The contract covers development and pre-series vehicles as well as two production batches with a term until 2032. In a first batch, equipment for 274 vehicles was ordered; further options for additional systems are planned. In addition to supplying hardware and software, HENSOLDT is providing a comprehensive logistics support package – including training, documentation, spare parts supply and long-term system support.
“With this order, HENSOLDT is underpinning its role as a pioneer of a new technological era in defence and sustainably strengthening the modernisation of the German reconnaissance forces,” said Oliver Dörre, CEO of HENSOLDT AG. “In the age of networked operations, data is the new ammunition. The LUCHS 2 thus represents a clear paradigm shift: We are developing systems whose capabilities are no longer static, but can be further developed in a software-defined, modular manner throughout their entire life cycle. In this way, we are creating genuine information superiority, increasing the Bundeswehr’s capacity to act and, at the same time, securing Europe’s technological sovereignty.”
CERETRON – the brain of the LUCHS 2
CERETRON is the central mission system in LUCHS 2. It integrates the platform’s numerous different sensors for various spectra, processes their data in real time and uses it to generate a consistent tactical situation picture in the vehicle. With the help of AI-supported image processing, CERETRON automatically detects, identifies and tracks objects and persons, thus providing decision-relevant information directly to the crew and command structures.
Thanks to its NGVA-compliant, software-defined architecture, CERETRON is scalable and adaptable: new capabilities, functions and algorithms can be integrated without interfering with the vehicle hardware, thereby expanding the system’s performance throughout its entire life cycle. Sensor extensions can be added to the hardware as needed and then integrated into the software. At the same time, CERETRON reduces the cognitive load on the crew by automatically processing, prioritising and presenting information in a comprehensible manner. The resulting situation picture is available to every user on the platform in the relevant form – a central principle of software-defined defence and a significant advantage for quick, safe decisions in the field.
Multispectral sensor integration for maximum reconnaissance
In the LUCHS 2, a broad portfolio of sensors is natively integrated into CERETRON. This enables consistent end-to-end data management and an unprecedented depth of automated sensor fusion.
BAA IV – Long-range reconnaissance
Besides the combined thermal imaging and daylight sensors with laser rangefinder and target illuminator, the multispectral observation and reconnaissance system can also integrate an optional short-wave infrared (SWIR) camera for optimum visibility in poor weather conditions (rain, fog, etc.).
SETAS – All-round visibility and protection in real time
The See-Through Armour System (SETAS) offers all-round visibility day and night. The crew remains protected in the vehicle while still being able to keep an eye on their surroundings at all times. SETAS detects threats early in real time.
The mission system also includes a radio direction finder (RDF), laser warning system, and acoustic sensors that detect and partially locate respective signals to not only warn the crew immediately of threats, but to enable them to respond optimally.
Christina Canitz, Head of Optronics Division at HENSOLDT, said: “For the LUCHS 2, we are combining our core optronic and sensor capabilities into a powerful overall system. It is crucial that the crew can see, recognise and make safe decisions under all conditions. With this range of capabilities, we are creating clear operational added value for the Bundeswehr’s reconnaissance forces.”
MDOcore – the backbone of multi-domain missions
CERETRON can be seamlessly integrated into HENSOLDT’s new multi-domain software suite MDOcore, transferring data and situational information to make it available to higher user levels. MDOcore is HENSOLDT’s software-centred integration framework that networks sensors, effectors and cognitive systems across all domains – land, air, sea, cyber and space – and weapon systems, thus forming the technological backbone of future networked defence architectures.