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German defense tech start-up Helsing and space technology group OHB on Tuesday unveiled a joint venture to develop an AI-powered surveillance and targeting system for use in outer space.
Countries worldwide have been pouring more money into building up their space defenses, including Germany which last year unveiled its first national space security strategy.
Through the joint venture, the two German firms are taking the lead in a broader consortium to develop the space-based satellite system, with the project named Kirk.
“As traditional reconnaissance alone is no longer sufficient, the consortium is developing a space-based tactical surveillance and reconnaissance solution and combining it with an AI-based targeting system,” Helsing and OHB said in a joint statement.
Artificial intelligence will be used to manage the system and improve its capabilities, it said. The statement did not mention the cost of developing the system.
Helsing, known for making high-tech attack drones, provides AI capabilities, including data processing and target recognition, for the project.
OHB produces full space systems for tasks ranging from Earth observation to reconnaissance.
Two other companies in the consortium, Germany’s Hensoldt and Norway’s Kongsberg, make other products, including small satellites and specialized sensors.
Germany’s biggest defense group Rheinmetall is also expanding into the space sector, last year establishing a joint venture with Finnish satellite maker ICEYE.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius recently announced plans for the armed forces to spend 35 billion euros ($41 billion) by 2030 on space defense, citing growing threats posed by Russia and potentially China.
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German firms join forces on space surveillance system (2026, May 19)
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