KONGSBERG and Helsing Forge Strategic Alliance to Accelerate Europe’s Sovereign Space Capabilities
- Staff Correspondent
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) and Helsing have announced a landmark teaming agreement aimed at fast-tracking Europe’s next-generation space-based intelligence and targeting infrastructure. The collaboration, reinforced by technology contributions from HENSOLDT, directly responds to Europe’s growing need for resilient, sovereign space capabilities amid shifting geopolitical realities.
Under the partnership, the companies plan to deploy a state-of-the-art European constellation for intelligence, surveillance, and targeting (IST), complete with an integrated communications layer, by 2029. The initiative aligns closely with Germany’s expanding defense space agenda and builds on the long-standing defense cooperation between Norway and Germany.
At the core of the effort is the fusion of complementary, battle-tested technologies. KONGSBERG and Helsing, both with operational experience supporting Ukraine, will integrate KONGSBERG’s satellite platforms with Helsing’s AI-enabled multi-modal data analysis engine. The system will merge SAR, EO, and RF data streams to deliver persistent, high-fidelity intelligence with proven on-orbit AI processing.
HENSOLDT strengthens the team with its advanced sensor suite, including SAR radar, EO/IR, and electronic warfare sensors. Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), operator of the world’s largest commercial ground network, will provide global coverage and communications support.
To ensure launch readiness and European autonomy, Isar Aerospace, operating from Andøya Space in Norway, has been selected as the preferred launch partner. The initiative also includes establishing new production capabilities in Germany, reinforcing Europe’s long-term technological and industrial self-reliance.
“Sovereign monitoring, intelligence, and targeting are fundamental to credible deterrence,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. “By combining Norway’s and Germany’s world-class expertise, Europe can field the critical capabilities it needs by 2029.”
Gundbert Scherf, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Helsing, emphasized the strategic urgency:
“Ukraine shows that the most reliable targeting begins in space. Together with KONGSBERG, we will deliver the integrated space defense systems needed for Europe to safeguard its sovereignty.”
HENSOLDT CEO Oliver Dörre reinforced the significance of sovereign sensing:
“Europe’s security depends on owning its intelligence capabilities. By merging our advanced sensors with Norway’s satellite strengths, we can deliver the information advantage Europe requires.”
With its end-to-end architecture, from sensors and satellites to launch and on-orbit analytics, the KONGSBERG - Helsing - HENSOLDT alliance represents one of Europe’s most ambitious steps toward building a fully sovereign defense space ecosystem.
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