IRIA News

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Norway’s Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace and Germany’s Helsing have announced a major partnership to accelerate Europe’s move toward sovereign space-based intelligence, surveillance, and targeting capabilities.

The companies signed a teaming agreement to deploy a fully European satellite constellation with an interconnected communications layer by 2029, marking one of the most ambitious defense-space initiatives undertaken jointly by European industry.

The initiative is designed to address what both companies describe as an urgent need for Europe to strengthen its deterrence posture and reduce reliance on non-European intelligence sources.

The effort builds on growing concerns among European leaders following recent geopolitical developments, including the halt in U.S. space-based data sharing with Ukraine earlier this year. That disruption underscored Europe’s strategic vulnerability and accelerated calls for independent surveillance and targeting infrastructure.

The plan includes deploying a constellation that integrates satellites, ground communication networks, advanced sensors, and artificial intelligence capabilities. Germany’s HENSOLDT, a global leader in advanced sensing technologies, will contribute synthetic aperture radar (SAR), electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR), and electronic warfare sensors. German startup Isar Aerospace has been selected as the preferred launch partner, benefiting from its launch facilities at Andoya Space in Norway.

Kongsberg and Helsing said the collaboration responds directly to Europe’s need for improved deterrence and reflects key lessons drawn from conflicts in recent years. Both companies have operational experience in Ukraine, where satellite-based intelligence has become central to battlefield awareness and targeting.

Integrated Satellite Constellation

The constellation will rely on a combination of Kongsberg’s satellite platforms and Helsing’s AI-driven software to fuse multiple data sources, including SAR, electro-optical, and radio-frequency signals.

According to the companies, Helsing already has proven onboard AI algorithms deployed in orbit capable of processing data for real-time analysis. These algorithms have also been used operationally in Ukraine.

Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), which operates the world’s largest ground network for communicating with and controlling satellites, will play a central role by providing ground infrastructure to support the system.

The team intends to establish local satellite production facilities in Germany, aiming to create a self-reliant European defense capability that reduces supply-chain dependencies and ensures long-term strategic autonomy.

Strategic Importance

Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, said the initiative will provide Europe with critical capabilities needed for modern defense operations. “Sovereign monitoring, intelligence, and targeting are fundamental to credible deterrence. Communication, oversight, and connectivity are key to operating defense assets effectively, and Europe needs full control over these capabilities.”

Lie added that, “Germany and Norway together possess world-class space and defense industries, and by combining our strengths, we can field the required sovereign capabilities by 2029.”

Gundbert Scherf, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Helsing, highlighted the operational lessons learned from Ukraine, noting the increasing centrality of space in modern conflict. “The war in Ukraine demonstrates that most reliable targeting begins in space.”

“Space-based ISR is the most reliable, all-weather source for persistent intelligence as we have demonstrated with our satellite data analysis algorithms already being used in Ukraine. Together with KONGSBERG, we will provide crucial integrated space defense systems to ensure Europe wins the fight for sovereignty,” he added.

HENSOLDT CEO Oliver Dorre emphasized the importance of independent sensing and intelligence for continental security. “Europe’s security depends on sovereign sensing and intelligence. 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. We are proud to contribute our technology to this joint German-Norwegian effort.”

Growing Demand for European ISR Capabilities

The partnership comes amid broader efforts by European nations to build independent space assets. Finland’s ICEYE has emerged as a key supplier, having sold at least eight radar satellites this year to European governments seeking sovereign ISR capabilities.

Several European defense ministries have also increased investment in space monitoring systems, early-warning technologies, and military satellite communications.

Kongsberg and Helsing did not provide details on the total expected investment or the number of satellites planned for the constellation. The companies also did not say which European countries are being targeted as customers, or who will ultimately own or operate the completed system.

They confirmed only that the agreement is aimed at delivering a fully operational sovereign IST constellation by 2029.

European Strategic Rationale

European officials have long debated the continent’s dependence on U.S. orbital assets for intelligence and early warning. Recent events have intensified these concerns, prompting governments to explore ways to diversify and expand their space-based defense capabilities.

The Norwegian-German partnership represents one of the most comprehensive efforts to date, combining expertise across satellite manufacturing, launch capabilities, sensing technologies, and artificial intelligence.

The effort also reflects increased recognition among European militaries of the role of space-based platforms in modern warfare. Persistent ISR, precise geolocation, and secure communications have become essential elements of defense readiness.

The planned constellation aims to give European forces the ability to independently locate, track, and identify threats under all-weather conditions, while maintaining full sovereignty over data and analysis.

End-to-End European Space Architecture

The companies emphasized that the project is designed as a “full-stack” European capability, integrating everything from sensor manufacturing to satellite operation.

HENSOLDT will supply advanced sensing payloads, Kongsberg will provide satellite platforms and systems integration, Helsing will contribute AI-enabled analysis, KSAT will deliver ground network support, and Isar Aerospace will serve as the launch provider.

This end-to-end approach is intended to create a resilient architecture capable of supporting high-frequency intelligence collection across Europe’s defense landscape. The partnership also aims to reinforce existing German-Norwegian defense cooperation, which both countries have expanded in recent years.

As Europe moves to strengthen its autonomy in space-based defense technologies, the Kongsberg-Helsing initiative stands out as a landmark project that seeks to deliver a fully sovereign intelligence and targeting constellation by the end of the decade.

The companies highlight that they are committed to providing Europe with long-term strategic resilience in space, a capability increasingly viewed as essential amid evolving geopolitical tensions.