Defence Tech Companies in Germany
Germany's defence budget reaches €108 billion in 2026, combining core spending with the Sondervermögen special fund, and procurement accounts for over a quarter of that figure. Rheinmetall sits across 53 separate planning lines worth more than €88 billion, but Munich has emerged as the more dynamic hub, where Helsing raised €600 million at a €12 billion valuation in June 2025 and Quantum Systems closed a €200 million round at a $3 billion valuation. German startups took roughly 90 per cent of all European defence tech investment in the first half of 2025.
Sectors in Germany
All Defence Companies in Germany
Builds battlefield AI software, autonomous strike drones and electronic warfare systems for European armed forces.
Builds loitering munitions, autonomous maritime vessels and multi-domain command software for NATO militaries and European armed forces.
Builds space traffic management and collision avoidance platforms that help satellite operators navigate an increasingly crowded orbit.
Develops the Spectrum two-stage rocket and operates launch services for small and medium satellites from European spaceports.
Builds spatial AI that converts 3D visual data from cameras and sensors into queryable intelligence, enabling GNSS-denied navigation, object detection and terrain analysis for defence and infrastructure applications.
Builds tactical ISR drones, autonomous ground vehicles and multi-domain command software for NATO-aligned military forces and government agencies.
Manufactures heavy-lift unmanned aircraft for medical evacuation, tactical logistics and long-range surveillance, with platforms ranging from 650 kg to 800 kg maximum takeoff weight.
Builds quantum diamond microscopes for non-destructive defect imaging and current mapping in semiconductor chips and wafers.
Designs and manufactures custom-built dual-use satellite platforms for LEO missions, delivering optical, SAR and SATCOM satellites for commercial and governmental customers in under nine months.
Develops software-defined data links that keep unmanned air, land and sea systems connected under jamming, interference and signal degradation.
Builds flight inspection systems and airborne surveillance platforms for aviation authorities, coast guards and military operators worldwide.
Builds FEEP-based electric propulsion systems for small satellites, enabling constellation deployment, collision avoidance, station keeping and deorbiting from a mass-production facility in Dresden.
Develops a universal RISC-V microprocessor that replaces multiple embedded chips — CPU, DSP, GPU and FPGA — with a single reconfigurable processor.
Builds on-demand manufacturing software that helps defence and industrial organisations identify spare parts suitable for additive manufacturing and manage distributed production workflows.
Builds and operates a thermal satellite constellation that measures surface temperatures globally to give governments and military agencies intelligence invisible to optical and radar systems.
Builds cloud platforms for managing, processing and sharing underwater sensor data, serving naval, offshore wind and marine surveying organisations.
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Autonomous ground systems and sensors for military logistics and surveillance. Opening Europe's largest production facility for autonomous defence systems.
Submarine technology specialist that has equipped every Class 209 submarine built with its hoistable masts, delivering 900+ units to navies worldwide. Developing torpedo-tube-launched USVs (Ranger recon and Raider strike) with FLANQ for NATO naval forces.
Develops rugged embedded electronics, video distribution units and FPGA modules for armoured vehicles and defence systems. Supplies driver vision systems approved for battle tanks to German OEM integrators from its Aalen facility.
A materials technology company developing advanced fiber-reinforced composites and metal-coated fibers for applications including electromagnetic shielding, radar-absorbing materials, and high-performance composites for aerospace and defence sectors.
Builds Third Wave AI for tactical decision-making in defence, enabling armed forces to develop and evaluate AI-based tactics through high-fidelity simulation environments.
Manufactures real-time spectrum analysers and the AARTOS drone detection system that was the world's first RF-based counter-UAS solution when launched in 2013. Products are used by military and security services for electromagnetic spectrum monitoring and threat detection.
Develops and manufactures tactical armoured vehicles from 3.5 to 14.8 tonnes. Won the Bundeswehr CARACAL contract for over 3,000 air-transportable vehicles to be delivered over 15 years, with a EUR 10M factory expansion to 9,000 m2 in 2024.
Develops VR and mixed-reality flight simulators for Eurofighter and Tornado aircrew training. A Bundeswehr partner for over 20 years, staffed by 50+ engineers including former Luftwaffe pilots.
Real-time 3D scene reconstruction and geospatial intelligence from drone, satellite, SAR and LiDAR data. Builds persistent spatial memory across missions, automatically detecting changes like new structures or vehicle movements. EUDIS Defence Hackathon 2025 winner.
Naval communications systems integrator supplying 45+ navies worldwide. Builds the APCOS 4000 open-architecture ship communication system and SAMMS secure military messaging, with specialisms in submarine antenna systems.
Photonic computing chips processing data at the speed of light for high-performance defence AI and signal processing.
Builds the Sentinel counter-UAS system, an air-to-air sensor and interceptor network that detects, classifies and intercepts hostile drones and loitering munitions.
Designs and manufactures compact thermal imaging clip-on devices and goggles for military forces, specialising in the world's smallest and lightest IR attachments for infantry and mounted weapons.
Drone-based unexploded ordnance detection using geomagnetic sensors. University of Munster spin-off founded in 2019 with Cyber Innovation Hub partnership for Bundeswehr mine reconnaissance.
Designs and manufactures safety and rescue systems for aviation, armoured vehicles and maritime applications, including ejection seat integration, helicopter seating, parachutes, CBRN protection and fuel measurement systems.
Builds scalable sensor networks to defend against AI-powered asymmetric threats like drone swarms on land, in the air and at sea. Raised EUR 10.25 million from IQ Capital, HTGF and General Catalyst.
AI-powered explosive ordnance recognition and disposal. SAFETREK app is the first AI software to detect, classify and geolocate mines and IEDs. Partners with ARX Robotics and WARGdrones on Project Vulture for rapid minefield breaching.
Advanced composite materials manufacturer for aerospace and defence structural applications. Alpine Space Ventures portfolio.
World market leader in CBRN protective suit systems. Over 10 million SARATOGA-brand protective suits deployed in more than 40 countries, including by OPCW inspectors. Manufactures filter technologies and CBRN/ballistic protection systems in Erkrath.
Produces the EKA Camlock expandable baton used by German police and over 500,000 law enforcement units worldwide. Also manufactures FlexShield foldable ballistic shields and Hart Armour body protection systems.
Darknet monitoring and leaked credential detection platform for defence and critical infrastructure. Indexes 80 billion accounts and 300 billion assets with AI-driven risk prioritization. DefenseTech-Inkubator.NRW member.
Family-owned ballistic helmet manufacturer with over 40 years of history. Developed the combat helmet currently worn by Bundeswehr soldiers. Produces aramid-based helmets certified to DEA-FBI Ballistic Protocol standards from facilities in Gütersloh.
Makes tactical communication hardware — PTT control units, DECT wireless intercom systems and hearing-protective headsets — for armed forces, police and emergency services.
Designs, manufactures and commissions HF radio communication systems and antenna infrastructure for military and government customers. One of Europe's leading integrators for naval ship-to-shore HF comms covering VLF through UHF bands.
Builds counter-drone detection, tracking and mitigation systems protecting military bases, airports, stadiums and public safety sites across 32 countries.
DeltaOrbit develops next-generation in-space propulsion systems using advanced cryogenic Methane/Oxygen technology. Their satellite engines provide superior agility and endurance for multi-orbit operations, interceptions, and evasions, enabling allied forces to win maneuver warfare in space.
Modular loitering munition systems and drone motor manufacturing. The Adaptive Loitering Munition Platform Mouse can be configured for different mission profiles. Tripled revenue and expanding German production capacity.
Develops and manufactures protected modular container systems for military infrastructure. Has delivered over 6,000 camp containers for operations by the German, Australian, Canadian and Dutch forces since 1999.
Builds shoulder-fired weapon systems, vehicle protection and digital command solutions for armed forces, with over 20 militaries worldwide relying on its RGW and Panzerfaust platforms.
Designs and manufactures sonar systems for naval submarines and surface vessels, with nearly 100 years of hydroacoustic engineering based in Kiel, Germany.
Trapped-ion quantum computers for military logistics optimization, cryptography, and complex simulation workloads.
Manufactures rugged MF/HF military and submarine antennas under the DUK brand. Installed on naval fleets worldwide including the German Navy. Founded 1952, all products made in Germany near Hamburg.
Builds the Greyshark family of autonomous underwater vehicles for long-range ISR and subsea infrastructure protection. The hydrogen-powered Foxtrot variant can operate for 16 weeks covering 11,000 nautical miles. Partnered with Rheinmetall for coastal defence integration.
Designs biomimetic underwater robots and acoustic communication systems for naval and offshore operations. Products include autonomous underwater vehicles inspired by penguin locomotion and dolphin-based acoustic modems for subsea positioning. Founded in 2000 in Berlin.
Military container systems manufacturer based in Bremen. Produces protected living units, command shelters, mine detection containers and mobile camp infrastructure for the Bundeswehr and NATO forces worldwide.
Designs and manufactures autonomous uncrewed surface vessels for naval defence including the Q-RECON series and underwater vehicles. Combines AI-powered Q-MIND autonomy software with maritime hardware for coastal surveillance and special forces operations.
Develops the Songbird VTOL fixed-wing drone for ISR, transport and surveillance with 2-6 hours of flight time, and the BEE-H6 heavy-lift hexacopter carrying up to 200 kg. Offers modular payload integration for military and civilian applications.
Builds end-to-end encrypted mobile phones with 4096-bit key exchange and hardened OS. Pioneered the secure smartphone market in 2003 with patented Baseband Firewall that detects IMSI catchers. Used in 50+ countries.
Manufactures bullet-resistant glass and periscopes for armoured vehicles. Supplies 40+ armies worldwide with over 400 periscope types and composite transparent armour that reduces weight by 10-20% at the same ballistic protection level.
Builds AI-powered mission management software for airborne operations, helping pilots, drone operators and mission commanders work alongside autonomous systems in defence and public safety roles.
Develops and manufactures UAV drones for reconnaissance and surveillance missions, offering modular, encrypted drone systems with dual-use applications for professional security operations.
Develops hypersonic vehicles for Europe's resilience and space sovereignty, focusing on advanced aerospace technology for defence and space applications.
Spin-off from Laser Zentrum Hannover developing ultra-fast laser beam steering for counter-drone defence. The FASTLIGHT SHIELD system claims theoretical intercept capability of up to 300 drones per minute. Backed by HTGF.
Value-added distributor of military communications, tactical radios, SATCOM, optronics and night vision devices. Serves as MRO partner to the Bundeswehr for rescue equipment, NVGs and military radios since 1992.
Develops precise indoor and outdoor positioning systems using proprietary algorithms and rugged hardware for defence and security applications. Supplies Rheinmetall and ARX Robotics with radio-based position tracking for GPS-denied environments.
Delivers satellite-based analytics for infrastructure monitoring using AI and Earth observation data. Provides predictive insights for utility companies and infrastructure operators.
Builds OSINT and link analysis tools that help intelligence agencies, law enforcement and corporate investigators uncover hidden connections across open-source, dark web and commercial data sources.
Building Europe's first commercial Earth Observation satellite constellation for daily high-resolution monitoring. Combines multispectral satellite systems with AI-powered analytics.
Develops superconducting single-photon detectors for photonic quantum sensing and optical quantum computing. Specializes in quantum sensing instrumentation.
Manufactures stainless steel defence components, special machine assemblies and tank track maintenance systems in Saxony. Supplies armoured vehicle parts and custom defence solutions to the Bundeswehr.
Compact eavesdropping-secure satellite communication using software-defined radios and MIMO antenna technology. Universität der Bundeswehr München spin-off, winner of the CPM Innovation Award 2025.
Develops and manufactures tactical audio communication systems for military, special forces and emergency services. Professional-grade headsets and audio equipment for noisy and critical environments. Made in Germany.
Satellite-based signal intelligence using distributed small satellite networks. Universität der Bundeswehr München spin-off backed by Rohde and Schwarz, detecting and locating signals in near real time from space.
Builds a satellite constellation and wildfire management platform that detects and tracks fires as small as 10x10 metres across 500 million hectares globally, serving fire agencies and land managers in 25 countries.
Neutral-atom quantum computing startup spun out of the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics. Commissioned by the German government to deploy a 1,000-qubit quantum computer at the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre and won a EUR 29M DLR contract.
Builds SIGINT, COMINT and electronic warfare systems for military and government customers, covering the full intelligence collection cycle across land, naval and airborne platforms.
Builds reusable spaceplanes using aerospike engines that take off and land on runways. Won a Bundeswehr contract to develop the HYTEV hypersonic test vehicle and completed Europe's first privately funded aerospike-powered flight in 2024. Has 70 employees in Bremen.
Develops AI-supported software solutions for defence and security capabilities, focusing on data-driven decision-making and situational awareness through their Q-SUITE platform.
Builds quantum key distribution systems for ultra-secure fibre and satellite communications. Fraunhofer IOF spin-off whose entangled photon-pair sources are independently certified and deployed in European quantum network projects. Founded in 2020 in Jena.
Designs and manufactures high-fidelity flight simulators, maintenance training rigs and augmented reality training devices for military and civil aviation customers worldwide.
Develops the ARGOS APS passive counter-drone system using AI-assisted acoustic and optical sensor fusion instead of radar to avoid electronic detection. Designed by soldiers for soldiers with a target price under EUR 100,000 per unit for scalable frontline deployment.
Develops and manufactures modular robot automation solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises, offering flexible hardware kits and no-code software platforms.
Small satellite launch vehicle developer building the RFA ONE rocket for European sovereign access to space.
Develops and manufactures precision military rifle scopes from Biebertal with over 90 employees. The Police Marksman series is used by elite forces including US military and NATO snipers. Founded 1957 by two German instrument makers.
Manufactures the Bundeswehr standard combat helmet (Gefechtshelm M92) and the modern M100 ballistic helmet certified to NIJ IIIA and VPAM 2. Produces 1.5 million helmets per year from Magdeburg with around 300 employees. Founded 1922.
Berlin startup modernising military logistics with AI-driven planning, real-time supply chain visibility and resilient distribution. Replaces analogue processes used by armed forces with software-based planning tools.
Counter-drone startup developing the DroneHammer, a laser-guided interceptor missile that neutralises FPV drones at up to 2,000 metres for around EUR 2,500 per shot. Uses CO2-based fragmentation instead of explosives. Pre-series production planned for Q4 2026.
Europe's only manufacturer of guyless mobile antenna masts up to 40 metres. Over 1,900 units in military service worldwide for communications, radar and surveillance. Bundeswehr supplier since 1974.
Military parachute systems manufacturer certified as a Bundeswehr aviation equipment supplier. Exports to over 30 countries and has produced parachutes for armed forces worldwide for over 70 years from its Saxony facility.
Develops bio-robotic systems using living insects equipped with sensor backpacks for reconnaissance in confined and hazardous environments. Deployed with paying NATO customers including the Bundeswehr. Raised EUR 13 million in funding.
Uses AI to process billions of open sources for real-time situational awareness and crisis intelligence. Provides 24/7 dynamic frontline monitoring of the Ukraine conflict for government and military organizations. Spin-off from FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg.
Lightweight mobile explosives trace detector weighing 1.3 kg, using chemical-optical measurement technology with patented fluorescent dyes that react to TNT and other explosives. BAM spin-off supported by the EXIST funding programme.
Develops AI-powered interceptor drones that detect, track and neutralize hostile UAVs at speeds up to 350 km/h. Won a multi-hundred-million-euro Bundeswehr contract and partnered with HENSOLDT to scale production to 3,000 interceptors per month from its Munich facility.
Builds military inflatable boats and rigid-hull inflatables for special forces, rescue services and naval operations. Based near Hamburg, the company has designed customized boats for government agencies and security forces since 1987.
Develops digital wideband RF jammers and counter-drone systems manufactured in Germany. The modular XWJ2 platform covers vehicle, portable and stationary jamming across 800+ security projects in 90+ countries since 2003.
Develops and manufactures thermal imaging cameras and electronic modules for military, government and civilian use. Founded in 2012, the company produces all devices at its Fürth facility and serves as OEM partner for thermal imaging technology.
Space situational awareness using AI-driven analytics and a dedicated microsatellite constellation for in-orbit debris tracking. TU Munich spin-off backed by Safran Corporate Ventures and the European Investment Fund, in talks with NATO space commands.
Autonomous drone systems for explosive ordnance disposal and counter-IED operations. PEREGRINE drone deploys LANCE disruptors from airborne or landed positions with AI-assisted target acquisition. Delivering to Ukrainian forces.
Electric VTOL delivery drones adaptable for tactical military logistics and humanitarian aid missions.
Develops RF electronics, satellite frequency converters and navigation simulators with a growing defence electronics division. Selected by ESA as prime contractor for the IRIS2 secure connectivity constellation test bed.
Tactical equipment manufacturer producing plate carriers, ballistic vests, magazine pouches and load-bearing systems for the Bundeswehr, police and special forces. All products are sewn in Germany to military TL specifications.
Develops compact, mobile telescopic mast systems with self-locking structures for mounting sensors and effectors on military platforms. Products feature internal cable routing and modular payload interfaces for field deployment. Founded 2011.
