The joint venture is intended to provide a high-performance, secure and continuously available communications architecture. Rheinmetall said the system will support the secure transmission of voice, data and real-time information across all command levels.
The company was established to assume overall responsibility for the future architecture. Its role will cover development, integration, delivery and operation, including IT security and a Cyber Operations Centre.
The future system is intended to connect soldiers, vehicles, platforms and unmanned systems. Rheinmetall said this will support secure communications across the Bundeswehr’s networked force structure.
The managing directors are Dennis Winkelmann and Alexander Beyer. Winkelmann has more than 25 years of experience in the space sector, including 19 years at OHB, while Beyer is a former Bundeswehr officer who was most recently responsible for satellite communications at Rheinmetall.
The company was entered into Bremen’s commercial register after approval by the Federal Cartel Office in mid-April 2026. The joint venture is now formally established in the city.
“The new cooperation between OHB and Rheinmetall clearly demonstrates that Bremen is continuing to develop into a centre for maritime and space defence,” said Mayor Andreas Bovenschulte. “This decision strengthens Bremen’s role as Germany’s number one space city and as a technology hub in the north-west.”
“At the same time, the partnership creates new jobs and secures many hundreds of existing positions on the Weser,” Bovenschulte said. The company said the decision strengthens Bremen’s role in Germany’s defence and space technology sectors.
By implementing the programme in Germany, Rheinmetall and OHB said they are strengthening Europe’s technological sovereignty. They also said the venture supports Germany’s strategic autonomy in security policy.
The joint venture is positioning itself as a high-performance network operator. Rheinmetall said it could also contribute to NATO partnerships and the Framework Nations Concept in the future.
“With this joint venture, Rheinmetall and OHB are combining their strengths to deliver a state-of-the-art, sovereign and future-proof communications system for the Bundeswehr,” said Marco Fuchs, Chief Executive of OHB SE. “Together, we are laying the foundation for a networked and resilient force – and making a decisive contribution to the security architecture of Germany and Europe.”
“Secure space-based communication is now essential for success on the battlefield,” said Timo Haas, Chief Executive of Rheinmetall’s Digital Systems division. “OHB Rheinmetall Space Networks will enable us to provide the Bundeswehr with a technologically leading, crisis-resilient communications architecture.”
“The digitalisation of the armed forces demands secure, seamless connectivity across all command levels – reliable even under extreme conditions,” Haas said. “Our partnership combines military systems expertise with leading space capabilities in Germany.”
