The relationship between the Israeli giant Rafael and Germany, built over three decades of cooperation, has entered a new era with the establishment of the Dynamit Nobel Defence Digital (DND Digital) division. This entity is not merely a sales subsidiary but a center of technical authority designed to localize BNET radio technology, providing the Bundeswehr and European allies with total control over tactical communications in modern theaters of operation.
Gideon Weiss, Rafael’s vice president, and Andreas Dohrn, director of DND Digital, emphasize that lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine have made interoperability and decision speed vital. In an era where maneuver decisions are made in minutes rather than hours, the ability to maintain a common operating picture within a coalition is essential for the relevance of any modern army.
The three paradigm shifts: Tempo, spectrum, and coalition
According to Andreas Dohrn, the European defense landscape has radically changed under the pressure of three factors triggered simultaneously. First, the tempo of the decision-making process has exploded; a commander today depends on real-time data that is no longer purely national, but coalition-based. Second, the electromagnetic spectrum is increasingly contested, with forces requiring radio systems capable of functioning amidst constant jamming and interference.
Finally, the coalition has become the new unit of action. No European army fights alone anymore, which makes the critical question not „does my radio work,” but „does my radio work with the Poles, Romanians, or Americans.” The model proposed by DND Digital addresses this need, ensuring that cutting-edge technology is coupled with real operational autonomy.
Beyond procurement: The importance of industrial localization on German soil
The shift from simply purchasing equipment to deep industrial collaboration is driven by the need for sovereignty. “Operational autonomy ends where the political interests of the foreign capital you buy from begin,” Dohrn explains. For this reason, Germany was chosen as a central pillar for Rafael’s localization strategy, benefiting from a growing defense budget and an industrial base capable of integrating complex systems.
DND Digital builds BNET systems entirely in Germany, using local suppliers for circuit boards, mechanical components, and assembly. This process not only reduces dependence on external supply chains but also creates high-skilled jobs in cities like Berlin, Leipzig, and Flintbek, where cryptography and data management technologies are developed.
BNET as a foundation: A software-defined platform for the future of NATO
BNET technology is not just a radio set, but a mesh network where every node acts as a router, ensuring connectivity for every soldier. As a software-defined radio (SDR) platform, it allows for the implementation of new functions and operating modes through simple code updates without requiring hardware changes, providing unprecedented adaptability.
Furthermore, the system is “non-ITAR,” meaning that European exports will not depend on other countries’ licenses, strengthening the industrial sovereignty of partners. The Rafael-DND Digital model is presented as a blueprint for the future: foundational intellectual property is provided by the technology partner, while engineering authority and integration are managed locally, transforming global technology into a sovereign national capability.
