HENSOLDT and 21strategies Collaborate on Next-Generation AI for Defense Systems

The strategic collaboration will drive the development of next generation artificial intelligence (AI) and take HENSOLDT's AI competencies to a new level By Joseph Macey / 30 Jan 2023

Command and Control Software

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow DA

HENSOLDT and AI company 21strategies have agreed a strategic collaboration to drive the development of next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) for defense systems.

HENSOLDT will also participate in 21strategies’ financing round, providing a strong foundation for the cooperation. According to HENSOLDT, the agreed partnership will take its AI competencies to a new level. Because of the new AI approaches of the so-called Third Wave, such as cognitive AI, decisions in combat situations and the reaction to unknown threats can be decisively accelerated.

In addition, synergies result from the combination with HENSOLDT’s existing Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) competencies, which will further increase the performance of AI in the future.

The two companies are believed to be working closely together on GhostPlay, a project for the German Armed Forces Digitization and Technology Research Center (DTEC.Bw). GhostPlay creates a high-performance, synthetic simulation environment (= Ghost) in order to develop decision-making procedures taking into account different parameters (= Play) by means of AI and in interaction with opponents who have different profiles.

According to HENSOLDT, the technological approach of 21strategies complements its AI competencies and strengthens its performance profile in the areas of sensor management and cognitive electronic warfare. This includes, among other things, the development of multistatic and distributed sensor technology.

Celia Pelaz, Board Member and Chief Strategy Officer at HENSOLDT, said: “As a technology company in the defense industry, we have special requirements for AI. In order to optimally enable highly complex defense systems, we need to master artificial intelligence in its entire range. To this end, we develop many AI competencies in-house and supplement them in a very targeted manner by working with specialized partners such as 21strategies. As a strategic investor, we are able to provide the company with significant support in the defense sector and benefit from the targeted and rapid further development of the technology. Because we at HENSOLDT are convinced, the defence systems of tomorrow will be created at the interface of artificial intelligence with the deep knowledge of the application scenarios of our customers. The minority shareholding in 21strategies is the first of its kind at HENSOLDT. This is right in line with our policy of working with young and dynamic high-tech companies with strong cooperation potential.”

Yvonne Hofstetter, CEO and Co-Founder of 21strategies, added: “Already working for military research labs in the past, the 21strategies team had proliferated third-wave AI for currency and commodity hedging – these days, as you can see, more than ever a national security and preparedness issue. Through the successful cooperation with one of the most innovative representatives of the defense industry, we are once again making our AI tech stack available for defense as well. In doing so, it is of great concern to us to offer AI systems that meet our clients’ requirements for the legal and ethical compliance of AI. HENSOLDT will therefore also benefit greatly from our expertise with value-based engineering.”

Posted by Joseph Macey Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Who to see at Xponential 2025

Defense Advancement is pleased to be collaborating with so many companies participating in AUVSI's Xponential this year...

May 15, 2025
EOD/IED & Countermine Symposium to Spotlight Advances in Counter-IED Capabilities

DSI's EOD/IED & Countermine Symposium is returning for its 12th annual gathering on July 16–17 in National Harbor, MD, convening experts and solution providers from the DoD, federal government, academia, and industry

May 15, 2025
Protector RG Mk1 Issued Military Type Certification by the UK

GA-ASI has become the first manufacturer of large, unmanned aircraft to receive an MTC (Military Type Certificate) following the issue from UK’s Military Aviation Authority to the Royal Air Force’s Protector RG Mk1

May 15, 2025
Latest C-UAS Technology Debuts with Enhanced Threat Detection

AeroVironment’s Titan 4 delivers next-gen counter-UAS capabilities in a compact, deployable system, backed by AI-driven threat detection and an expanding modular ecosystem

May 15, 2025
SmallSat & Space Access Summit 2025 to Convene Key Industry Experts

DSI has announced the 8th Annual SmallSat & Space Access Summit, taking place June 25–26, 2025, in National Harbor, MD, featuring discussions on small satellite technology and space access solutions

May 14, 2025
Textron Systems Advances Naval sUSV Capabilities with TSUNAMI Delivery

Textron Systems has delivered its first TSUNAMI autonomous surface vessel to NSWC Dahlgren, supporting research, testing, and development of future naval capabilities

May 14, 2025

Featured Content

Discover ANELLO’s SiPhOGâ„¢ for GNSS-Denied Navigation at XPO25

CEO of ANELLO Photonics, Dr. Mario Paniccia, will present at Xponential 2025 on the company's SiPhOG-based inertial navigation technology in GPS-denied and GNSS-contested environments.

May 09, 2025
U.S. Army Partnership Advances Autonomous Helicopter Logistics Program

The U.S. Army is partnering with Honeywell and Near Earth Autonomy to retrofit Black Hawk helicopters with scalable autonomy kits for uncrewed logistics operations

May 08, 2025
Modular Head-Mounted Digital System for Real-Time Decision Support in Contested Environments

Galvion's new CORTEXâ„¢ system integrates compute, power, and data management into a modular helmet-mounted platform designed for modern tactical operations.

May 06, 2025
Advancing Defense Capability Through Strategic Collaboration Defense Advancement works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive defense capabilities forward.