Maritime Domain Awareness Rheinmetall and Space Norway Cooperate on Maritime Space Surveillance

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Rheinmetall AG and Space Norway AS have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further expand their collaboration in the field of space-based capabilities for defence applications. The cooperation focuses specifically on Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).

The agreement builds on the existing exchange between the two companies and establishes a framework for evaluating joint potentials. Specifically, it covers satellite communications, sensors, and mission systems, as well as their integration into higher-level command and information systems. The aim of the cooperation is to develop future capabilities for customers in Germany and, prospectively, in other allied nations.

A core element of the memorandum is the planned integration of Space Norway’s C-band SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite capabilities. Through the SPOCK-1 programme, Germany already possesses a proven and operationally trialled high-resolution X-band SAR capability. This is implemented by Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions, based on ICEYE’s leading satellite technology. The Neuss site offers the largest industrial production capacity for SAR satellite systems in Germany. Space Norway’s C-band SAR capability complements this system in a targeted manner: while X-band SAR enables high-resolution reconnaissance of individual targets, C-band SAR provides a wide-area overview of extensive maritime regions. Both frequency bands are complementary – and together essential for comprehensive maritime domain awareness.

Continuous and actionable maritime domain awareness in the Arctic and North Atlantic is an increasingly central operational requirement for modern armed forces. In an environment characterised by vast distances, challenging weather conditions, and growing strategic importance, the timely availability of reliable information is of decisive significance. The ability to continuously monitor extensive maritime areas, detect relevant activities early, and rapidly transform data into usable insights is essential for situational awareness, decision superiority, and effective operational action.

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Against the background of the Hansa Agreement between Germany and Norway, which creates a framework for deepened bilateral cooperation in the development of sovereign and future-oriented defence capabilities, this partnership holds particular relevance. In this context, space-based surveillance systems and integrated downstream services can make a significant contribution to closing existing capability gaps in the High North and the North Atlantic. Strategic autonomy in the maritime and space-based domains is no longer a long-term goal, but an immediate prerequisite for credible security provision and resilient alliance defence.

"This Memorandum of Understanding is a milestone in bringing together our complementary space capabilities and developing tailored solutions for demanding customer requirements," explains Timo Haas, CEO of Rheinmetall’s Digital Systems Division. "Our focus is on close, practical cooperation in reconnaissance and maritime surveillance, as well as the provision of the necessary infrastructure."

Morten Tengs, CEO of Space Norway AS, adds: "This agreement provides a clear foundation for jointly investigating how our satellite capabilities and infrastructure resources can contribute to existing and future operational solutions. We see particularly great potential in the area of wide-area maritime surveillance and the development of corresponding sovereign capabilities."