Multi-Domain Defence Intelligence at ILA Berlin

HENSOLDT will use ILA Berlin 2026, taking place from 10–14 June in Berlin, Germany, to demonstrate how sensor data from air, space and electromagnetic domains can be integrated into a unified operational picture. The exhibition focuses on multi-domain operations, electronic warfare, radar systems and space-based intelligence capabilities for defence and security applications.

Multi-Domain Information Dominance
At the Defence Park (Stand G-200), HENSOLDT will present technologies that support the transition from target detection to operational effect. A central exhibit is the Battle Lab, a demonstration environment being shown publicly for the first time. The system illustrates how reconnaissance assets, effectors and command structures can be connected through a software-defined multi-domain network.

The concept addresses a growing requirement within modern defence operations: the ability to integrate information from multiple sensors and operational domains into a common operational picture. By linking reconnaissance and engagement chains, the system is intended to improve situational awareness and accelerate decision-making processes.

Airborne Electromagnetic Attack Capabilities
HENSOLDT will also showcase Kalætron Attack, an airborne electromagnetic warfare capability designed to counter hostile air-defence systems. Electromagnetic attack systems operate by detecting, analysing and disrupting adversary radar and communication networks, reducing their effectiveness and increasing survivability for friendly forces.

The technology forms part of a broader trend toward spectrum-dominance capabilities, where control of the electromagnetic environment is increasingly viewed as a prerequisite for air and joint-force operations.

Electronic Warfare and Strategic Signals Intelligence
Building on more than five decades of electronic warfare expertise, HENSOLDT will present Kalætron Integral, an integrated electromagnetic signal intelligence suite, alongside the PEGASUS strategic reconnaissance programme. The systems are designed to collect, process and analyse radio-frequency emissions, providing intelligence on communications and radar activity.

PEGASUS is being developed as Germany’s persistent airborne surveillance capability. Based on the Bombardier Global 6000 platform, the programme is intended to provide long-range signals intelligence and reconnaissance capabilities for the German Air Force. The aircraft are designed to detect and record military communications and radar emissions, supporting threat assessment, early warning and operational planning.

Space-Based SAR Reconnaissance
In the space domain, HENSOLDT will demonstrate OrbitISR, a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) reconnaissance capability designed for low Earth orbit operations. SAR technology enables high-resolution imaging independent of daylight conditions and is significantly less affected by cloud cover than optical imaging systems.

The capability is intended to provide tactical and operational users with persistent surveillance data and support the generation of accurate situational awareness under varying environmental conditions.

Airborne Radar Technologies
The company will also highlight its Eurofighter MK1 radar technology, reinforcing its position in European airborne radar development. Modern active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar systems provide improved target tracking, simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-surface functionality, and greater resistance to electronic countermeasures compared with earlier mechanically scanned radars.

Additional Context: Technical Specifications and Competitive Benchmarking Not Included in the Original Announcement
The technologies presented by HENSOLDT reflect broader developments within the digital defence ecosystem and sensor-fusion market. Multi-domain command-and-control architectures comparable to the Battle Lab concept are also being developed by organisations such as NATO member states under Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) and Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) programmes. These initiatives similarly focus on integrating sensor and weapon-system data into common operational networks.

In the electronic warfare sector, Kalætron competes in a market that includes systems from companies such as Saab, BAE Systems and Leonardo. Performance comparisons are generally assessed using measurable criteria including frequency coverage, signal-processing capacity, detection sensitivity and response time rather than platform-independent marketing metrics.

For space-based reconnaissance, OrbitISR operates within a rapidly expanding SAR satellite segment that includes systems from companies such as ICEYE and Capella Space. Common benchmark parameters include ground resolution, revisit rate, orbital coverage and all-weather imaging capability.

Within airborne radar technology, AESA radars such as the Eurofighter MK1 are typically evaluated using metrics including detection range, simultaneous target-tracking capacity, beam agility, electronic protection measures and power efficiency. The increasing adoption of AESA technology across European and allied combat aircraft reflects the growing importance of software-defined radar architectures and electronic warfare integration.

Edited by Sucithra Mani, Induportals editor – adapted by AI.

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