NECKARSULM and MUNICH, Germany, Feb 20, 2026 – HENSOLDT and Schwarz Digits have formed a partnership to expand software-defined defense and sovereign cloud capabilities for networked military operations. The companies will develop data-driven solutions designed for Germany and allied nations. The collaboration focuses on strengthening digital infrastructure in a connected defense environment.
Holistic Protection: from VS-Secret to Quantum Resistance
The partnership is developing independent defense cloud infrastructure using STACKIT, Schwarz Digits’ cloud platform. Schwarz Digits provides secure communication stacks that support data exchange up to the VS-Secret classification level.
The companies apply quantum-resistant encryption and cybersecurity technologies to address digital threats. The architecture is designed to protect the integrity of sensitive defense data within a sovereign cloud environment.
Modular Multi-Domain Operations Software Suite
HENSOLDT is contributing its defense technology portfolio, led by MDOcore (Multi-Domain Operations Core), an open and modular software suite that connects distributed data sources and performs AI-supported data fusion across military domains. The portfolio includes radar, optronics, electromagnetic signal intelligence, and active and passive sensor systems.
HENSOLDT also provides distributed data management, interoperability tools, and simulation environments for AI training and software validation. The company brings mission systems integration expertise across land, air, sea, cyber and space operations.
Oliver Dörre, CEO of HENSOLDT, said: “The security challenges of our time call for sovereign, powerful and networked solutions that Europe can provide from its own technological strength. The partnership with Schwarz Digits combines leading defense electronics with sovereign digital infrastructure. This enables us to create the conditions for the holistic implementation of software-defined defense and to provide armed forces with highly effective and expandable capabilities for the networked theatre of operations.”
Christian Müller, co-CEO of Schwarz Digits added: “With Schwarz Digits, we are laying the digital foundation for a new era. In doing so, we are proving that digital sovereignty offers the necessary speed and security to operate critical systems in a future-proof manner.”
Sven Heursch, chief digital officer at HENSOLDT commented: “Software-defined defense requires sovereign data spaces, powerful sensor technology and end-to-end, secure processing from the operational environment to the cloud. At Schwarz Digits, we share the understanding that technological sovereignty and operational effectiveness are inextricably linked. Together, we are laying the foundation for data-driven, resilient defense solutions that meet the requirements of modern multi-domain operations.”
Source: HENSOLDT
About HENSOLDT
Hensoldt AG is a German defense electronics and sensor technology company founded in 2017. It develops radar, optoelectronic, avionics and electronic warfare systems for defense, security and aerospace customers worldwide, including military, government and civil agencies. The company builds and integrates systems used for protection, surveillance and situational awareness across air, land, sea and space domains. Hensoldt also provides lifecycle services, training and simulation tools for its equipment. The company operates production sites in Germany, France, the UK and South Africa, with sales offices supporting global markets. Hensoldt is headquartered in Munich, Germany. It employs about 9,000 people worldwide. Hensoldt works across defense, aerospace and security sectors and supplies systems for military platforms, radar networks and sensor applications. The company traces its origins to former Airbus Defense and Space sensor operations before its spin-off. Hensoldt’s products and services support armed forces, government agencies and allied defense programs.
About Schwarz Digits
Schwarz Digits is the IT and digital division of the Schwarz Group, headquartered in Neckarsulm, Germany. Founded in 2023, the company provides cloud, cybersecurity, AI, data, communication and workspace services. Its offerings support corporate, public sector and institutional customers, as well as digital operations for Lidl, Kaufland and other Schwarz Group businesses. Schwarz Digits operates brands including STACKIT, XM Cyber, Schwarz Media, mmmake, Schwarz IT, Schwarz Digital, Lidl e-commerce and Kaufland e-commerce. The company develops and manages IT infrastructure aligned with German data protection standards. Schwarz Digits reports serving more than 300 customers globally and employs about 8,000 people worldwide.