Germany's Rheinmetall Expands into Space with Focus on Tactical Intel

Rheinmetall has announced its strategic expansion into the space sector. The company unveiled its initial approach at the recent International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) Berlin 2024. This move signifies Rheinmetall's commitment to exploring and harnessing the burgeoning opportunities within the growing NewSpace market.

Rheinmetall's focus within the space sector centers on leveraging space-based reconnaissance data for tactical battlefield applications. Specifically, the company is developing customized solutions designed for seamless integration with military vehicles. Rheinmetall is forging strategic partnerships with select industry leaders to accelerate advancements and broaden its technological reach as it looks to expedite its entry into the market. This collaborative approach aims to accelerate the delivery of cutting-edge space-age technologies and services to the defense sector.

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

As part of this diversification effort into space, Rheinmetall, through its subsidiary Rheinmetall Nordic, has invested in ICEYE, a producer and operator of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites. ICEYE's SAR constellation of satellites provides persistent monitoring, enabling real-time detection and response to changes anywhere on Earth, regardless of weather or lighting conditions. This vital intelligence offers a significant advantage for any military force.

Headquartered in Finland, ICEYE employs over 700 working across offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Poland, and Finland.