HENSOLDT, a leading European defence electronics company, has announced the launch of its MDOcore software suite, marking a significant milestone in the development of software-defined defence solutions. This innovative software suite is designed to revolutionise multi-domain operations (MDO) by enabling the first-ever end-to-end, cross-domain integration of sensor- and effect-based systems. This advancement promises to accelerate decision-making processes in the field and significantly reduce the time from reconnaissance to effect, bridging the gap between sensor networks and effector networks.
“Data is as important as ammunition on the battlefield,” stated HENSOLDT CEO Oliver Dörre. “With MDOcore, we are creating a key capability for networked data fusion and analysis – independent of non-European platforms. In this way, we are securing sovereignty over our own mission data and making a decisive contribution to technological sovereignty.”
The MDOcore software suite was developed based on current operational experiences and adheres to the principles of software-centred defence. One of its standout features is the ability to update or expand software modules during operation, allowing for rapid adjustments in response to new threats. This capability supports agile capability development, which is essential for modern military scenarios.
An initial functional prototype of MDOcore, incorporating multi-domain data fusion and AI-supported evaluation, has already been successfully tested. The software suite acts as a “universal translator” within complex defence networks, enabling seamless communication and real-time data exchange between diverse systems, such as a German radar, a French air defence battery, and an American command or weapon delivery system. This interoperability is made possible by MDOcore’s open, modular system architecture, which is compatible with the reference architectures of state-of-the-art defence programmes and uses established software standards. This design ensures flexibility, scalability, and freedom from dependencies on individual providers.
MDOcore is designed with user-friendliness in mind, allowing users to interact with the sensor-based network via voice input or text commands. The system provides precise, context-related information that goes beyond a classic situation picture, enhancing situational awareness and decision-making capabilities.
Looking to the future, MDOcore is prepared for integration with cloud computing, swarm operations, and even quantum computing. This forward-thinking architecture ensures that the software suite is ready to meet the demands of tomorrow’s battlefield.
Sven Heursch, Head of Software-Defined Defence & Digitalisation at HENSOLDT, emphasised the transformative potential of MDOcore: “MDOcore is more than a software suite – it is the foundation of a new way of thinking in defence technology. By decoupling hardware, software, data, and algorithms, we are creating a modular architecture that is interoperable, scalable, and future-proof. This creates a sovereign European defence infrastructure while strengthening long-term system capability.”
With the introduction of MDOcore, HENSOLDT is transitioning from being a sensor provider to a supplier of real-time, data-centric defence architectures. By combining existing expertise with data-driven analysis capabilities, HENSOLDT is setting a new standard for digital battlefield intelligence. This development underscores the company’s commitment to advancing European defence capabilities and ensuring technological sovereignty in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.