Stefan Keller, Specialist area Command and Control systems, Competence sector Command and Control and Reconnaissance Systems

The Cluster Optronics is responsible for the procurement of optronic devices. The term optronics denotes the connection between optics and semiconductor electronics. This connection is sometimes also called opto-electronics or optotronics. Optronics refers in general to modern, optical surveillance and reconnaissance systems, observation and target acquisition systems.

The team in the Cluster Optronics in general deals with optronic systems such as thermal imaging devices (WBG), residual light amplifiers (RLV) and the respective laser modules (LM) laser light modules (LLM), as well as multifunctional laser range finders (MLEM).

Optronic devices enable surroundings to be better perceived during the day, but in particular at night. They are used in a variety of ways – from being installed in a fixed position on planes, helicopters or vehicles, to use in drone defence or directly with soldiers and firefighters.

Optronic devices are of great importance when it comes to substantially improving the all-weather and night combat capability of the troops. They enable pilots and soldiers to see at night, quickly identify missing people and recognise and identify various objects over long distances.

Cross-sectional area Optronics

The cross-sectional area Optronics has been created in the Cluster Optronics as the contact partner for optronic solutions.

Optronic systems are required and used for different purposes. The specialist area Command and Control Systems has developed a profound knowledge of the procurement of optronic devices over the last few years and would like to make this available in the form of a service.

The cross-sectional area Optronics’ potential customers include all competence sectors within armasuisse, the Armed Forces Staff, the Joint Operations Command and Training and Education Command, as well as the Federal Office of Police, the Federal Customs Administration and various Cantonal Police.

Scope of activities

In the procurements with a share of optronics, individual solutions are often in demand in order to provide optimum cover for customer needs.

The cross-sectional area Optronics stands for straightforward support. Customers are advised at the initialisation of their projects. Thanks to their long-term experience, the specialist area Command and Control Systems can quickly identify challenges in the area of Optronics and provide support through their advisory function.

In future, the service aims to propose the ideal optronic solution for various projects. In particular, it is hoped that synergies will be created through the concentration of activities in the area of market surveys and coordination with industry.