HENSOLDT Defense Domains: Radar, EW, Optronics and Platform Protection

HENSOLDT AG operates across four distinct defense domains — and together they cover every link of the modern battlefield information chain. Understanding this structure explains why HENSOLDT is described as a “sensor-to-shooter” enabler rather than a weapon manufacturer.

1. Air Defense and Radar Systems

HENSOLDT’s largest and most recognized domain. Short-, medium-, and long-range radars detect aircraft, ballistic missiles, drone swarms, and artillery shells. Key products: TRML-4D (short-range air defense), ASR-NG (airport surveillance), MSSR 2000 I (IFF/secondary surveillance), and COBRA (artillery locating). Civil ATC radars are also counted in this domain.

2. Electronic Warfare and SIGINT

Electronic warfare ensures a platform’s electromagnetic survivability. HENSOLDT’s Kalaetron family covers active electronic attack (Kalaetron Attack), integrated EW management (Kalaetron Integral), and radar warning (Kalaetron RWR). The PEGASUS SIGINT system forms a separate category for passive signal intelligence collection from airborne platforms.

3. Optronics

Electro-optical detection, infrared surveillance, and imaging systems. HENSOLDT’s Oberkochen facility carries the Zeiss Optronik heritage, producing ARGOS-II airborne reconnaissance systems, NightOwl M UAV sensors, and SERO periscopes for submarines.

4. Platform Protection

Active protection systems for armored vehicles and helicopters. MUSS 2.0 (Modular Universal Soft Kill System) integrates laser warning, drone countermeasures, and expendable decoys — currently fitted to Germany’s Puma infantry fighting vehicle.