
Rheinmetall and OHB Explore a Starlink-Style Satellite Network for the German Army
Rheinmetall and OHB Explore a Starlink-Style Satellite Network for the German Army
German defence giant Rheinmetall is in talks with German satellite manufacturer OHB about a new satellite project that could strengthen the German armed forcesâ space-based communications and connectivity, according to a source familiar with the discussions.
While the companies and the German government have not publicly confirmed details, the reported conversations signal something bigger than a single contract: Germany is rapidly expanding its military space ambitions, aiming to secure more reliable, sovereign communications and intelligence systems at a time when modern warfare depends on fast, protected data links.
What We Know So Far
Reuters reported on January 26, 2026 that Rheinmetall is discussing a satellite project with OHB for the German armed forces (Bundeswehr), citing a source. The Financial Times was first to report the talks.
Based on the Financial Times description, the early-stage idea involves a satellite communications service that resembles Starlink-style connectivity, but built for military needsâmeaning tighter security requirements, robust performance during crises, and governance that aligns with German and European defence priorities.
Why Satellite Communications Suddenly Matter So Much
In todayâs conflicts, control of the âinformation pipelineâ can be as important as tanks and aircraft. Soldiers, vehicles, drones, ships, and command centers depend on dataâmaps, video feeds, targeting information, weather, and ordersâoften in real time. If these links fail, even advanced forces can become slow, blind, and disorganized.
Satellites help solve a basic battlefield problem: ground networks can be jammed, damaged, or destroyed, and in remote areas they may not exist at all. Space-based systems provide coverage across wide regions, including oceans and hard-to-reach terrain. Thatâs why defence planners want redundant optionsâmultiple layers of communications that still work if one system is attacked.
Another reason is sovereignty. Europe has relied heavily on U.S. space and communications capabilities for decades. But recent geopolitical pressures have increased the desire for more European-controlled systems that reduce dependency and provide assured access during emergencies. The FT report links this type of project to a broader German push to invest heavily in military space technology.
Who Are Rheinmetall and OHBâand Why Pair Them?
Rheinmetall: From Land Power to Space Ambitions
Rheinmetall is best known for land defence productsâarmoured vehicles, ammunition, artillery, and systems for the modern battlefield. In the last few years, however, it has expanded into new domains, including naval and space-related programmes.
A major sign of its space momentum came in December 2025, when Rheinmetall announced a large Bundeswehr order connected to space-based reconnaissance data through a joint venture with Finnish SAR satellite company ICEYE.
That project focuses on reconnaissance imagery (seeing whatâs happening on the ground). The newly reported talks with OHB appear to be about a different but equally vital piece of the puzzle: communications. Together, reconnaissance and communications form the backbone of modern military âsituational awareness.â
OHB: A Long-Standing German Space Player
OHB, based in Bremen, is a well-established European space company with experience across civil and security space projects. A key example is OHBâs past involvement with German military radar satellite reconnaissance. In 2013, OHB System signed a contract to develop and integrate the SARah radar satellite reconnaissance system for the German armed forces.
OHB has also been involved in communications satellite-related work and operations projects, including Germanyâs âHeinrich Hertzâ satellite communications mission work tied to DLR and operational responsibilities described in OHB statements.
Why This Combination Makes Sense
If Rheinmetall brings defence-industrial scale, procurement experience, and deep Bundeswehr relationshipsâand OHB brings satellite development know-howâthe pairing could make a credible ânational championâ style bid for military satellite communications. The FT report also suggests a joint-venture style approach is being discussed.
What âStarlink-Styleâ Could Mean in a Military Context
When people hear âStarlink-style,â they usually think of a large number of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) that provide fast internet with low delay (low latency). For the military, a similar concept can offer advantages:
- Speed and low latency: Helpful for live video, drone operations, and rapid command decisions.
- Resilience through numbers: Many satellites reduce the risk that losing a few would cripple the system.
- Wide-area coverage: Useful for deployments abroad and border-area readiness.
But a military-grade system would likely need extra protections:
- Hardened cybersecurity: Strong protection against hacking attempts.
- Anti-jamming features: Tools to resist hostile electronic warfare.
- Secure governance: Clear control rules so service access canât be switched off unpredictably during a crisis.
That last pointâcontrol and assured accessâoften drives governments toward sovereign or semi-sovereign systems rather than relying fully on commercial services.
Germanyâs Bigger Military-Space Push
Germanyâs defence environment has changed sharply since Russiaâs invasion of Ukraine, with Berlin increasing defence spending and accelerating procurement. Rheinmetallâs own growth story in vehicles, ammunition, and broader defence manufacturing reflects that shift.
In space, Germany is not only thinking about communications. It is also investing in:
- Reconnaissance and surveillance: Like synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems that can âseeâ through clouds and at night.
- Early warning: Systems designed to detect missile launches or threats from space.
- Secure connectivity: Reliable links for forces deployed in Europe and beyond.
For example, Reuters reported in October 2025 that Germany and France signed an implementation agreement for a satellite-based early warning system called Odinâs Eye, and that OHB was leading the architecture development.
These pieces fit together: reconnaissance helps you understand what is happening; communications helps you act quickly; early warning helps you survive and respond. A satellite communications project discussed by Rheinmetall and OHB would sit right in the center of this âspace-enabled defenceâ strategy.
How This Connects to Rheinmetallâs Recent Space Moves
Rheinmetall has already made a loud entry into the space domain by partnering with ICEYE. Rheinmetallâs public statement in December 2025 described a major Bundeswehr order for SAR reconnaissance data through their joint venture structure, including operations, ground segment management, and AI-supported evaluation services.
In other words, Rheinmetall is building a space business with real contracts behind itânot just âfuture plans.â That strengthens the logic for expanding into a second pillar: military satellite communications. If the Bundeswehr wants a more complete space ecosystem, it may prefer suppliers who can integrate multiple space-enabled capabilities into one consistent security approach.
What OHB Could Gain
OHB has been a significant player in European space for years, but competition is intense, and defence space budgets are increasingly central. A partnership or joint venture with Rheinmetall could help OHB:
- Win new Bundeswehr business as military space budgets grow.
- Share risk on large-scale constellation-style investments.
- Strengthen political and industrial positioning in Germanyâs defence modernisation wave.
Given that OHB has existing defence-space experience (such as SARah) and reported roles in early warning architecture (Odinâs Eye), a communications project would complement its portfolio.
What Happens Next: The Likely Steps
Because the companies have not publicly confirmed details, it is safest to treat this as an early-stage exploration rather than a signed programme. Still, typical next steps for something like this would include:
- Feasibility studies: Technical options, orbit selection, ground infrastructure planning, and security requirements.
- Business model design: Joint venture structure, cost-sharing, and revenue model (service contracts vs. hardware sales).
- Government alignment: Discussions with procurement authorities and defence planners on requirements and timelines.
- Industrial partnering: Identifying telecom, cybersecurity, launch, and ground segment partners.
- Formal bidding: If Germany launches a procurement process, companies would submit proposals.
Even if the concept is âStarlink-like,â building a military-grade constellation is complex and expensive. It requires satellites, launches, ground stations, user terminals, encryption systems, and long-term operations support. That complexity is one reason partnerships matter so much.
Strategic Stakes for Europe and NATO
This story also matters beyond Germany. NATO countries are watching how the war in Ukraine has reshaped military needs. Secure satellite connectivity has become central for:
- Forward deployments near NATOâs eastern flank
- Joint operations with allies
- Rapid crisis response where civilian infrastructure may be degraded
A German-led military connectivity solution could support national needs first, but it could also become part of broader European defence cooperation over timeâespecially if it aligns with the push for more European autonomy in critical defence technologies.
What the Market Is Watching
Investors and competitors will likely watch for signals on three fronts:
- Confirmation: Will Rheinmetall or OHB publicly acknowledge talks, a joint venture, or a bid?
- Programme scope: Is this a small, targeted capability, or a large constellation programme?
- Funding and timing: How quickly would Germany want this operational, and what budget line supports it?
The defence sector has been moving fast, and Rheinmetall has indicated ambitions for broad expansion, including major order intake expectations and activity across domains.
FAQs
1) Are Rheinmetall and OHB officially partnered yet?
As of January 26, 2026, Reuters reported that the companies are in talks, citing a source familiar with the discussions. That is not the same as a confirmed partnership or signed contract.
2) What is the project supposed to do?
The reporting points to a satellite project for the German armed forces. The Financial Times describes it as a possible military satellite communications system similar in concept to âStarlink-styleâ connectivity.
3) Why would Germany want its own military satellite communications?
Germany may want more secure, resilient, and sovereign communicationsâespecially during crises when reliance on external providers could be risky. Military operations also need protection from jamming and cyber threats.
4) Does Rheinmetall already work on military space projects?
Yes. Rheinmetall announced in December 2025 that it was involved in a major Bundeswehr order for space-based reconnaissance data through a partnership/joint venture approach with ICEYE.
5) What defence-space experience does OHB have?
OHB has worked on German military satellite programmes in the past. For example, OHB System signed a contract in 2013 for the development and integration of the SARah radar satellite reconnaissance system for the Bundeswehr.
6) How does this relate to Europeâs wider defence strategy?
Europe is investing more in space-based defence capabilities, including reconnaissance, communications, and early warning. Germany and France, for instance, have advanced cooperation on a satellite-based early warning system, and Reuters reported OHBâs role in architecture development for that effort.
Conclusion: A Small Headline with Big Implications
At face value, the report is short: Rheinmetall is in talks with OHB about a Bundeswehr satellite project, and the Financial Times first reported it.
But the implications are far bigger. Germany is building a modern defence ecosystem where space is not a luxuryâit is core infrastructure. If Rheinmetall and OHB move from talks to a formal partnership, it could help Germany develop stronger sovereign satellite communications and add another major piece to Europeâs broader defence space puzzle.
Focus keyword used: Rheinmetall OHB German army satellite project
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