Rheinmetall begins serial production of SAR satellites in Neuss

Rheinmetall has moved from planning to serial manufacturing of synthetic-aperture-radar (SAR) satellites at its Neuss facility, partnering with Finnish firm Iceye. The satellites, roughly 3.3 m long, 0.8 m wide and 220 kg in weight, will use AI to filter and process imagery that works in darkness or adverse weather. Launches are scheduled on SpaceX rockets, with the first flight expected in early 2027.

A multi-year contract gives the German army exclusive rights to a set of these satellites, allowing direct, on-demand radar imaging. CEO Armin Papperger said the production start demonstrates Germany’s ability to scale space technology industrially. Experts from the Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik note that SAR data is essential for modern battlefield awareness, though it requires specialised analysts to interpret.