Timber Express 2025: Hensoldt Provides Networking Capabilities

At this year's Timber Express 2025 air force exercise, sensor specialist HENSOLDT demonstrated what software-defined, system-integrated, hardware-enabled and process-supported command and control capabilities look like in practice. With its OPTARION mission support system and new software, radio and integration capabilities, HENSOLDT made a decisive contribution to the networking of multinational task forces.

The aim of the exercise was to network weapon systems from different branches of the armed forces in a joint tactical data network and to further develop their interoperability.

HENSOLDT demonstrated its ability to integrate complex mission control architectures end-to-end, from the command and control information system to the aircraft platform and back. The EUA OPTARION formed the technological bridge between different data links and systems. For the first time, it enabled the fully digital command of an NH90 in a multinational network without parallel voice communication – a milestone for future-oriented command support.

By integrating the latest EUA TakOp configuration status and an extended interface to SitaWare Headquarters, HENSOLDT demonstrated how intelligent system integration increases both tactical effectiveness and resilience. In addition, new operational procedures were tested in the area of data links – based on the capabilities of the EUA New Technologies (NT) currently under development.

Another focus was on the integration and testing of two HF antenna arrays, one of which was operated more than 100 kilometres away from Manching. Successful cluster operation not only addressed technical challenges, but also took practical account of current operational requirements, such as avoiding conspicuous infrastructure in the field.

The close cooperation between battle captains, EUA administrators and HENSOLDT experts impressively demonstrated that interoperability is not achieved through technology alone, but where technical expertise and operational process understanding go hand in hand.

„Timber Express 2025 was much more than a technical exercise,” emphasises Alex Irmscher, Ground Station Project Manager at HENSOLDT. “We have shown that networked mission control is a reality – integrated, adaptive and future-proof.”