Germany is launching military AI into space
German companies Helsing and OHB are launching a major defense project called Kirk—a new satellite system incorporating artificial intelligence for military reconnaissance and surveillance from space. Hensoldt and Kongsberg have also joined the consortium, and the project itself is yet another sign that Europe is actively preparing for a new era of space defense. Phys reports on this.
A new space race is gaining momentum in Europe—now not just for science or the internet, but also for defense. German companies Helsing and OHB have announced the creation of a joint project called Kirk—a next-generation military satellite system that will use artificial intelligence for reconnaissance, data analysis, and target detection.
The project is set to become part of a new European space security system. Its main goal is to help the military obtain information faster, respond to threats, and better control the situation on the battlefield.
The developers explain: modern warfare is changing very rapidly, and old surveillance systems can no longer handle the vast amount of information. That is why Western countries are beginning to rely on automation, satellites, and artificial intelligence.
In a joint statement, the companies described Kirk as a “space-based solution for tactical surveillance and reconnaissance.” In fact, it is an entire orbital system that will combine satellites, sensors, and AI programs for real-time data analysis. The artificial intelligence in the system will be responsible for several key areas:
— analyzing large volumes of information;
— automatic target recognition;
— coordinating satellite operations;
— rapid detection of potential threats;
— assisting the military in decision-making.
Helsing will focus primarily on AI solutions, software, and data analysis systems. The startup is already well-known in Europe for its military technologies and developments for strike drones.
For its part, OHB will be responsible for the space component of the project—the development of satellites and orbital infrastructure. The company has long been active in the field of space technology and builds Earth observation satellites.
The German company Hensoldt and the Norwegian Kongsberg Gruppen have also joined the consortium. They manufacture sensors, electronic systems, and military equipment. So far, the developers have not disclosed exactly how many satellites they plan to launch into orbit or how much the entire system will cost. But the very fact that such a project has been launched already shows how quickly Europe has begun investing in space defense.
Over the past few years, space security has become a key priority for NATO and Western countries. The reasons include the war in Ukraine, the rapid development of satellite intelligence, and concerns about the growing military capabilities of Russia and China.
In 2025, Germany even presented its first national space security strategy. The document officially designated space as a critically important domain for the country’s defense, communications, and infrastructure. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius previously stated that by 2030, the Bundeswehr plans to spend approximately 35 billion euros on space defense.
According to him, Europe can no longer afford to rely solely on outdated defense systems, as space is gradually becoming a distinct arena for potential military conflict.
At the same time, the German defense sector is actively entering the space sector. For example, Rheinmetall recently launched a joint project with the Finnish company ICEYE, which specializes in synthetic aperture radar satellites. Such satellites can monitor the Earth’s surface even at night, during rain, or through heavy clouds, making them particularly valuable for military reconnaissance.
Experts note that the role of space in future wars will only grow. Satellites are already helping armies gather intelligence, coordinate strikes, track equipment, and monitor troop movements. That is why NATO countries are increasingly investing in their own space programs to keep pace in the new technological race.
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