Austria signs multi-million Euro contract for Danish defence software
With Austria as a new Systematic customer, all countries in the DACH-region will be using the SitaWare battle management system, fostering joint defence efforts and bolstering European and NATO security.
Austria’s armed forces have announced they are undergoing a major digitalisation in a new contract valued at €73 million. Systematic will be a significant contributor to this effort, delivering its SitaWare suite for management, communications, and the co-ordination of military operations to the Austrian Armed Forces.
The agreement, which is the result of an extensive tender process, is an important expansion of Systematic’s business in Europe, and supports the company’s long-term growth strategy in the defence sector.
With the new agreement, Systematic will deliver the battle management system SitaWare, which is used for planning, coordination, and communication at all tactical levels while also enabling information sharing between defence forces and allies. By choosing SitaWare, the Austrian Armed Forces are strengthening their operational efficiency and ability to cooperate with international allies including NATO.
Strengthens collaboration between allies
Systematic CEO Nikolaj Bramsen sees the agreement with Austria as a milestone in the company’s expansion in the European market.
“The contract with the Austrian Armed Forces underlines the value SitaWare creates for allies during both national and international operations. Earlier this year, NATO chose to purchase and use SitaWare for its land operations, which has created increased interest and confidence in our solutions. Now that Austria is on board, all DACH countries (Germany (D), Austria (A) and Switzerland (CH)) will use the same system, which is a strength for European defence cooperation,” he says.
Austria’s decision to adopt SitaWare means that the country’s armed forces will now be able to participate more effectively in collaboration with NATO, where SitaWare is already used by several other member states. This was emphasised by Austria’s Defence Minister, Klaudia Tanner:
“The current security situation in Europe – and particularly the situation in Ukraine – demonstrates that European armed forces must work together. By introducing a proven digital system already in use in many European countries, we can also work seamlessly with other armies as a neutral partner,” she says.
Systematic software is designed to meet the strict security and interoperability requirements of NATO and other defence alliances. This makes it easier for countries to collaborate in international operations and share critical information securely and in real time.
Long-term potential in the global digitalisation of defence
The global market for defence software is growing, and European countries are gearing up through investing in new technology.
“Battle Management Systems and Management Information Systems serve to improve leadership and capability, enhance leadership performance at all levels, support the command and planning process of commanders and staffs and are an important milestone in the digitalisation of the Austrian Armed Forces, says Major General Harald Vodosek, the Austrian Army’s National Armaments Director.
For Nikolaj Bramsen, the contract with Austria marks Systematic’s growing role in the digitalisation of defence worldwide.
“The defence sector generally makes long-term investments, and contracts like the one with Austria are likely to lead to further agreements covering maintenance and future software upgrades, which contributes to revenue in the longer term,” he says.
Opening new office in Austria
To support the implementation of SitaWare in the Austrian Armed Forces, Systematic is opening a new office in the capital Vienna.
“We make sure that we are close to our customers so we can contribute with training and local support, and we expect the new office to grow over time and contribute to Systematic’s growth in the region,” says Nikolaj Bramsen.
Facts about SitaWare
Systematic’s C4ISR* solution SitaWare is designed to improve the safety of deployed soldiers, strengthen alliances, and facilitate informed decision-making in critical situations.
It is a command-and-control system that provides a detailed overview of forces, infrastructure, the terrain and buildings in a given area, and makes it possible to share information, plan, coordinate and communicate effectively between military units and defence forces.
SitaWare can be used on land, at sea, in the air, and in cyberspace between all services, and also between nations. The system integrates military communication networks, monitoring systems and target designation with analysis and decision-making support functions, and uses AI for data processing.
SitaWare is built with an open architecture, which makes it easy to integrate with other solutions. Users can also create their own plug-ins and add-ons to suit their mission and task requirements.
SitaWare is used by approximately 50 countries worldwide – including most major NATO countries and NATO partner countries such as Australia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Latvia, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and the USA. In 2024, NATO purchased the system for use with its land operations. This is the first time that NATO has chosen a standard product (COTS) rather than having one specially developed for the organisation’s needs.
* C4ISR: Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance.
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