A catalyst for innovation
It is often said that an overall system is much more than simply the sum of its individual parts, which fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. With its system integration capabilities, a core competence since the acquisition of the ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH in 2024, HENSOLDT supports armed forces and security organisations to implement such overall systems into their daily operations.
What is system integration?
System integration in the security and defence sector is a key aspect that involves linking together different technologies, subsystems and processes.
It is effectively the ‘art’ of joining complex systems to ensure seamless interaction and interoperability to reliably deliver the capability requested by the customer. Given the complex nature of armament systems, a thorough understanding of how each component works and interacts with each other is essential.
While initially challenging, this complexity also serves to drive innovation. The sheer variety of capabilities required in the security and defence sector creates a dynamic environment where new challenges must be constantly overcome and both creative and innovative solutions sought.
The entire team enjoys tackling these challenges every day, knowing that in doing so they are making a valuable contribution to the security of all of us and of our allies and partners.
Experience since the 1960s
From Starfighter to modern drone detecionSystem integration based on a deep and comprehensive overall system understanding, customer proximity and technological expertise is one of the core capabilities of ESG Elektroniksystem-und Logistik-GmbH, which has been an integral part of the HENSOLDT Group since 2024. Pervading all dimensions of the service portfolio, this capability is very closely linked to the company’s founding history and subsequent development.
When the Starfighter, built under licence in Germany, was introduced into the German Armed Forces, the contract to improve its operational readiness – and prevent any further crashes – was awarded to the then Flug-Elektronik-Gesellschaft (FEG), which was founded specifically for this purpose in 1963.
Step by step, the team achieved this as part of a reliability programme – the key to success was that the engineers viewed and understood the system as a whole. In 1967, the companies with a stake in FEG joined forces to form Elektronik-System-Gesellschaft (ESG) to develop the avionics system for the Tornado aircraft – another undertaking made possible only by having an understanding of the whole system.
Over the decades, the company developed their capabilities and domain expertise in various projects for all branches and military organisational units of the Bundeswehr, allied forces and numerous other government and civilian customers.
Building on this enormous wealth of experience, the Multi-Domain Solutions division at HENSOLDT (including most of ESG’s activities) offers a diverse portfolio of services operating as a system integrator in all dimensions of current multi-domain operations and across the defence and security industry as a whole. It combines the platform level with the subsystem and system levels, ensuring a secure and functional overall system within highly complex, cross-dimensional networks.
It is often said that an overall system is much more than simply the sum of its individual parts, which fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. Given this, it goes without saying that the responsible task of system integration depends all the more on the highest precision, compliance with the strictest norms and quality standards, and successful interdisciplinary cooperation – in many cases across organisational boundaries.
Our services range from conducting requirement and risk analyses, developing powerful system architectures, performing end-to-end integration planning, selecting suitable components, creating high-capacity interfaces for effective cross-domain and cross-platform connectivity and networking, installing the relevant software solutions, through to the testing and approval of the overall systems.
At all times, the focus is on providing comprehensive technical and logistical support for individual components, subsystems and the overall system throughout its entire life cycle.
System integration is anything but trivial. Companies offering such a service must proactively face the challenges of the rapidly increasing pace of innovation and the proverbial ‘quantum leaps’ in the performance of software technologies.
Various examples from ESG’s portfolio of services prove that this is achievable – from its modular multi-sensor/multi-effector counter-UAS solution with core intelligence to various (highly mobile) modular command post system solutions.
C-UAS: Modular multi-sensor/multi-effector system for detecting and defending against drones
The latest conflicts are a regular reminder of how drones have the potential to pose threats and are shaping the current and future battlefield. With drones in the range of commercially available up to military drones, the scenarios become more and more complex: C-UAS systems must cover various scenarios from domestic situations to engaging in high-intensity missions as part of national and alliance defence.
To effectively manage and protect assets, the system needs to be flexible and scalable to handle potential threats. This is reflected in the different deployment options, which range from ultra-deployable systems on tripods, vehicle integrations to fixed installations.
HENSOLDT’s modular multi-sensor and multi-effector approach is completed with its advanced Elysion(r) C-UAS Mission Core command and control system.
The specialised C-UAS software provides extensive functions through its core intelligence with data fusion and enables in combination with an intuitive operational picture to meet the requirements of future-proof C-UAS systems.
Scalable command post systems
Command posts are essential to the control and organisation of modern armed forces. They provide the basis for command superiority and effectiveness in networked information and operational environments.
In addition to reliable telecommunications links, seamless information exchange across all command levels is essential.
The character of current and future deployments tends to be determined by multi-domain operations in particular.
ESG’s command post systems can be scaled for any intended use, ensuring connectivity and cross-domain operations in any mission scenario.
The use of containers makes the systems comparatively easy to transport and the IT infrastructure can be adapted and integrated as required.