Netherlands seeks systems integrator for Foxtrot programme

L3Harris Technologies is supplying its AN/PRC-163 handheld radio (pictured) for the ‘Replacement of Ground-Air Radios' requirement under Foxtrot. The very-high-frequency (VHF)/ultra-high-frequency (UHF) radio supports secure two-channel, simultaneous up-and-down echelon connectivity and Mobile Ad hoc Network (MANET) applications. (Janes/Olivia Savage)

The Netherlands Ministry of Defence (MoD) is looking for a systems integrator to assist with running the Foxtrot tactical digitisation programme, Janes learnt.

Foxtrot is a major digitisation modernisation programme that aims to support the Netherlands Armed Forces transition to an information-driven, integrated force. Key to this is the replacement of legacy communication systems and the enhancement of its battlefield management systems.

According to industry sources who spoke to Janes at the SAE Group's Future Soldier Technology conference held between 11 and 13 March, L3Harris Technologies is one of the companies bidding to be the systems integrator.

L3Harris Technologies is actively involved in the Foxtrot programme, having been selected in November 2023 to supply its radios for the combat net radio requirement. The acquisition, called the Military Transmission Building Block (MTBB) project, involves the provision of both vehicle-mounted and handheld radios for approximately 8,000 vehicles, 3,500 military personnel, 135 vessels, 170 aircraft, and helicopters.

In May the Netherlands Armed Forces selected the company's Falcon III AN/PRC-117G and Falcon IV AN/PRC-163 radios to replace all of its existing portable ground-to-air radios as part of the ‘Replacement of Ground-Air Radios' requirement under Foxtrot. A total of 1,200 new radios worth up to EUR250 million (USD271 million) are being acquired.