Dutch Unveil High-Tech Soldier System

Printed headline: Future Fighter

The Netherlands plans to start fielding the first version of its future Dismounted Soldier System by early 2009, initially equipping 7,000 frontline troops. A final choice of subsystems and technologies will be made by the end of this year, followed by a contract award in early 2008, program officials say.

The first complete mockup developed for the country's Soldier Modernization Program was presented on Feb. 14, at the TNO Defense, Security and Safety lab in Soesterberg. TNO has worked closely with the Netherlands Defense Ministry to develop and test the design for a totally integrated soldier system. This is based on a modular approach to command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I), weapons and sensors, equipment, clothing and power supply, says TNO program manager Wouter Lotens.

"We've looked at a wide range of issues including information processing, command and control, mobility, lethality, sustainability and survivability against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear as well as ballistic threats," he says. Sensor technologies and signature management, particularly a reduction of heat emission, have also been analyzed. Also under consideration is the use of 3D audio systems inside the integrated helmet that's been developed.