Rheinmetall partners with Space Norway on maritime space surveillance
The cooperation covers satellite communications, sensors and mission systems, as well as their integration into higher-level command and information systems. The objective is to develop future capabilities for customers in Germany and other allied nations.
Rheinmetall and Space Norway have signed an MoU to further expand their cooperation in the field of space-based capabilities for defence applications. The partnership is particularly focused on Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).
The agreement builds on the existing exchange between the two companies and establishes a framework for evaluating joint opportunities. Specifically, the cooperation covers satellite communications, sensors and mission systems, as well as their integration into higher-level command and information systems. The objective is to develop future capabilities for customers in Germany and, in the longer term, in other allied nations, Rheinmetall said in a press release.
At the core of the MoU is the planned integration of Space Norway's C-band SAR satellite capabilities. Through the SPOCK 1 programme, Germany already possesses a proven and operationally tested high resolution X band SAR capability, delivered by Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions based on ICEYE's leading satellite technology.
From its site in Neuss, Rheinmetall offers Germany's largest industrial production capacity for SAR satellite systems. Space Norway's C-band SAR capability complements this system in a targeted manner. While X band SAR enables high-resolution surveillance of individual targets, C-band SAR provides broad-area coverage of extensive maritime regions. Both frequency bands are complementary and, together, are essential for comprehensive maritime domain awareness, the press release said.
“This Memorandum of Understanding is a milestone in bringing together our complementary space capabilities and developing tailored solutions for demanding customer requirements,” said Timo Haas, CEO of Rheinmetall's Digital Systems Division. “Our focus is on close, practical cooperation in reconnaissance and maritime surveillance, as well as providing the necessary infrastructure.”
“This agreement provides a clear foundation for jointly exploring how our satellite capabilities and infrastructure resources can contribute to existing and future operational solutions,” said Morten Tengs, CEO of Space Norway. “We see particularly strong potential in large area maritime surveillance and in the development of corresponding sovereign capabilities.”
