Mission-critical interconnects:
LEMO on defence trends and the new Optima D-Series

Soldier Modernisation talks to Tom Larkins, MarCom Manager, of LEMO UK connectors about how innovative connectors are transforming defence systems and soldier capabilities

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Q: How is the global military landscape changing in terms of trends and technology?

A: I'd say we're witnessing one of the biggest shifts in the global military landscape in decades. Technologies that used to be largely experimental — things like artificial intelligence, robotics and the Internet of Things — are now part of day-to-day defence operations. And it's not just a gradual upgrade or a bit of modernisation; it's fundamentally changing how warfare itself is conducted.

A good example of that is hybrid warfare. You're seeing conventional military strategies blended with cyber tactics, so the battlefield is now both physical and digital at the same time. That duality means armed forces can't look at issues in isolation anymore — connectivity, lethality and autonomy have become deeply interconnected priorities.

Connectivity has really become the lifeblood of modern operations. Today's forces need sharper detection, faster communication and seamless coordination across land, sea, air and space. At the same time, lethality is being enhanced through precision weapons and advanced targeting systems, often supported by AI-driven recognition tools that are increasingly able to distinguish between combatants and civilians.

We're also seeing autonomy expand very rapidly. Unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned ground vehicles and autonomous maritime platforms are now integral to surveillance, reconnaissance and combat. These systems depend on AI to make rapid decisions at the edge, which frees human operators to concentrate on higher-level strategy and judgement.

And at the soldier level, the changes are just as significant. We're integrating wearable devices, AI-driven situational awareness and elements of human augmentation to create soldiers who are more connected, more informed and ultimately more survivable. The so-called “Internet of Military Things” is emerging as a network of sensors, radios, optics and smart hubs that keep soldiers updated in real time. For me, this isn't just about adding new tools — it's about creating a digitally enabled soldier who can process information faster, respond more effectively and remain resilient in increasingly complex environments.

Q: How are these trends influencing connector technology in the defence industry?

A: Connectors might sound like a small detail, but they're central to making all these systems work. Every sensor, communication hub and autonomous platform depends on them, and as defence systems modernise, connectors are being asked to do far more than ever before.

Miniaturisation is a key driver. Connectors now need to be smaller, lighter and more power-efficient — addressing Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) requirements — to fit into applications like UAVs and soldier-worn equipment, while still delivering top-level performance. Achieving this reduction without compromising durability is critical, especially when soldiers are already carrying heavy loads and autonomous systems like drones must maximise payload efficiency.

High-speed data and bandwidth are equally important. Advanced sensors, radar and avionics generate huge volumes of data, and connectors must be capable of handling it. That's why fibre-optic and hybrid designs are becoming the standard, combining optical fibre for data with copper for power to ensure both speed and reliability.

When it comes to ruggedisation and environmental resilience, there's really no compromise. Defence connectors must withstand extreme temperatures, shock, vibration, corrosion and electromagnetic interference. That's why we've seen the development of hermetically sealed, high-performance designs — these are built to perform reliably in the harshest conditions, whether that's the intense heat of a desert or the challenging environment at sea.

Modularity and open systems architecture are really changing the way we think about connector design. Defence forces are moving away from proprietary systems and moving toward open, interoperable platforms. That means connectors need to be modular, easy to upgrade, and simple to repair — which reduces reliance on specialised technicians and speeds up maintenance cycles.

These innovations are really being driven by a few key factors — modernisation programmes, the rise of unmanned systems, the electrification of platforms and growing investment in space-based assets. On top of that, geopolitical tensions and increased defence budgets are putting a spotlight on the need for reliable, domestically produced connector solutions. The way I see it, connectors aren't just components anymore — they've become the backbone of digital resilience and autonomy in defence.

Q: Can you tell me about the new LEMO Optima D Series connector range and what sets it apart for defence use, particularly in soldier-worn and autonomous systems?

A: The Optima D Series was designed to meet the toughest demands of modern defence applications, where equipment must be compact, rugged and capable of handling high-speed data in harsh environments. One of the features that really stands out is its miniature, overmoulded 'stubby' design — about 25% shorter than standard LEMO connectors — which makes it ideal for tight spaces, whether on soldier-worn gear, UAVs, or compact autonomous platforms.

Even with that smaller size, performance isn't compromised. The Optima D Series can accommodate up to 32 contacts in a single connector, so complex systems can be supported without adding extra bulk. With five sizes from 7 mm to 18.8 mm, and options for multipole, coaxial, or mixed contact configurations, it can be tailored to a wide range of applications.

These connectors are built for extreme conditions. They're tested to MIL STD 810H, so they handle shock, vibration and other environmental stresses. The temperature range is extensive, from -40°C to 90°C, and the IP68 sealing, even when unmated, can withstand immersion at 20 metres for two hours. They're also rated for 1,000 hours of salt fog, providing long-term protection against corrosion.

When it comes to data, the Optima D Series handles high-speed signals with ease. It supports 10GBase-T Ethernet at 10 Gb/s, USB 2.0, USB 3.2, SPE, and Ethernet Cat6 protocols, while built-in EMI and RFI shielding ensures clean, reliable transmission even in noisy environments. The push-pull connector mechanism makes mating and un-mating quick and reliable, and a five-spur keying system helps ensure safe, blind mating under stress.

Integration into systems is straightforward. The connectors offer flush mounting on enclosures, uniform PCB heights across all sizes, and three socket models, making it easier to design around. That flexibility means the same connector platform can link radios, sensors, cameras and AI-enabled devices across soldier-worn systems or unmanned platforms, without adding extra weight or complexity.

Ultimately, the Optima D Series isn't just a connector — it's a mission-critical enabler. Its combination of compact design, rugged durability, high contact density, flexible configurations and support for high-speed data ensures that modern defence systems stay connected, resilient, and ready for action — whether on land, in the air, at sea, or even in space.

Q: As a trusted interconnect partner in defence and security, how does LEMO leverage its expertise to ensure mission-critical operations succeed?

A: At LEMO UK, we know that in defence and security, reliable connectivity isn't optional—it's critical. That's why we deliver complete interconnect solutions, not just connectors. For optimal system-level performance, it's essential to pair cable performance with the connector. That's why we offer a consultative service where custom cables can be manufactured to perfectly complement the connector performance.

We work closely with customers to design bespoke cable assemblies that fit the exact needs of each system, whether it's soldier-worn gear, UAVs, or autonomous platforms. Every solution is built to perform in the toughest environments, and with the LEMO global support network, customers know they have help whenever and wherever it's needed.

It's about giving customers the confidence that their systems will work flawlessly, every time, so they can focus on the mission.

For more information please visit:
https://www.lemo.com