Every year, NATO hosts the Coalition Warrior Interoperability eXploration, eXperimentation, eXamination, and eXercise (CWIX) event. It's a massive annual exercise where dozens of countries test their military systems, technologies, and communication protocols to ensure they can work seamlessly together. In a world where interoperability, cooperation, and digital resilience in crisis situations are critical, CWIX has become a crucial platform for global defense and security.
Fox Crypto participated in CWIX 2025 with a mission to push the boundaries of interoperability in the cybersecurity and defense sectors. Three of our team members participated in the exercise, which tested our systems and technologies in collaboration with international military forces and tech companies.
What is CWIX, and why is it important?
Sander Dorigo, Lead Architect at Fox Crypto, explains, “The goal at CWIX is to ensure different countries' technologies and networks can work together; whether it's radios, satellite systems, or vehicles. Everyone is there to make sure their equipment is compatible with others.” The event is not just about testing technologies in isolation; it’s about creating a real-world, interoperable network that can respond to global defense needs.
Fox Crypto’s Role in CWIX 2025
At CWIX, Fox Crypto tested its secure communications technologies, systems designed to enhance key management and encryption solutions. Sander explains, “Our role was to test whether our systems could seamlessly interact with those of other countries and manufacturers. The challenge was ensuring that our products could operate not only within our own network but also across various international defense systems. It’s outdated to create products that only work within a closed network. We want to ensure our technologies are interoperable with other nations’ systems, whether it’s a Norwegian key management system or a Bulgarian network,” says Sander.
Working with Global Defense Leaders
What sets CWIX apart from other industry events, according to Sander, is the unique collaboration that occurs during the exercise. “When you’re at a trade show, there’s always competition, secrecy, and a ‘who has the best product’ mentality. But at CWIX, the focus is on working together. You’re testing your systems with competitors, and the aim is to make sure everything works together. It’s about building trust and achieving interoperability.” This kind of collaboration is vital for creating resilient, adaptable defense technologies that can withstand global security challenges.
Fox Crypto’s participation in CWIX plays a significant role in strengthening our position as a trusted partner for defense and security. “We’re positioning ourselves as cutting-edge in the field of interoperability. While other companies are still catching up, we are already ahead. Being involved in NATO exercises like CWIX shows that we’re on the right track,” Sander concludes.
Empowering global security through CWIX
At the end of the day, CWIX is not just a technical exercise; it’s a platform for real-world collaboration that strengthens the global defense network. Fox Crypto’s involvement in CWIX reinforces our role as a leader in developing secure, interoperable systems that meet the ever-evolving demands of national and international defense efforts.
By continuing to work with NATO and other global defense partners, we ensure that our technology can protect what truly matters: national security, global defense cooperation, and the safety of citizens worldwide.