Rheinmetall and OHB Consider Starlink Alternative

Satellite System for the Bundeswehr Starlink Alternative from Rheinmetall and OHB?

2026-01-27 From Veronika Maucher 1 min Reading Time

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The networking through satellite systems is essential – also for the Deutsche Bundeswehr. To create an in-house alternative to Starlink, Rheinmetall and OHB are reportedly considering a collaboration and applying for the contract.

Rheinmetall and OHB, a specialized space expert from Bremen, are discussing a potential partnership for the construction of a satellite system for the Deutsche Bundeswehr, according to internal sources. These talks concern a project comparable to Elon Musk's Starlink, as confirmed by an insider, corroborating reports from the Financial Times and Handelsblatt.

Currently, the negotiations are in an early stage, the Financial Times reported. The two companies plan to jointly pursue the development of such a communication system for the military. A tender for the Bundeswehr's project could start as early as February, and Airbus has also signaled interest in getting involved, according to Handelsblatt. The total contract value could amount to up to ten billion euros.

The project aims to achieve a network independent from foreign-influenced systems like Starlink by 2029, connecting tanks, ships, and soldiers using satellites. Rheinmetall and OHB have not yet commented on the matter. The German Ministry of Defense stated that procurement projects will only be made public after parliamentary deliberation.

Rheinmetall is known to identify the satellite business as a growth sector. In the future, the company expects revenues of eight to ten billion euros from digitalization, including satellites, as announced in their mid-term planning. The Düsseldorf-based company is already collaborating with the Finnish satellite company Iceye, and a similar joint venture with OHB is currently being considered.

In addition to cooperation, competition is also in the mix: Airbus maintains partnerships with Thales and Leonardo in the satellite domain and could compete with Rheinmetall for potential satellite contracts.

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