Security and Resilience

Metrology for a Resilient Society

VSL delivers metrological services that provide the foundation for radar detection, radiation monitoring and time synchronisation. Together with our customers and partners, we strengthen the resilience of the Netherlands against both physical and digital threats.

Introduction

Security and Resilience Are Top Priorities

 

The threat landscape is more complex than ever. Geopolitical tensions, terrorism, espionage and cybercrime are putting pressure on our national security and economy. At the same time, communication systems, payment traffic, energy grids and transport depend heavily on precise time and frequency signals and on reliable detection systems.

 

If part of the infrastructure fails or data is manipulated, the consequences can be significant – from disrupted logistics chains to financial irregularities or compromised defence capabilities. Resilience therefore requires both prevention and a robust basis for detection, verification and recovery.

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Erik van de Graaf
Commercial Director

The Role of Metrology in Security and Resilience

 

Metrology plays a key role in the physical security and resilience of our society. Reliable calibration of radar systems and RF chains, for example, enables accurate detection and classification of threats on land, at sea and in the air.

 

Metrology is also indispensable for digital security. A stable, traceable time signal is essential for communication systems, financial transactions and critical infrastructure. Precise atomic clocks and robust distribution via fibre and satellite make it possible to time‑stamp data reliably and to keep systems synchronised.

How VSL Supports Security and Resilience

 

VSL maintains the official Dutch time UTC(VSL) and develops measurement solutions for security applications, including:

  • Realisation and distribution of ultra‑stable time and frequency signals via NTP, PTP and White Rabbit, including accredited on‑site verification.
  • Contributions to alternative and GNSS‑independent time distribution, for example via fibre networks and future ground‑based systems.
  • High‑frequency metrology for RF and microwave systems, focusing on power measurements and S‑parameters up to high gigahertz frequencies.
  • Calibrations and methods to support radar systems and other detection technologies.
  • Research into metrological support for detecting illicit use of radioactive and explosive materials.

 

VSL works closely with ministries, defence, grid operators, knowledge institutions and international metrology partners.

Make Your Organisation More Resilient with Metrology

 

Do you want to understand better where the vulnerabilities in your time provision lie, or how to demonstrate the reliability of your sensors more convincingly? VSL helps anchor organisational resilience in solid, traceable measurement values.

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