Helsing and Kongsberg plot multi-mission European defense space network

TAMPA, Fla. — Two defense technology companies from Norway and Germany have joined forces to bolster Europe’s sovereign intelligence and communications capabilities, with plans to start deploying small satellites in about three years.

The partnership, announced Dec. 10 between Germany’s Helsing and Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA), comes as European governments seek greater deterrence amid increasing strategic importance of space-based intelligence.

German defense firm Hensoldt plans to provide sensors for the effort, which would use German launch startup Isar Aerospace’s facilities in Andøya, Norway, as preferred launch provider.

Trond Hegrestad, KDA’s vice president of small satellites, said the partners are plotting to deploy “a substantial number” of low Earth orbit spacecraft.

“This is not a single program, but a strategic cooperation covering multiple needs (ISR, satcom, and space situational awareness) leveraging our combined capabilities,” he said via email.

The companies declined to disclose financial details, including funding plans or any customer commitments.

The partnership envisions setting up production facilities in Germany to improve sovereign European defense capabilities.

Leveraging strengths

The collaboration aims to combine KDA’s satellite manufacturing, operations and ground station network via Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) with Helsing’s artificial intelligence-driven software, fusing data ranging from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and electro-optical imagery to radio frequency emissions for satellite imagery analysis.

The intelligence, surveillance and targeting (IST) constellation would also include an interconnected communications layer, leveraging on-board AI algorithms Helsing has deployed in orbit for data analysis.

“Europe’s security depends on sovereign sensing and intelligence,” Hensoldt CEO Oliver Dörre said in a statement.

“By combining Norway’s satellite expertise with Hensoldt’s advanced SAR, electro-optical and electronic-intelligence sensors, we can build a resilient space architecture that gives Europe the information advantage it needs.”