{
  "id": 9153478,
  "title": "Rüstung: Rohde & Schwarz stärkt Satellitengeschäft mit zwei Zukäufen",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/rustung-rohde-schwarz-starkt-satellitengeschaft-mit-zwei-zukaufen",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-22T15:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/industrie/ruestung-rohde-schwarz-staerkt-satellitengeschaeft-mit-zwei-zukaeufen/100256265.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "Rohde & Schwarz, a technology conglomerate, is expanding its satellite communication business through the acquisition of two Dresden-based firms, Neosat and Phytronic. Both companies specialize in transmitting and processing radio waves, which enable communication between ground stations and satellites, as well as the control of drones from space. The takeover was disclosed on Tuesday, according to a report in Handelsblatt. The acquisitions will bolster and broaden Rohde & Schwarz's value creation depth and competitive and growth potential in the satellite communication market. Hansjörg Herrbold, a member of the company's management, explained to Reuters that modern armed forces rely heavily on satellite-based communication because it is difficult to detect and intercept. The success of this communication depends on the seamless coordination of signal generation, transmission, processing, and secure delivery to the receiver. Rohde & Schwarz has not disclosed the purchase price for the acquisitions. The strategic objective behind the purchases appears to be the development of the Bundeswehr's planned satellite network, known as \"SatcomBW-4.\" Construction of the network is expected to commence in 2029, with several hundred satellites being launched into orbit for secure, real-time communication. The Bundeswehr considers \"SatcomBW-4\" to be of the utmost priority, with a projected cost of between eight and ten billion euros, making it a central component of the 35-billion-euro defense procurement budget that Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) plans to invest in space technology by 2030. German companies are virtually the sole participants in the project. Satellite manufacturing will be a joint venture between Rheinmetall and the Bremer satellite manufacturer OHB, with Airbus Defence and Space also participating in the construction. Launch vehicles will be provided by Isar Aerospace, which recently successfully launched its first rocket into a low Earth orbit. The importance of this technology became evident during the war in Ukraine, when Russian forces lost their communication capability with the front when Elon Musk disabled Starlink service for the Russians at the beginning of the year. Russia is now building its own satellite network named \"Rassvet,\" which is expected to be operational by 2027 with up to 300 satellites. Rohde & Schwarz benefits from the defense business, but it's not all smooth sailing. The company is involved in the \"Digitalization Land-based Operations\" (DLBO) project, a large-scale initiative to provide the army with comprehensive digital radio coverage. However, the project is behind schedule and is causing billions in additional costs. Rohde & Schwarz is also the main contractor for the armored vehicle \"Maus,\" whose approval by the budget committee was halted at the beginning of 2026. The Parliamentarians objected to the award being made without an auction. In the meantime, the company, which employs 16,000 people worldwide, generated a revenue of 3.1 billion euros. At the beginning of the Ukraine war, defense contracts made up 20% of the company's revenue, but now they account for 50%. At its Munich headquarters, the company is currently modernizing and expanding its central office. CEO Christian Leicher aims to strengthen the company's position through acquisitions in various fields, including artificial intelligence, 6G mobile communication, space exploration, defense, and critical infrastructure. He emphasized that Rohde & Schwarz is a growth company in an interview with Handelsblatt in April.",
  "summary": "Der Münchener Technologiekonzern kauft zwei Raumfahrt-Start-ups aus Dresden. Das Ziel von Rohde & Schwarz sind weitere Bundeswehr-Aufträge für ein milliardenschweres Projekt.",
  "key_points": [
    "Rohde & Schwarz acquires Neosat and Phytronic to expand satellite communication business.",
    "Acquisition aims to bolster value creation and competitive potential in satellite market.",
    "Strategic objective aligns with development of Bundeswehr's planned satellite network SatcomBW-4."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}