Netherlands MoD to Install Locally-made Encryption Module into Elbit Radios

The Netherlands Ministry of Defense (MoD) signed a contract with Dutch firm Technolution to provide an encryption module for fixing into tactical radios bought from Elbit Systems.

Secure communications are essential for military personnel in the field. Therefore, their personal radio communication equipment is provided with Dutch cryptography for which the MoD signed the contract with Technolutionn on June 28, a Netherlands MoD release said.

Elbit Systems (of Israel) makes the radio communication equipment and sends it to the Netherlands. Here Technolution places a crypto module designed by the Netherlands in the radio and in the Raptor. The latter is a kind of tablet for the soldier in the field to digitally follow the battle.

The army links the system back to the battlefield management system. This allows commanders in vehicles and command posts to keep an overview of their people and the battle. This significantly improves situational awareness at all levels. To make the connection secure, Technolution also produces a data security filter.

Director of Projects of the Defense Materiel Organization commander Dick Kreiter said: “With the new radio communication equipment, the Dutch armed forces are among the frontrunners within NATO when it comes to the networked soldier. With this (encrypted  radios) we ensure that we can withstand the current electronic warfare of the adversary.”

The radio communication equipment is part of STRONG (Soldier Transformation OnGoing). This program includes the replacement of all personal equipment and clothing of military personnel in the coming years.

The equipment is scheduled to start arriving at the end of 2022.