Hensoldt
| Company type | Public (AG) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Defense, Security, Aerospace, Sensor technologies |
| Predecessor | Electronics division of Airbus Defence and Space |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Headquarters | Taufkirchen , Germany |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Radar, Optoelectronics, Avionics systems, Electronic warfare systems |
| Owner | Federal Ministry of Defence (minimum shareholding since 2020), KKR (previous majority shareholder) |
| Website | www |
HENSOLDT AG (presented in all caps) is a German-based multinational corporation with its headquarters in Munich, focusing on sensor technologies for defense, security, and aerospace applications. The company’s principal offerings encompass radar, optoelectronics, and avionics systems. Its central administrative center is situated in Taufkirchen, close to Munich, Germany.
On 25 September 2020, Hensoldt AG debuted on the Prime Standard segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange with an initial share price of €12.00, assigning the enterprise an approximate market capitalization of €1.26 billion.
History
Hensoldt’s origins trace back to the electronics division formerly part of Airbus Defence and Space. In February 2017, Airbus divested this division to the American private equity firm KKR for €1.1 billion. Since December 2020, the German government has maintained a minimum shareholding, overseen by the Federal Ministry of Defence (BMVg).
The company adopted the Hensoldt name in 2017 as a tribute to Moritz Carl Hensoldt (1821–1903), a 19th-century German pioneer in optics and precision mechanics who established an optical workshop in 1852.
In 2019, Reuters disclosed that KKR was considering either listing between 20-30% of Hensoldt or exploring a potential sale.
In 2023, Hensoldt expanded by acquiring defence systems integrator ESG Elektroniksystem at an enterprise valuation of €675 million ($728 million), with an additional earn-out possibility up to €55 million.
Corporate structure
As of September 2019, the Hensoldt Group’s holding framework comprises these significant subsidiaries:
- Hensoldt Sensors GmbH, Taufkirchen, Germany
- Hensoldt Optronics GmbH, Oberkochen, Germany
- Hensoldt UK Ltd., Enfield, UK (previously Kelvin Hughes)
- Hensoldt SAS, Plaisir, France
- Nexeya SAS, Châtenay-Malabry, France
- EuroAvionics Holding GmbH, Pforzheim, Germany
- Hensoldt Australia Pty Ltd, Canberra, Australia (formerly IE Asia-Pacific Pty Ltd)
- Hensoldt South Africa, Pretoria (previously Hensoldt Optronics (Pty) Ltd. and GEW Technologies (Pty) Ltd)
- Hensoldt Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru, India
- Hensoldt Inc., Vienna, Virginia, USA
- Hensoldt Netherlands, Rotterdam
Radar
Hensoldt develops and produces radar solutions utilized for surveillance, reconnaissance missions, air traffic management, and air defence operations. Its radar technologies are deployed on platforms including the Eurofighter Typhoon, German Navy F125-class frigates, US Navy littoral combat vessels, and various terrestrial systems. The radar portfolio was broadened in 2017 through the acquisition of British radar manufacturer Kelvin Hughes.
Among its key ground-based air defence products are the TRML-3D and TRML-4D active radars along with the TwInvis passive radar system. The TwInvis notably tracked F-35 stealth jets during the 2018 ILA Berlin Air Show. Naval radar products include the TRS-3D and TRS-4D models available in both fixed panel and rotating variants.
Optronics
Hensoldt manufactures optical and optronic equipment for military and civil security purposes such as daylight cameras, thermal imaging devices, image intensifiers, and laser rangefinders. These solutions support operations across air, land, sea, and space domains as well as infrastructure and border protection. Their optronics are integrated into platforms like the Puma infantry fighting vehicle, Leopard main battle tank, Type 212 and Type 209 submarines, Gripen and Rafale fighter jets, AHRLAC reconnaissance aircraft, Baykar TB2 UAVs, Camcopter S-100 drones, Diamond DA42 aircraft, and EDRS-A satellite. Furthermore, Hensoldt produces sights, targeting optics, and optical assemblies used on Leopard 2 tanks, PzH 2000 howitzers, NH90 and Tiger helicopters along with equipment for the Bundeswehr’s "Future Soldier" infantry modernization initiative.
Avionics
A cornerstone of Hensoldt's offerings is the Sferion Pilot Assistance system, designed to ensure safe navigation under poor visibility conditions. Their product range further encompasses situational awareness solutions, military-grade mission computers, and flight data recorders tailored for both helicopters and fighter aircraft. The company played a pivotal role in establishing the German Air Force’s air traffic control infrastructure across a 1,700 by 1,500 km region by outfitting its airports with ASR-S surveillance radar technology. Additionally, Hensoldt provides air traffic control radar systems through contracts in countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. In August 2017, Hensoldt broadened its avionics expertise by acquiring EuroAvionics GmbH, a German firm specializing in civil avionics for helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Electronic warfare
The electronic warfare segment of Hensoldt features the Kalaetron series of airborne solutions, including the "Kalaetron Attack," which is specifically engineered to disrupt hostile radar systems. The company also manufactures systems for radar and radio signal detection and analysis, along with devices designed to shield convoys and vehicles from improvised explosive device (IED) threats. Its MUSS electronic self-defense system for armored vehicles is incorporated into the Puma infantry fighting vehicle utilized by the German Armed Forces.
Controversies
In October 2018, Germany implemented an arms export prohibition targeting Saudi Arabia following the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi. Despite this restriction, reports surfaced in September 2022 indicating that Hensoldt continued to engage in arms transactions with Saudi Arabia. The company entered into a joint venture with Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) in 2019. To circumvent the German embargo, Hensoldt utilized subsidiaries located in the United Kingdom, France, and South Africa to supply equipment to Riyadh. During 2020, amid the ongoing Yemeni Civil War, Hensoldt negotiated agreements for border radar installations and acted as a subcontractor providing components to Spanish and French manufacturers exporting arms to Saudi Arabia.