The Finnish Minister of Defense, Mr. Antti Häkkänen has authorized the Finnish Defense Forces to sign a Framework Agreement with Bittium Wireless Ltd, a subsidiary of Bittium Corporation, on the purchase of the software-defined radio based Bittium Tactical Wireless IP Network™ (TAC WIN) system’s products and Bittium Tough Comnode™ communication devices and related accessories. The Framework Agreement would concern the years 2023-2028 and the products would be in use in all three service branches of the Defense Forces. The procurement authorization for the Framework Agreement would have a maximum value of EUR 51.6 million (excluding VAT). Based on the Framework Agreement, the Finnish Defense Forces would issue separate purchase orders in several batches during the validity period of the Agreement. The previous Framework Agreement between Bittium and the Finnish Defense Forces for the products of the TAC WIN system covered the years 2021–2024 and had a total maximum value of approximately EUR 30 million, and the Framework Agreement for Tough Comnode devices covered the years 2018–2022 and had a maximum value of EUR 8.3 million. The maximum order quantities according to both Framework Agreements have been realized in full.
Bittium TAC WIN is a high-performance communications system for various use cases of defense forces, offering a broadband IP network connection to mobile communication stations and command posts. The system supports the combat doctrine of the Finnish Defense Forces, where mobility and commanding troops on the move as well as effective communications play a key role. The resilient and modular system is used by all three service branches of the Finnish Defense Forces. The versatile Bittium Tough Comnode device fulfills the data transmission needs of the mobile troops of the Finnish Defense Forces, for example as a VoIP phone (Voice over IP), IP router (Internet Protocol) and SHDSL repeater (Symmetrical High-speed Digital Subscriber Line). The devices are used by all three service branches of the Finnish Defense Forces.
Bittium Tactical Wireless IP Network (TAC WIN) is a software-defined radio (SDR) based wireless broadband network system intended for military and public safety use. With the system, MANET (mobile ad hoc network), link, and connection networks can be formed into one logical IP network quickly, no matter what the location is. Bittium TAC WIN is compatible with existing fixed and wireless network infrastructures. The core of the system is a tactical router that enables users to freely form both wired and wireless broadband data transfer IP connections. The tactical router also enables connections to different types of terminals and other communication systems in order to connect them into a single communication network. In addition to the router, the system comprises three types of radio heads, and each radio head covers its own frequency band area and can be used for flexible formation of optimized network topologies for different communication needs. All the products of the system are designed for harsh conditions, and thanks to the system’s automated functions, the implementation of the system can be done quickly. Due to the software-based functionality of the Bittium TAC WIN system, it can be easily updated with additional performance, which allows it to be developed and maintained cost-efficiently throughout the whole lifespan of the system.
The versatile Bittium Tough Comnode fulfills the data transfer needs of the mobile troops by functioning for example as a VoIP phone, an IP router, and an SHDSL repeater. Bittium Tough Comnode is rugged and easy to install in different environments and it is also portable by soldiers on the battlefield. The device is compatible with the software defined radio based Bittium Tactical Wireless IP Network™ (TAC WIN) system and Bittium Tough SDR™ radios, which are meant for broadband tactical communications. The Tough Comnode device offers diverse connectivity options also to third-party equipment and systems. Bittium Tough Comnode also enables using legacy Combat Net Radios (CNR) as part of the IP-based tactical communication system (Radio over IP, RoIP).
Bittium specializes in the development of reliable, secure communications and connectivity solutions leveraging its over 35-year legacy of expertise in advanced radio communication technologies. Bittium provides innovative products and services, customized solutions based on its product platforms, and R&D services. Complementing its communications and connectivity solutions, Bittium offers proven information security solutions for mobile devices and portable computers. Bittium also provides healthcare technology products and services for biosignal measuring in the areas of cardiology and neurophysiology. Net sales in 2022 were EUR 82.5 million and operating profit was EUR 0.3 million.
