Netherlands Ministry of Defense decides to adopt the OPTICS11 ‘OptiArray’ system
The Dutch Ministry of Defence’s Materiel and IT Command announced on July 29th the adoption of OPTICS11’s operational system as part of the ASWINABO (Anti-Submarine Warfare In A Box) program. This contract involves a containerized version of the OptiArray, a passive towed array sonar developed by OPTICS11, designed to enable rapid deployment on various vessels.
Advanced fiber optic technology enhances marine sensing capabilities
The agreement, signed with OPTICS11, a company based in Amsterdam, includes the introduction of the first system for the ASWINABO program. OPTICS11 was established in 2011 as a spin-off from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and is developing passive fiber optic sensor arrays capable of detecting and classifying underwater targets up to a distance of 100 kilometers from the shore.
OptiArray is a reelable, thin array developed using highly sensitive fiber optic sensors to measure acoustic signals. Unlike conventional electrically powered towing arrays, OptiArray is a passive system that collects acoustic information while maintaining acoustic silence, making it resistant to electromagnetic interference.
Rapid deployment to various marine platforms
By modifying the OptiArray into a portable and containerized system, OPTICS11 enables the Navy to equip a much wider range of existing ships with advanced sonar detection capabilities. Both manned and unmanned maritime platforms can be modified according to operational needs . As the use of unmanned drones expands exponentially, greater detection availability becomes a strategic advantage .
Netherlands Navy enhances maritime defense capabilities
The ASWINABO system was designed to enhance the readiness of the Royal Netherlands Navy, particularly through the protection of critical undersea infrastructure (CUI). As autonomous underwater systems become increasingly prevalent, underwater and marine infrastructure is becoming a target for espionage, sabotage, and hybrid threats.
Investments in manufacturing readiness, supply chain resilience, and production infrastructure will enhance the Netherlands’ ability to rapidly deploy advanced underwater sensing capabilities, while simultaneously maturing the technologies that support future programs, as operational requirements continue to evolve.
Technological leadership in the international defense market
OPTICS11 is a global leader in the field of fiber optic acoustic underwater sensing, and has announced a major expansion of its OptiArray product line . OptiArray is designed to be deployed on a variety of manned and unmanned marine platforms, enabling the rapid, simple, and cost-effective deployment of advanced submarine detection technology . OptiArray is designed to be deployed on a variety of manned and unmanned marine platforms, enabling the rapid, simple, and cost-effective deployment of advanced submarine detection technology .
This contract will continue the adoption of OPTICS11 technology by the Royal Netherlands Navy. This is expected to increase technological self-sufficiency within the Dutch defense industry ecosystem and strengthen competitiveness in the international defense market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the OptiArray system?
- OptiArray is a passive towed sonar system developed by OPTICS11, which uses fiber-optic-based technology to detect underwater acoustic signals through highly sensitive fiber-optic sensors. It is containerized, allowing for rapid deployment on various marine platforms.
- What are the differences between OptiArray and existing sonar systems?
- Unlike conventional electrically powered tow arrays, OptiArray operates passively, meaning it does not generate its own acoustic signals and is resistant to electromagnetic interference. This provides a tactical advantage.
- What is the objective of the ASWINABO program?
- The ASWINABO (Anti-Submarine Warfare in a Box) aims to enhance the operational readiness of the Royal Netherlands Navy, particularly focusing on the protection of critical maritime infrastructure. It provides advanced underwater detection capabilities that can be rapidly deployed on various vessels.
- In what types of marine platforms can the OptiArray be used?
- OptiArray is designed to be deployed on various marine platforms, including manned warships, unmanned surface vessels (USVs), and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). It can also be installed on existing ships in a containerized format.
- What kind of company is OPTICS11?
- OPTICS11 is a company founded in 2011 as a spin-off from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and is a global leader in the field of passive fiber optic acoustic underwater sensing technology. It develops advanced fiber optic sensing solutions for the defense and energy sectors.
- What is the impact of this contract on the Dutch defense industry?
- This agreement will strengthen the Netherlands’ strategic technological independence and enhance advanced technological capabilities within the defense industry ecosystem. It is also expected to contribute to establishing the Netherlands’ technological leadership in the international defense market.
