HENSOLDT software CERETRON heralds the digital era of land sensor technology
Networked sensors, automated processes, and NATO standards pave the way for a software-defined defence future.
Oberkochen (Germany), May 28, 2025 – With the successful completion of the first release milestone for its CERETRON software, sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT is ushering in a new era in digitally networked sensor technology and automation.
As part of a comprehensive system concept, a software-defined defence runtime environment has been put into operation that seamlessly integrates containerized algorithms into ground-based systems. The system successfully controlled optronic reconnaissance sensors via the standardized HENSOLDT architecture and displayed video streams and algorithm results in near real time.
Supplemented by the company's own object recognition and object-based tracking in a GVA (Generic Vehicle Architecture) -compliant user interface, CERETRON is already demonstrating in this early phase its ability to map simple control sequences just as reliably as complex target detection and reconnaissance processes.
“CERETRON not only opens up significant technological advances for us, but also creates new perspectives for our business development and future orders,” says Christina Canitz, Head of Division Optronics at HENSOLDT.
Modular software architecture for scalable automation
CERETRON is designed to be gradually expanded into a modular software system that will be continuously enhanced with new functions and interfaces in six-month release cycles. The next steps include the integration of additional sensor technology, such as the See Through Armour System (SETAS), and the connection to leading battlefield management systems such as “SitaWare” and “Adler”. At the same time, technical conditions are being created that enable flexible distribution of the computing load between central servers, distributed vehicle systems, and directly at the sensor.
Software-defined defence: networking and automation in combat
With CERETRON, HENSOLDT connects sensors, soldiers, and weapons in a continuous battle chain – a paradigm shift toward software-defined defence. The system supports the automated execution of action sequences on sensor platforms, from booting up the sensor suite to assisted close and long-range reconnaissance and post-mission debriefing. Intelligent assistants take over health monitoring, parameterize mission-specific settings, and ensure smart reporting. Automatic object recognition and data fusion from different sensors (image, acoustics, radio, and radar) aggregate data into mission-relevant information. The situation thus determined can be distributed in a data volume-optimized manner even at low bandwidth on the battlefield. CERETRON thus creates the conditions for early detection and countering of new threats such as drone and missile attacks.
NATO-level interoperability and shared information space
CERETRON complies with important international standards such as NGVA and GVA, which guarantees interoperability with third-party systems. Seamless integration into the Shared Information Space and connection to command-and-control systems such as “FüWES” and “BMS” optimize digitally supported combat operations. Continuous development and platform independence ensure that users are always up to date and can respond flexibly to changing mission requirements.
Press contact
Alexander F. Ogger
Our company
HENSOLDT is a leading company in the European defence industry with a global reach. Based in Taufkirchen near Munich, the company develops sensor solutions for defence and security applications. As a system integrator, HENSOLDT offers platform-independent, networked sensors. At the same time, the company is driving forward the development of defence electronics and optronics as a technology leader and investing in new solutions based on software-defined defence.
In addition, the company is expanding its range of offers to include new service models and is extending its portfolio of system solutions. In 2024, HENSOLDT achieved a turnover of 2.24 billion euros. Following the acquisition of ESG GmbH, the company employs around 9,000 people. HENSOLDT is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in the MDAX.
