Helsing, OHB, Kongsberg, and HENSOLDT Unite for Tactical Space-based ISR Program

Europe’s defense and space sectors are accelerating efforts to secure sovereign military capabilities in orbit. In a major step toward that goal, Helsing and OHB have announced the formation of a new joint venture focused on developing tactical space-based surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting systems for modern warfare.

The initiative, operating under the working title “KIRK”, short for Künstliche Intelligenz und Raumfahrt-Kompetenz (Artificial Intelligence and Space Competence), aims to create a highly responsive, AI-enabled military space architecture capable of delivering near-real-time targeting data to armed forces operating in increasingly contested environments.

The announcement signals a growing European push to reduce dependence on foreign military space infrastructure while strengthening indigenous defense-industrial cooperation across AI, satellite systems, ISR, and precision targeting technologies.

Europe’s Answer to the New Battlefield in Space

Modern warfare is increasingly defined by speed, connectivity, and access to real-time intelligence. From the war in Ukraine to broader geopolitical tensions, military planners have recognized that traditional reconnaissance methods alone can no longer keep pace with rapidly evolving operational demands.

The KIRK initiative is designed to close that gap.

The consortium is developing a space-based tactical surveillance and reconnaissance system integrated with AI-driven targeting capabilities. By dramatically reducing the latency between data collection and target engagement, commonly referred to as “time to information” the system aims to enable faster decision-making and more effective deployment of modern stand-off weapons.

Unlike conventional satellite architectures, the planned system will follow a software-centric approach, leveraging artificial intelligence for mission management, onboard optimization, automated target recognition, and multi-sensor data fusion.

A key element of the program is the development of “software-defined” satellites capable of dynamically adapting to emerging threats and operational requirements in orbit.

OHB Joins Existing European Defense Space Alliance

The announcement also expands an existing partnership formed in December 2025 between Helsing, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, and HENSOLDT to build a European tactical targeting capability in space.

With OHB now joining the alliance, Helsing and OHB will jointly lead the broader consortium through the newly established KIRK joint venture.

The collaboration combines expertise across artificial intelligence, satellite manufacturing, ISR payloads, secure communications, and military C4ISR integration.

What Each Partner Brings to the Program

The KIRK consortium brings together several of Europe’s most strategically important defense and aerospace players:

• Helsing will provide combat-proven AI technologies for real-time onboard and offboard data processing, automated target recognition, and multi-sensor fusion.

• OHB will lead the implementation and operation of end-to-end space systems spanning Earth observation, communications, navigation, and reconnaissance missions.

• HENSOLDT will contribute advanced space-qualified sensors for persistent all-weather surveillance, precision Earth observation, mobile ground stations, and existing operational systems.

• Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace will deliver small satellites, secure communications infrastructure, C4ISR integration, and access to the global KSAT ground station network.

The consortium also intends to involve European SMEs, suppliers, and emerging space startups early in the program, reinforcing broader efforts to build a globally competitive European space economy while strengthening sovereign defense capabilities.

Strategic Importance for Europe

The creation of KIRK reflects a broader shift in Europe’s defense posture as nations increasingly prioritize sovereign military space infrastructure, resilient ISR networks, and AI-enabled battlefield systems.

Gundbert Scherf, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Helsing, emphasized the urgency of the effort, citing lessons from Ukraine and the growing importance of software-defined military systems in orbit.

Meanwhile, OHB CEO Marco Fuchs highlighted the importance of AI-powered space systems in supporting Europe’s ambition to modernize its armed forces and strengthen military readiness.

As geopolitical competition expands beyond Earth’s surface, Europe’s defense industry is moving rapidly to ensure that future military advantage will depend not only on assets in space, but on the intelligence, speed, and software powering them.