OSLO, Norway — Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and German AI defense firm Helsing signed a teaming agreement on Tuesday, December 9, to develop and deploy a sovereign, space-based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Targeting (IST) constellation by 2029. The initiative, characterized by the partners as a direct response to lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, aims to provide European governments with an independent infrastructure for real-time threat detection.
Under the agreement, Kongsberg will manufacture the satellite platforms, while Helsing will integrate its “Altra” software platform to process data on board. The system is designed to fuse inputs from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Electro-Optical (EO), and Radio Frequency (RF) sensors to generate rapid targeting solutions. The partnership plans to establish local production facilities in Germany to ensure a self-reliant supply chain.
Industrial Team & Technical Roles
The consortium has expanded to include key European players for a full-chain solution:
- HENSOLDT: The German sensor house will supply the constellation’s SAR, EO/IR, and electronic warfare sensors.
- Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT): The world’s largest ground station operator will manage the ground network and data downlink.
- Isar Aerospace: Selected as the preferred launch partner, aiming to fly the assets from the Andøya Spaceport in Norway.
Operational Provenance
Both prime partners cited their operational footprint in Ukraine as a driver for the system’s architecture. Helsing noted that its AI algorithms for data analysis are already being used in the conflict, validating the software that will drive the constellation’s edge computing capabilities.
“The war in Ukraine demonstrates that most reliable targeting begins in space,” said Gundbert Scherf, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Helsing. “Space-based ISR is the most reliable, all-weather source for persistent intelligence… Together with Kongsberg, we will provide crucial integrated space defence systems to ensure Europe wins the fight for sovereignty.”
This collaboration builds on Kongsberg’s recent transition to a satellite operator. In June 2025, the company successfully completed its N3X maritime surveillance constellation, verifying its ability to integrate payloads and manage orbital assets. Similarly, Helsing validated its space-based AI in August 2024, when it tested real-time RF signal detection on a Loft Orbital satellite.
Executive Outlook
HENSOLDT CEO Oliver Dörre emphasized the urgency of the program for regional security. “Europe’s security depends on sovereign sensing and intelligence,” Dörre said. “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.”
Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, added that the 2029 timeline is geared toward fielding “sovereign monitoring, intelligence, and targeting” capabilities essential for credible deterrence.
