The German arms procurement agency (BAAINBw) has contracted Hensoldt to develop an optical detection demonstrator.
Called ODAEON, the product will enhance automated reconnaissance through the detection of enemy optical systems, such as drones and optical target acquisition systems.
The product’s design phase was followed by its concept review in December 2024.
The 17.6-million-euro ($18.42-million) contract is through 2026, culminating in a demonstrator at technology readiness level six.
Testing will be done by the BAAINBw in 2026.
“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,” head of the ‘Survivability’ product line at Hensoldt Oliver Rudow explained.
“This is a further step in equipping our armed forces with innovative technologies that not only increase their effectiveness but also improve their safety.”
Optical Detection
ODAEON is based on the proven technology of the MUSS Jammer Head 2 soft-kill active-protection system.
It will be developed with multiple interfaces for different systems and additional sensors for fail-safe functioning.
In the next stage, the system will be equipped with the capability to analyze enemy optics with the possible addition of features such as jamming and dazzling.
“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,” the German sensor solutions provider explained.
“Both methods increase the protection of vehicles by effectively impairing enemy reconnaissance and target acquisition.”
The fusion of ODAEON and MUSS technologies is also planned for comprehensive protection.