The first release covers the Onboard API and Tactical API within the Battlesuite Interface Collection. Rheinmetall developed the standards using experience from years of defence technology and integration projects.
The specifications provide a common technical foundation for platforms, sensors, effectors and command-and-control applications. Suppliers can design compatible products from the outset instead of resolving connection problems later in development.
“The Battlesuite forms the software foundation for Rheinmetall’s digitalisation and networking strategy,” said Timo Haas, chief executive of Rheinmetall’s Digital Systems Division. “Standardised interfaces enable the efficient integration of platforms, sensors, effectors, and command and control applications.”
“They also lay the groundwork for modular, interoperable, and scalable defence systems,” Haas added. The company’s approach reflects a wider shift towards software-defined military equipment that can accept new capabilities without extensive redesign.
Battlesuite is a non-proprietary platform that acts as a manufacturer-independent digital hub. It can connect sensors, cameras, drones and other equipment across military and civilian applications.
Rheinmetall also envisages the platform supporting civil protection, disaster management and the defence of key infrastructure. The same architecture can be used in purely civilian systems.
“With the Battlesuite, Rheinmetall is putting the concept of software-defined defence into practice,” said Ervin Kolenovic, head of Battlesuite at Rheinmetall’s Digital Systems Division. “The Interface Collection simplifies the combination of system components, regardless of the manufacturer.”
“It thus promotes the reusability of software modules across different programmes and the flexible further development of existing systems,” Kolenovic said. “In this way, we can shorten development times, reduce integration risks, and accelerate the deployment of new capabilities.”
The open specifications give industry partners, research institutions and customers a defined route into the Battlesuite architecture. Rheinmetall said this would support interoperable applications with less integration work and allow software modules to be reused across programmes.
