Twentse high-tech reinforces Defence: new collaboration with Thales accelerates innovation and modernises military communications

SOTAS: the digital heart of military vehicles

Central to the agreement is the renewal of the SOTAS infrastructure, the system that acts as the digital nervous system of military vehicles. It connects radios, intercoms, and data networks and enables integrated voice, data, and video communication. This gives military personnel faster access to crucial information, which directly contributes to operational effectiveness and safety - on land, at sea, and in the air.

The upgrade is much needed. The current resources are partly outdated and no longer match the rapidly changing threatening situation. Modern missions require secure, robust communication that works seamlessly with systems from partner countries, both within the Netherlands and within NATO.

Part of the Foxtrot modernization program

The agreement is part of the large-scale Foxtrot program, through which the Ministry of Defense is equipping thousands of vehicles, military personnel, vessels, and flying platforms with modern communication tools and IT systems. This infrastructure has a modular structure: military radio systems, operational IT components, end-user equipment, and all kinds of connection technologies such as Wi-Fi, 4G/5G, and satellite communications are cleverly combined. This keeps the systems flexible and easy to expand with new innovations.

A striking element in this agreement is the way in which the Ministry of Defense and Thales are working together. Whereas previously fixed specifications were purchased, development now takes place in hybrid, integrated teams directly at Ministry of Defense locations.

This joint approach ensures that technology can be developed much more quickly, better meets the operational needs of the Ministry of Defense, and is continuously improved based on an initial version that is optimized in stages.

Twente as a strategic center for defense innovation

The agreement underlines Twente's role as a leading green technology region with a strong position in security and defense technology. Thales, the largest defense company in the Netherlands, is one of the most important companies within a growing number of companies in the eastern Netherlands that are active in defense and security, many of which are located in Twente.

This is where high-quality engineering, system development, AI, sensor technology, robotics, and photonics come together with knowledge institutions such as the University of Twente, Saxion, and ROC van Twente. The region also has unique test locations at Technology Base and Twente Airport, where new radar, communication, and unmanned systems (such as drones) can be tested in practice. This further positions Twente as a region where defense innovation is developed and where technology, talent, and testing opportunities come together.

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