Munich-based defence start-up Helsing has handed the Bundeswehr’s Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support the source code for its Mission Operating System Bundeswehr (MissionOSBw). The company said the software is central to the Combat Fighter System of Systems Nucleus (CFSN) procurement programme.
Germany’s parliamentary Budget Committee approved the CFSN procurement in July. The contract was awarded to Helsing and an industry consortium that includes Hensoldt, Rohde & Schwarz, MBDA and Diehl Defence. It covers two experimental uncrewed combat aircraft, two ground control stations, autonomy software, a government-owned reference architecture and MissionOSBw.
Helsing said state ownership of the source code will allow the Bundeswehr to adapt and develop the software for future weapons systems according to its own needs. The company describes MissionOSBw as a foundation for coordinating the mission capabilities of those systems.
According to Helsing, many existing systems are built as closed platforms, meaning that integrating each new sensor or algorithm can require months of work. MissionOSBw is designed to support interchangeable mission modules from different suppliers through shared infrastructure and interfaces. The modules can cover sensors, communications management, automated mission planning, weapons control and effectors.
Helsing technical director Robert Fink called the handover an important milestone for the Luftwaffe and the Bundeswehr. He said the CFSN programme shows how procurement can make new software capabilities available faster and support their further development independently of individual manufacturers.
Sources: FAZ.