Optical and Electro-Optical Components
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HENSOLDT has received a contract from the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) to develop an innovative capability demonstrator, ODAEON.
ODAEON, is designed to enhance automated reconnaissance capabilities by detecting enemy optical systems on the battlefield and will be developed in cooperation with BAAINBw.
ODAEON is based on the proven technology of the MUSS Jammer Head 2 (MJ2). The next step in the development of this advanced technology will be to enable the detection and analysis of enemy optics. Further protective functions, such as jamming and dazzling, can be added in subsequent development stages.
Jamming disrupts electro-optical systems using 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, the series version of ODAEON will feature interfaces to existing systems and further sensory means to reduce possible false alarms. In a further step, the fusion of ODAEON and MUSS technologies is planned to ensure comprehensive protection. HENSOLDT is thus pursuing the strategic goal of consistently combining reconnaissance, situational awareness and self-protection in order to offer the user highly integrated systems with the corresponding added value.
The project’s design phase has commenced following the successful completion of the initial customer acceptance (concept review) in December 2024.
The aim of the development is a demonstrator at technology readiness level six (TRL6), which is to be tested by BAAINBw from 2026. The innovative solution enables real-time detection, reporting and display of optical reconnaissance systems, such as enemy drones and optical target acquisition systems, to the crew. This represents a decisive time advantage.
Dr. Oliver Rudow, Head of the “Survivability” product line at HENSOLDT, commented, “With ODAEON, we are responding to a central requirement of modern battlefields: The ability to detect threats from enemy optical systems at an early stage and to protect combat vehicle crews in real time using automated warning systems. This is a further step in equipping our armed forces with innovative technologies that not only increase their effectiveness but also improve their safety.”
