European defense AI specialist Helsing and German space company OHB have created a joint venture, KIRK, to develop a space-based tactical surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting system for European armed forces. The venture leads an expanded industrial consortium that also includes Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and HENSOLDT, building on a three-way partnership first announced in December 2025.
KIRK, an acronym for Künstliche Intelligenz und Raumfahrt-Kompetenz (Artificial Intelligence and Space Competence), is intended to close what the partners describe as a critical capability gap on the modern battlefield by reducing the time between satellite data collection and target engagement. The concept combines a surveillance satellite constellation with an AI-driven targeting layer designed to provide near-real-time cueing for stand-off weapons.
According to the companies, Helsing will supply combat-proven artificial intelligence for space, including real-time on- and offboard data processing, multi-sensor fusion and automated target recognition. OHB will handle implementation and operation of end-to-end space systems and satellite platforms, drawing on its experience in Earth observation, communications and reconnaissance missions. HENSOLDT contributes space-qualified sensors for all-weather, persistent surveillance and high-precision Earth observation, as well as mobile ground stations, while Kongsberg provides small satellites, secure communications, C4ISR integration and access to its KSAT global ground station network.
The consortium structure foresees targeted participation by SMEs, start-ups and other suppliers, aligning with broader efforts in Germany and Europe to develop a more competitive defense space industry.