OHB and Rheinmetall Establish Joint Venture for Satellite Communications
German defense firms OHB and Rheinmetall have established a new joint venture, "OHB Rheinmetall Space Networks GmbH," in Bremen. The venture aims to provide the German armed forces with a high-performance, secure satellite communications system.
German aerospace and defense companies OHB and Rheinmetall have officially established "OHB Rheinmetall Space Networks GmbH," a joint venture based in Bremen. This new entity is set to develop and deliver a high-performance, secure, and continuously available satellite communication architecture for the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) under the SATCOMBw Level 4 program.
The joint venture will assume full responsibility for the system's lifecycle, encompassing development, integration, delivery, and operation, including stringent IT security measures and a dedicated Cyber Operations Centre. The intended system aims to connect soldiers, vehicles, platforms, and unmanned systems, ensuring the secure transmission of voice, data, and real-time information across all command levels.
Dennis Winkelmann, with over 25 years of experience in the space sector, and Alexander Beyer, a former Bundeswehr officer, have been appointed as managing directors. The formation of the company follows approval from the Federal Cartel Office in mid-April 2026 and its subsequent entry into the Bremen commercial register.
By implementing this program in Germany, OHB and Rheinmetall aim to bolster European technological sovereignty and Germany's strategic autonomy in security policy. OHB Rheinmetall Space Networks also positions itself as a robust network operator with potential future contributions to NATO partnerships and cooperative defense initiatives.