After many years of joint development, the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has signed a contract with Rohde & Schwarz for the provision of the SVFuA system. SVFuA operates on the software-defined radio (SDR) principle and provides secure and valuable communications for the SECRET classification level. Rohde & Schwarz drew inspiration from domestic cryptography development as a key national technology. Initially, 50 command vehicles—PUMA infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) and BOXER armored personnel carriers (ATVs)—will be equipped. Rohde & Schwarz will produce and deliver the first installation of the general SVFuA system by 2020. The contract's framework agreement allows the Federal Armed Forces to order additional SVFuA systems within a seven-year timeframe.
Harald Stein, Managing Director of BAAINBw, said: "Equipping the first PUMA and BOXER command vehicles with SVFuA is an important first step towards MoTaKo. We are delighted to have found in Rohde & Schwarz a technologically leading partner for this key modernization project.".
In 2009, Rohde & Schwarz took over the overall design and system, as well as developing a prototype base unit and putting it into serial production. In 2016, the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) confirmed that the requirements for SECRET classification level certification had been met. Certification in accordance with the internationally recognized Software Communications Architecture (SCA) standard for SDR radio systems was a prerequisite for customer acceptance. Because the radio system was developed in accordance with the SCA standard, it is possible to integrate current and future national and international waveforms into the radio system, provided these waveforms also meet the requirements set out in the SCA standard.
The SVFuA provides the German Armed Forces with all the necessary tools to create and, especially, protect information superiority. It also ensures interfaces with allies during joint missions and for collective defense. Hartmut Jäschke, Senior Vice President of Market Segment Secure Communications Sales and Projects at Rohde & Schwarz, explained: “With the SVFuA system, the German Armed Forces have established the foundation for future-proof, cutting-edge tactical communications. As a trusted German partner, Rohde & Schwarz meets all the customer's requirements for a comprehensive, scalable, reconfigurable, and future-proof system. The company has demonstrated the implementation of current third-party waveforms on software-defined radio while preserving intellectual property rights, thus meeting today's requirements for interoperability with partners.”.
With the acquisition of the SVFuA, the German Armed Forces are taking the first step in modernizing their tactical communications within the framework of the MoTaKo program. To support these long-term projects, Rohde & Schwarz decided to establish a joint venture with Rheinmetall AG to submit a bid as the general contractor. Both German companies offer a broad portfolio of valuable technology and years of experience in complex operations.

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