OHB and Rheinmetall have established the joint venture "OHB Rheinmetall Space Networks GmbH," headquartered in Bremen.
The goal is to provide the Bundeswehr with a high-performance, secure, and continuously available communications architecture as part of SATCOMBw Phase 4. The new company is to assume overall responsibility—from development and integration through delivery to operation, including IT security and the Cyber Operations Center. The system is designed to connect soldiers, vehicles, platforms, and drones and securely transmit voice, data, and real-time information across all levels of command.
The company will be led by Dennis Winkelmann (with more than 25 years of experience in the space industry, including 19 years at OHB) and Alexander Beyer (a former Bundeswehr officer who most recently served as head of Satellite Communications at Rheinmetall).
After the Federal Cartel Office approved the company’s formation in mid-April 2026, it has now been entered in the Bremen Commercial Register. Mayor Andreas Bovenschulte commented: “The new partnership between OHB and Rheinmetall impressively demonstrates that Bremen is increasingly becoming the hub of maritime and space defense. This decision strengthens Bremen’s role as Germany’s number one Space City and as a technology hub in the northwest. In addition, the partnership creates new jobs and secures many hundreds of existing ones along the Weser River.”
By implementing this project in Germany, Rheinmetall and OHB are strengthening Europe’s technological autonomy and Germany’s ability to act in the area of security policy. In addition, the joint venture is positioning itself as a capable network operator that can eventually contribute its capabilities to NATO partnerships and the Framework Nations Concept.
Marco Fuchs, CEO of OHB SE: “With the establishment of OHB Rheinmetall Space Networks GmbH, Rheinmetall and we are combining our strengths to provide the German Armed Forces with a state-of-the-art, sovereign, and future-proof communications system. Together, we are laying the foundation for the German Armed Forces’ networked and resilient operational capability—and are thereby making a decisive contribution to the security architecture of Germany and Europe.”
Timo Haas, CEO of Rheinmetall’s Digital Systems Division: “Without secure communication via space, it is no longer possible to win a conflict on the ground. With OHB Rheinmetall Space Networks, we are able to provide the German Armed Forces with a technologically advanced and absolutely crisis-proof communications architecture in space. The digitalization of the armed forces requires secure and seamless connectivity at all levels of command. Furthermore, it must function reliably even under extreme conditions. Through our complementary partnership with OHB, we are combining military systems integration expertise with strong space technology know-how in Germany.”