Hensoldt Develops Optical Detection System for German Combat Vehicles

Hensoldt has secured a €17.6 million contract from the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) to develop ODAEON, an optical detection system designed to enhance combat vehicle protection by automatically detecting enemy optical systems.

The design phase of the project has already begun, after the first customer acceptance (concept review) was completed in December 2024.

The project, running until late 2026, aims to develop a demonstrator at technology readiness level six (TRL6), with testing scheduled from 2026. ODAEON is based on Hensoldt’s MUSS Jammer Head 2 (MJ2) and will provide real-time detection and reporting of enemy reconnaissance systems, such as drones and optical target acquisition devices.

Further protective functions, such as jamming and dazzling, can be added in subsequent development stages. Jamming interferes with electro-optical systems by means of targeted interference signals, while dazzling oversaturates optical systems such as cameras and target acquisition devices with strong light pulses. Both methods increase the protection of vehicles by effectively impairing enemy reconnaissance and target acquisition.

As a multi-sensor system, ODAEON will integrate with existing platforms to reduce false alarms. Hensoldt plans to merge its capabilities with MUSS for comprehensive battlefield protection.