Company Sets Sights on Tactical Recon, Invests in SAR Satellite Operator ICEYE
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.
A military history enthusiast, Richard began at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet grew in importance as a research tool, he helped design the company's Forecast Intelligence Center and currently coordinates the EMarket Alert newsletters for clients. Richard also manages social media efforts, including two new blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, covering defense systems and international issues, and Flight Plan, which focuses on commercial aviation and space systems. For over 30 years, Richard has authored the Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International) services. The two books provide detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database that tracks all the contractors involved in the programs covered in the FI library. More recently he was appointed Manager, Information Services Group (ISG), a new unit that encompasses developing outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.
