# Optics11 Expands Naval Sensing Trials

Dutch company Optics11 is expanding naval trials and customer discussions for its fiber-optic underwater sensing technology. The report says 5–10 navies are already clients and about 35 paid trials were planned for 2026. Potential procurement pathways include integrating the technology with local defense primes, development for the Royal Netherlands Navy’s future Orka-class submarines, and UK anti-submarine surveillance. No open solicitation, contract value, or procurement contact was identified.

- Naval procurement teams and defense primes can evaluate the technology’s fit for submarine and anti-submarine surveillance programs; Optics11’s CEO said the company expects to work with local primes on integration.
- The Orka-class submarine development and the UK Atlantic Bastion program are identified as specific areas of potential involvement, but the signal does not establish a contract award or open competition.
- Companies considering teaming or market-entry opportunities should note that the reported activity centers on paid evaluation trials and integration discussions, rather than a published solicitation.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** November 09, 2026

### Government Entities
- Royal Netherlands Navy
- German Navy
- Government of the United Kingdom
- Swedish Navy
- French Navy

### Vendors
- Optics11 (Underwater-sensing technology supplier)
- Ocean Infinity (Program manager for the UK's Atlantic Bastion anti-submarine surveillance program)
- Naval Group (Prime contractor for the future Dutch submarines)

### Key Quotes
> We’ll identify who the local prime is, and then we’ll work with them to fully integrate our technology.
> — Paul Heiden, Chief Executive Officer of Optics11

### Sources
- [Dutch firm Optics11 in talks with navies on secretive underwater listening tech - Defense News](https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/11/09/dutch-firm-optics11-in-talks-with-navies-on-secretive-underwater-listening-tech) - Defense News