Taufkirchen, Germany, 25 January 2021 – HENSOLDT and Fraunhofer IOSB in Ettlingen, Germany, have entered into a cooperation agreement with the aim of developing future-proof, robust and powerful lasers for laser-based countermeasures for self-protection systems and reconnaissance purposes.
“We made a very conscious decision to go with the Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation (IOSB) in Ettlingen and their Laser Technology Department,” explained Countermeasures Product Manager Harald Knapp, “as their expertise in the laser field and their ambitious laser roadmap are the best fit for our product portfolio. The institute has an excellent reputation in our industry.”
The cooperation between HENSOLDT and the Fraunhofer Institute includes the transfer of laser technology to Oberkochen. The staff in Oberkochen have a unique reputation worldwide in the development of military lasers and will drive miniaturisation forward. At the Taufkirchen site, HENSOLDT is developing demonstrators in the area of self-protection land vehicles for several promising applications in which this laser technology could be used. The integration of the first laser demonstrator in IR countermeasures is planned for this year. Further projects will follow.
“With laser technology, we are advancing into a new wavelength range and higher power classes, which will enable us to develop various applications and novel products in the land, sea and air sectors. Our German customer is showing great interest in these product developments. A concrete selection decision has already been made for a first application, and we are in promising dialogue for two others,” said Dr Oliver Rudow, Programme Area Manager Self-Protection Land Vehicles.
About Fraunhofer IOSB
Fraunhofer IOSB conducts research in the fields of laser technology, image acquisition using optronic systems, real-time image and signal evaluation, architecture of information, simulation and decision support systems, and embodied AI. With its analysis and evaluation capability, in concrete technology projects as well as through contract research and development, it supports the German Federal Ministry of Defence with its subordinate offices and services as well as the defence technology industry. The rapid implementation of current research results for the enablement of the Bundeswehr and the protection of soldiers is a top priority.
About HENSOLDT
HENSOLDT is a pioneer of technology and innovation in the field of defence and security electronics, with more than 150 years of heritage through predecessor companies such as Carl Zeiss, Airbus, Dornier, Messerschmitt and Telefunken. Based in Taufkirchen near Munich, Germany, the company is a leading strategic player in the field of sensor solutions for defence and non-defence applications. HENSOLDT develops new products to combat a wide range of threats based on innovative approaches to data management, robotics and cybersecurity. With more than 5,500 employees, HENSOLDT generated revenues of 1.11 billion euros in 2019. Since September 2020, HENSOLDT has been listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and the SDAX stock market index there.
Press contact
Carina Engelhardt
Tel.: +49 (0) 7364.9557.531
carina.engelhardt@hensoldt.net
