Rheinmetall and ICEYE are establishing new space-based reconnaissance capabilities for Germany through their joint venture Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions GmbH. Initial partners are the leading German NewSpace companies Reflex Aerospace, OroraTech, ConstellR and LiveEO.
Modern conflicts are decided by how quickly critical data becomes available. Space-based reconnaissance, AI-enabled processing and rapid target acquisition are no longer future capabilities – they define operational reality today. Strategic autonomy in space has become an immediate operational requirement: the ability to collect, process and act on sovereign intelligence independently and at scale is a prerequisite for credible and cutting-edge defence.
“The challenge is not access to data, but connecting existing capabilities in a way that enables operational decision-making across domains. Germany already has the technological building blocks for sovereign space-based reconnaissance. Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions integrates them into a single operational architecture,” said Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall.
“Europe’s security depends on what Europe can see. We have already proven that a sovereign space system can be operational within twelve months. Now Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions builds on this foundation by connecting Germany’s leading NewSpace capabilities in an open architecture. This is how Europe creates true strategic autonomy from space,” said Rafał Modrzewski, Co-Founder and CEO of ICEYE.
Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions integrates, for the first time, key capabilities of the German NewSpace and defence ecosystem into a unified, end-to-end architecture for space-based Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR).
This partnership therefore unlocks a unique multi-modal Earth observation capability today. Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions acts as a catalyst for the German space innovation ecosystem, transforming state-of-the-art capabilities into a functioning, integrated system. By integrating sensors, analytics, command support and operational effects across the domains of space, air, land, sea and cyber, space-based reconnaissance is made usable where decisions are taken.
The approach deliberately follows an open architecture. The objective is not to create isolated entities, but to build an open, resilient, expandable and long-term sovereign ISR platform. The partnership lays the foundation for scalable, long-term security and defence capabilities in Germany and Europe.
OHB and Rheinmetall establish OHB Rheinmetall Space Networks JV
OHB and Rheinmetall have established the joint venture “OHB Rheinmetall Space Networks GmbH” in Bremen. The aim is to provide the Bundeswehr with a high-performance, secure and continuously available communications architecture within the framework of SATCOMBw Level 4. The new company was established to assume overall responsibility – from development and integration through to delivery and operation, including IT security and a Cyber Operations Centre. The future system will connect soldiers, vehicles, platforms and unmanned systems, ensuring the secure transmission of voice, data and real-time information across all command levels.
The managing directors are Dennis Winkelmann (more than 25 years’ experience in the space sector, including 19 at OHB) and Alexander Beyer (former Bundeswehr officer, most recently responsible for satellite communications at Rheinmetall).
Following approval by the Federal Cartel Office in mid-April 2026, the company has now been entered into Bremen’s commercial register. Mayor Andreas Bovenschulte commented: “The new cooperation between OHB and Rheinmetall clearly demonstrates that Bremen is continuing to develop into a centre for maritime and space defence. This decision strengthens Bremen’s role as Germany’s number one space city and as a technology hub in the north-west. At the same time, the partnership creates new jobs and secures many hundreds of existing positions on the Weser.”
By implementing the programme in Germany, Rheinmetall and OHB are strengthening Eu-rope’s technological sovereignty and Germany’s strategic autonomy in security policy. The joint venture also positions itself as a high-performance network operator, with the potential to contribute to NATO partnerships and to the Framework Nations Concept in the future.
Marco Fuchs, CEO of OHB SE, said: “With this joint venture, Rheinmetall and OHB are combining their strengths to deliver a state-of-the-art, sovereign and future-proof communications system for the Bundeswehr. Together, we are laying the foundation for a networked and resilient force – and making a decisive contribution to the security architecture of Germany and Europe.”
Timo Haas, CEO of Rheinmetall’s Digital Systems division, said: “Secure space-based communication is now essential for success on the battlefield. OHB Rheinmetall Space Networks will enable us to provide the Bundeswehr with a technologically leading, crisis-resilient communications architecture. The digitalisation of the armed forces demands secure, seamless connectivity across all command levels – reliable even under extreme conditions. Our partner-ship combines military systems expertise with leading space capabilities in Germany.”
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