Dutch Ministry of Defence selects OPTICS11 for 'ASW in a Box' capability

Published Jul 24, 12:32 PM UTC

The Dutch Ministry of Defence has contracted OPTICS11, a leader in passive fibre optic acoustic subsea sensing, to develop and deliver operational containerised towed array systems under the ASWINABO (Anti-Submarine Warfare In A Box) programme. The systems, based on OPTICS11's OptiArray product line, are designed for deployment from a range of crewed and uncrewed maritime platforms, allowing advanced anti-submarine sensing to be fielded quickly and cost-effectively. Unlike conventional electrical towed arrays, OptiArray is passive, acoustically silent, and captures richer acoustic information for earlier detection and more accurate target classification. The project will also establish production, integration, and validation capabilities to support future large-scale deployment. The Royal Netherlands Navy aims to equip surface ships, unmanned surface vessels, and other vessels of opportunity with underwater surveillance capability, enhancing maritime security and undersea infrastructure protection.