Military hardware under the sign of digitalization

Robust IT equipment and drone accessories at AFCEA 2025
Lichtenau, Germany, 19.05.2025 – The term “software-defined defence” is currently being discussed extensively. However, despite all the advantages of this modern approach, it should not be forgotten that all software always requires suitable hardware. In a military context, these devices often face special challenges, which experts meet with experience and technical know-how.

At this year's AFCEA trade fair, roda computer will once again be showing its robust side and presenting military hardware whose strengths, despite its technical finesse, are particularly evident under extreme conditions. For example, the T.A.D. (Tactical Android Device), a compact Android smartphone from MilDef, will be on display at stand F05 in the World Conference Center, which has been designed with an open software architecture to ensure easy implementation in the systems of the respective customer. Its robust housing is combined with intuitive operability and a high level of practical user comfort, so that the system can also be attached directly to the uniform, for example with the supplied vest holder or the optionally available body hub. An innovative system for drone control also comes from MilDef. The RC2143 tablet controller is the second generation of generic robot controllers based on the compact Panther DS13 roda tablets and securely encloses them to control UGVs or UAVs. This provides drone operators in the field with a universal solution that works reliably even under the harshest conditions, e.g. down to -20°C.

With the FZ-40 Tactical, roda computer will also be showcasing a laptop with an Intel® CoreTM Ultra 7 processor at the AFCEA 2025 trade fair, which will continue to provide unrestricted service even under the harshest conditions. The rugged device manufactured by Panasonic as the Toughbook 40 forms the series-produced basis of the FZ-40 Tactical and is equipped by roda computer with military connections that are adapted to the needs of the respective user. The FZ-40 Tactical thus combines the latest developments from the civilian IT sector with a high degree of robustness and adaptability required by the military. To ensure that the FZ-40 Tactical can be used for a wide range of applications, roda computer's portfolio includes robust, shielded power supply units as well as vehicle mounting kits that can be easily integrated into standard combat and support vehicles used by international customers.

With these and other innovations, roda computer's stand at the AFCEA trade fair offers visitors the opportunity to experience new technical approaches and proven hardware protection concepts in combination, which can help to implement the concept of “software-defined defence” in everyday military operations.

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1. Europäische Sicherheit & Technik
2. Hardthöhenkurier
3. Spartanat – Military News