Optics11 is moving to strengthen Europe’s subsea defenses after signing a new agreement to deploy its fiber – optic sensing tech across critical underwater infrastructure.
The system turns fiber – optic cables into “ultra – sensitive” sensors capable of spotting early anomalies, giving crews precious time to investigate and respond before they trigger outages in voltage grids or damage subsea facilities.
Beyond infrastructure protection, the tech also streamlines how naval forces monitor the underwater domain, supporting submarine tracking and border surveillance by passively sensing activities across wide areas.
That dual – use potential helped secure a €25 – million ($29 million) agreement from the European Investment Bank (EIB), which is backing the Dutch firm as part of broader efforts to safeguard Europe’s energy and maritime security.
“Our continent is working hard to make sure it can hold its own in many different fields, but we need to support the companies that can make that happen,” EIB Vice President Robert de Groot said, adding that the European Union (EU) must have “the best technology for known and unknown threats.”
“In short, the solutions developed by Optics11 are providing Europe with critical solutions and competitive advantages for the world that is coming.”
A Timely Solution?
The Baltic Sea has become an increasingly contested environment.
A vital corridor for international trade, the region has seen a rise in suspected sabotage incidents, with European naval forces stepping up patrols and interceptions since the start of the Russia – Ukraine war.
Optics11’s EU – backed funding is set to accelerate production and deployment of its sensing systems across Europe, reinforcing efforts to protect vulnerable subsea assets.
“Disruptions to subsea infrastructure, maritime trade or failures in high-voltage grids have immediate and far-reaching consequences on our society,” Optics11 Chief Executive Officer Paul Heiden said.
“With this EIB financing, Optics11 accelerates the deployment of unique fiber-optic sensing technologies that protect the infrastructure so essential to Europe’s security and energy resilience.”
- The Defense Post