to comprehensively modernize its tactical communications equipment. The core of the agreement is the delivery of a new SOTAS infrastructure that ensures communication in and between vehicles as well as with soldiers and weapon systems. In addition, existing equipment will be further developed.
Some of the systems deployed to date are outdated and no longer meet the current and future threat picture. Modernization will enable better, protected cooperation within the armed forces, with national partners and in international – especially NATO-wide network. Dutch units will be able to participate much more effectively in multinational operations.
Program Foxtrot
The agreement is part of the Foxtrot program, under which around 8,000 vehicles, 3,500 soldiers, 135 vessels and 170 aircraft will be equipped with modern tactical communications and IT infrastructure.
The implementation is modular:
- The military transmission construction module provides modern radio systems for vehicles and soldiers.
- The Platform IT Infrastructure module provides tactical networks and servers in vehicles.
- In addition, end devices and civilian transmission technologies such as WLAN, 4G/5G and satellite communication are used to ensure maximum flexibility in different deployment scenarios.
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Voice, data and video
The new SOTAS infrastructure integrates intercom, radio and data networks in military vehicles. The system supports voice, data and video and is open for future technological enhancements. Communication takes place via military radios from L3 Harris as well as via additional civilian systems that are still being procured.
With the modernization, the Dutch defence is taking a further step towards information-based operations management: operational forces can gather and evaluate information more quickly and make well-founded decisions based on it. The framework agreement enables long-term, flexible cooperation with Thales, increases security of supply and allows the company to react quickly to new operational requirements.
Here for more news about the Dutch armed forces and here to further news about Thales.
