During the German Air Force exercise Timber Express 2026, Rheinmetall Air Defence and HENSOLDT achieved a milestone for future networked air defence. During the German Air Force's Timber Express 2026 exercise, the air picture generated by HENSOLDTs Twinvis passive radar was successfully integrated into Rheinmetall's Skymaster command and weapon engagement system, which was directing the Skynex Air Defence battery deployed in the scenario.
The integration took place under realistic NATO networking conditions and demonstrated the high flexibility and open architecture of the Skymaster system. A common air picture could be generated by fusing and correlating sensor data within NATO's Link 16 network. The Hensoldt passive radar demonstrated excellent performance in detecting and tracking air targets. This confirms the high operational value of modern passive sensor technology for air defence. Twinvis is a passive radar based on the latest digital technology that can be used for wide-area military airspace surveillance or civil air traffic control.
Particularly noteworthy is Skymaster's ability to combine active and passive radar sensors with electro-optical sensors into a comprehensive air picture within the air defence network. This creates new opportunities for resilient, low-emission air surveillance in line with a modern emissions control strategy (EMCON), while at the same time improving situational awareness for the protection of high-value infrastructure, critical facilities and mobile military units.
The demonstration highlights the future viability of distributed and interconnected sensor networks and illustrates how passive sensor technologies can usefully extend and complement existing air defence systems. Furthermore, passive systems increase network survivability due to the absence of a distinctive identification. The findings provide an excellent foundation for the integration into stationary Skynex systems, mobile Skyranger solutions and modern counter-UAS systems such as the Skyspotter.
The success of this trial was possible through the close and constructive cooperation between the participating German Air Force organisations, the exercise management team and the expert teams from Rheinmetall Air Defence and HENSOLDT. Together, they achieved a NATO-compatible integration of the highest quality in a challenging technical environment, making an important contribution to the continued development of modern integrated air defence capabilities.
HENSOLDT is a leading European high-tech company in the defence and security industry, based in Taufkirchen near Munich. The company develops sensor solutions, electronics and software for the air, land, sea, cyber and space domain, helping armed forces worldwide to detect threats early and make informed operational decisions.
Building on decades of experience in mission-critical sensor technology, HENSOLDT combines radar, optronics, electronics and cyber expertise with data-driven software and artificial intelligence. The aim is to integrate and analyse sensor data from different platforms and domains and merge it into a reliable situational picture.
HENSOLDT has thus evolved from a traditional sensor supplier to a new-generation system integrator - a 'neo-system house' that enables networked, Software-Defined Defence capabilities and supports information superiority in missions.
In the 2025 financial year, HENSOLDT achieved a turnover of €2.46 billion with around 9,500 employees. The company is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in the MDAX.
HENSOLDT plans to establish a new centre of excellence for Software-Defined Defence and Engineering, creating around 300 jobs in the Stuttgart region, with the aim of rapidly recruiting skilled personnel from the automotive sector for its growing Software-Defined Defence business. To this end, HENSOLDT has signed a cooperation agreement with Bosch and plans to lease vacant space in an empty building that forms part of the Bosch site in Leinfelden, near Stuttgart. Qualified Bosch employees, particularly those from the fields of systems development, software development and electrical engineering, can apply for the roles at HENSOLDT. Against the backdrop of structural change in the automotive industry, the partnership creates an opportunity to place employees with the right qualifications into new areas of work at HENSOLDT. The aim is to retain valuable expertise in the region and to safeguard the future viability of Baden-Württemberg as a business location.
HENSOLDT has been awarded a contract by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw to supply the equipment for the so-called dismounted Joint Fire Support Teams (JFSTs). Following the successful demonstration of the system's capabilities - developed by HENSOLDT - in a previous contract, the series order has now been placed.
The sensor specialist HENSOLDT is donating 5,000 euros to Radio 7 Drachenkinder, that supports sick and disadvantaged children in the Alb-Donau region for more than 20 years.