How a proactive defense industry can help the Armed Forces to a new level of capabilities and digitalization

Collaboration and innovation. It is a short recipe for how Nordic defence companies can proactively and together lift Nordic defence capabilities. Through dynamic collaborations between different disciplines of technology-strong defense companies, solutions are developed that are the answer to the massive need for rearmament that prevails. The collaboration between MilDef and W5 Solutions is just that.

– It can be said that our pilot project in 2020 is precisely an example of how the industry together can define, develop and launch platforms that showcase what new collaborations are capable of. Initiatives that no one has asked explicitly for, but which very proactively and clearly show what can be created with cutting-edge Nordic technology and really smart system thinking, says Jonas Rydin, co-founder and board member of W5 Solutions and also active in the second amphibious battalion.

For example, W5 Solutions supplies equipment for training and simulation, mission systems, communication and power supply to Swedish and international authorities as well as companies in the areas of defense and civil protection. Together with MilDef, they have developed a naval platform that pushes boundaries and raises abilities.

”Together we manifest what industry collaborations can create to test advanced technology platforms in unforgiving environments.”

The creation of a technology packed RHIB with extensive operative capabilities

To showcase what can be done in innovative collaborations between Nordic defense companies, MilDef chose to start cooperation with W5 Solutions in 2020 on the development of an RHIB. MilDef’s rugged computers, switches and displays were mounted in a system solution on a Dahl 27 RIHB that was further gifted with navigation systems from SeaCross, installation for electro-optical systems and W5’s intercom system and which today is used by the training company Navigationsgruppen. Simply a boat with the ability to make a difference in demanding situations.

– We show what collaboration can create to test an entire technology platform in an unforgiving environment, to say the least. When personnel are advancing at 50 knots, in all weathers, it is important that the platform’s abilities keep up and do not let you down when challenges are the greatest. Our computers and displays have just that reliability and the trials of the sea are an excellent environment to showcase the strength of rugged it, says Fredrik Jacobsson, Sales Manager MilDef.

Proactive collaborations for proactive capabilities

For Jonas and Fredrik, the driving force in the collaboration is to show the Swedish Armed Forces what the industry has the ability to create together to offer ready-made solutions that can be quickly deployed. At sea, on land and in the air.

– As a defense company, we exist to deliver what our customers need. We both have ready-made solutions on the shelf or can together respond to the new needs for digitized capabilities that are asked for. Swedish industry is strong, high-tech, fast and is driven by creating efficient and affordable solutions, says Jonas and concludes: Both W5 and MilDef are just two clear examples of the unique expertise that exists in the defense industry. Along with leading technology for rugged IT, MilDef is a reliable and highly efficient supplier that can be trusted in any weather, every day of the year.