In a significant development for defense technology, Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) has announced the awarding of a contract with NATO’s Naval Forces Sensor and Weapons Accuracy Check Sites (FORACS). This contract, revealed in a press release dated April 28, 2025, will see Keysight modernizing testing capabilities for critical radar and electronic support measures (ESM) systems used by NATO member nations.

1. Enhancing Operational Readiness

The primary aim of this contract is to enhance the operational readiness of NATO's radar and ESM systems. In today’s defense landscape, military and naval forces rely heavily on the accuracy and reliability of these systems to maintain situational awareness, ensure effective targeting, and facilitate timely threat detection. As electronic warfare threats become increasingly complex, the need for sophisticated testing environments has never been more critical.

Keysight’s solutions will enable NATO to create high-fidelity test environments that replicate real-world scenarios. These environments will feature dynamic multi-emitter signals and advanced threat modeling, allowing for comprehensive testing methodologies that include closed-loop testing.

2. Advanced Technology Solutions

Under the terms of the contract, Keysight will provide a range of cutting-edge technologies, including:

Radar Target Generators: These devices will simulate precise radar returns, taking into account factors such as Doppler shift, range, and cross-section variability. This will facilitate accurate testing of radar tracking capabilities.

Electronic Warfare (EW) Threat Simulators: These sophisticated systems will create complex electromagnetic environments characterized by multi-emitter interference, jamming, and deceptive tactics. This will enable NATO to rigorously evaluate the effectiveness of its ESM systems.

Customizable, Open-Architecture Design: The modular hardware and software framework will support incremental upgrades, ensuring that the systems can adapt to future mission requirements.

Deployable and Modular Configuration: Designed for flexibility, these solutions can be deployed in both field and laboratory settings, providing versatile testing capabilities across multiple NATO sites.

3. A Response to Evolving Demands

The NATO FORACS Office in Brussels expressed its satisfaction with the contract, stating, “The NATO FORACS Office is pleased to note the placement of this contract which will supply important equipment to restore NATO FORACS’ core radar and ESM testing capabilities in order to meet its users’ evolving demands.” This statement underscores the critical nature of the contract in addressing the changing landscape of defense requirements.

Leadership Insight

Thierry Locquette, EMEA Vice President and General Manager at Keysight, emphasized the importance of the contract, stating, "NATO’s ability to verify and enhance the accuracy of its radar and ESM systems is critical to mission success in today’s contested electromagnetic spectrum environment." He further expressed pride in providing the cutting-edge solutions necessary to ensure NATO FORACS maintains the highest levels of sensor performance, which is vital for operational superiority among allied forces.

Locquette also highlighted the collaborative nature of the development, noting that the Radar Target Generator solution was developed in Europe in conjunction with local R&D and technology partners, demonstrating a commitment to meeting NATO’s evolving defense needs.

4. Conclusion

The contract awarded to Keysight Technologies by NATO FORACS represents a pivotal step in enhancing the capabilities of NATO’s defense systems. By providing advanced testing solutions that meet the rigorous demands of modern warfare, Keysight is poised to play a crucial role in ensuring the operational readiness of NATO’s radar and electronic support measures. As defense technologies continue to evolve, partnerships like this will be essential for maintaining strategic advantages in global security.

Original press release