On 23 November, the Netherlands' Ministry of Defence and Thales Communications B.V. signed a contract for the delivery of Thales' Datalink Interface Processor equipment, Thales Datalink Network Management Software and peripheral equipment.

With this suite, a Datalink Management System will be set up in Nieuw Milligen and three Remote Terminal Sites in Den Helder, Vredepeel and Ried (all locations in the Netherlands). The contract also includes the delivery of one Deployable Network Management System including one Deployable Remote Terminal Site. The products will be delivered early 2008. A second contract for the maintenance of these systems for a period of ten years was also signed on 23 November. The combined value of both contracts amounts to well over 4 million euro.

The systems are procured for the effective management of the Link 16 data network that provides the war fighter with the instant and amalgamated picture of the operational environment. This picture is not only obtained through the fighter's own sensors but more and more compiled on the basis of data received from other sources, such as ground reconnaissance, AWACS, etc. Thus, the Thales system will substantially increase the war fighter's situational awareness, will prevent loss of valuable decision time and hence will increase the effectiveness of the Netherlands Armed Forces. The Netherlands' Data Link Management System will be operated by the Netherlands' National Datalink Management Cell in which Air Force, Navy and Army are represented.

The Netherlands' Ministry of Defence selected the Thales Network Management System on the basis of the success of these systems in other countries and a favourable cost/performance ratio.

Sergyi Way
27.11.2006

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