The Netherlands Armed Forces has chosen L3Harris Technologies to supply its radios for the Military Transmission Building Block (MTBB) project, the army’s communications upgrade initiative.
The Dutch Ministry of Defense has revealed that the company will equip new combat net radios on approximately 8,000 vehicles, 3,500 military personnel, 135 vessels, and 170 aircraft in a 2.5-billion-euro deal ($2.7 billion).
The ministry added that L3Harris was chosen because it was the only manufacturer that could meet the army’s requirements for a more interoperable network.
The MTBB project is part of the Netherlands’ Foxtrot tactical modernization program.
Foxtrot’s Focus
The Foxtrot program seeks to improve the armed forces’ networks with upgrades on its Wi-Fi, 4G, 5G, and satellite communications.
Other modernization initiatives, including updates to the force’s battlefield management systems, are set to commence in the coming years. All major army units will see changes under the program.
Technically obsolete communications systems will undergo renewal under Foxtrot as military operations continue, focusing on sustainability and efficiency, the ministry said.
Foxtrot will also work side-by-side with IT and defense modernization projects Groundbreaking IT (GrIT) and the Improved Operational Soldier System (VOSS).
