Rheinmetall looks to break into the space domain

German technology group Rheinmetall is opening up new business areas in the space domain, presenting initial conceptual approaches at the recent ILA Berlin 2024 air show, which was held in the German capital from 5-9 June.

The company’s initial focus is primarily on the integration and utilisation of space-based reconnaissance data into the tactical battlefield. To meet the individual needs of military customers, for example, the group is working on customised solutions for tactical vehicles. By co-operating with selected partner companies, Rheinmetall is looking to make state-of-the-art technologies and services from the space sector available to the defence sector.

A key part of Rheinmetall’s current strategy is an investment in Finnish company ICEYE, which is the international market leader in providing synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite-based Earth observation. This investment was made through company subsidiary Rheinmetall Nordic.

“The space domain is an integral part of a defence strategy and of great relevance to our military clients,” Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger was quoted as saying in a company press release. “We are convinced that our combined capabilities will enable us to develop innovative approaches to offer customised solutions for our military customers in the future.”