Rheinmetall and Space Norway cooperate on maritime space surveillance

Image courtesy of Rheinmetall

Rheinmetall AG and Space Norway AS have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further expand their cooperation in the field of space-based capabilities for defence applications. The partnership is particularly focused on Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).

The agreement builds on the existing exchange between the two companies and establishes a framework for evaluating joint opportunities. Specifically, the cooperation covers satellite communications, sensors and mission systems, as well as their integration into higher-level command and information systems. The objective is to develop future capabilities for customers in Germany and, in the longer term, in other allied nations.

At the core of the memorandum is the planned integration of Space Norway's C-band SAR satellite capabilities. Through the SPOCK 1 programme, Germany already possesses a proven and operationally tested high resolution X band SAR capability, delivered by Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions based on ICEYE's leading satellite technology. From its site in Neuss, Rheinmetall offers Germany's largest industrial production capacity for SAR satellite systems. Space Norway's C-band SAR capability complements this system in a targeted manner. While X band SAR enables high-resolution surveillance of individual targets, C-band SAR provides broad-area coverage of extensive maritime regions. Both frequency bands are complementary and, together, are essential for comprehensive maritime domain awareness.

Continuous and actionable maritime domain awareness in the Arctic and the North Atlantic is becoming an increasingly critical operational requirement for modern armed forces. In an environment characterised by vast distances, challenging weather conditions and growing strategic importance, timely access to reliable information is crucial. The ability to continuously monitor large maritime areas, detect relevant activities at an early stage, and rapidly transform data into actionable intelligence is essential for situational awareness, decision superiority and effective operational action.

Against the backdrop of the Hansa Agreement between Germany and Norway, which provides a framework for deeper bilateral cooperation in the development of sovereign and future oriented defence capabilities, this partnership carries particular significance. In this context, space based surveillance systems and integrated downstream services can make an important contribution to closing existing capability gaps in the High North and the North Atlantic. Strategic autonomy in the maritime and space domains is no longer merely a long term objective but is increasingly becoming an immediate prerequisite for credible security preparedness and resilient alliance defence.

“This Memorandum of Understanding is a milestone in bringing together our complementary space capabilities and developing tailored solutions for demanding customer requirements,” said Timo Haas, CEO of Rheinmetall's Digital Systems Division. “Our focus is on close, practical cooperation in reconnaissance and maritime surveillance, as well as providing the necessary infrastructure.”

Morten Tengs, CEO of Space Norway AS, added: “This agreement provides a clear foundation for jointly exploring how our satellite capabilities and infrastructure resources can contribute to existing and future operational solutions. We see particularly strong potential in large area maritime surveillance and in the development of corresponding sovereign capabilities.”