► Optics11 and Saab sign strategic collaboration agreement to advance European underwater defence capabilities

21 October 2026, Amsterdam, Netherlands: Optics11, the Dutch deep-tech company pioneering passive fibre optic sensing for underwater intelligence and energy grids, today announces it has signed a Strategic Collaboration Agreement with Saab, the Swedish defence and security company, to strengthen cooperation in the development of advanced underwater sensing and maritime security capabilities.

The agreement establishes a framework for closer collaboration between the two companies, combining Optics11’s expertise in highly sensitive passive fibre optic sensing with Saab’s extensive experience in defence technology, underwater systems and integration.

As European nations look to strengthen maritime security capabilities amid growing concerns surrounding hybrid warfare and the protection of critical underwater infrastructure, the agreement reflects the increasing importance of collaboration between specialist technology providers and established defence companies.

Optics11’s best-in-class passive fibre optic sensing technology enables earlier detection and classification of underwater threats. Its OptiArray system, recently selected by the Dutch Ministry of Defence for its ASWINABO programme, brings advanced underwater sensing to a wider range of vessels for anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance. By integrating with established European defence partners, Optics11 aims to deliver increasingly integrated underwater surveillance capabilities to help protect Europe’s maritime infrastructure.

Paul Heiden, CEO of Optics11, commented: “Signing a Strategic Collaboration Agreement with Saab is a significant milestone for Optics11 and reflects the importance of bringing together Europe’s leading defence and technology specialists. Protecting our seas and the critical infrastructure beneath them requires increasingly sophisticated capabilities, but no single company can deliver every part of the solution. By combining our breakthrough passive fibre optic sensing technology with Saab’s extensive defence expertise and broad portfolio of underwater systems, we have an opportunity to establish entirely new standards in underwater protection, strengthening the capabilities available to European nations and their allies.”

Åsa Schöllin, Head of Underwater Systems at Saab, commented: “By combining our expertise with Optics11’s innovative sensing technology, we enhance awareness and protection beneath the surface.”

Optics11 will be at Euronaval from November 3-6 in Hall 6, booth number F62.