Head of MENA at HENSOLDT
HENSOLDT, one of Europe’s leading defence electronics and sensor solution providers, has continued its strong growth trajectory in 2025, driven by rising defence budgets, expanding technological capabilities, and a clear strategic vision for multi-domain operations. With robust performance across its Sensors and Optronics segments, major advancements in radar and electronic warfare, and a growing global footprint, the company is reinforcing its role as a key enabler of modern defence forces. In an interview with Arabian Defence, Gary Shand, Head of MENA at HENSOLDT discusses the factors behind its recent growth, its core areas of technological leadership, milestones in radar and electromagnetic warfare, and its vision for the region and beyond.
HENSOLDT has reported strong growth in both order intake and revenue in the first nine months of 2025. What key factors have driven this performance across your Sensors and Optronics segments?
Continuously rising defence spending in Germany and other European countries drove strong order intake and revenue, with both our Sensors and Optronics segments contributing. In the Sensors segment, order intake was driven in particular by contract extensions for Eurofighter Mk1 radars and further orders for TRML-4D and Spexer radars.
Main drivers of the revenue were further growth in core business and activities of our Multi Domain Solutions division. In the Optronics segment, the order intake resulted mainly from optronic systems for U212A-class submarines and Ground-Based Systems (GBS). The increased revenue is primarily attributable to the positive development in the GBS product line and in the service business.
Could you elaborate on HENSOLDT’s core areas of strength and technological leadership?
HENSOLDT develops, produces, integrates, and operates systems that help armed forces detect, assess, and respond to complex threats. Our radar systems detect dangers long before they are visible, while our Optronics solutions provide high-precision sight and targeting capabilities.
As a system integrator, we connect complex systems and turn individual components into a functioning whole across domains. We also drive forward new solutions based on software-defined defence. Complementing our solutions, we provide product support throughout the lifecycle as well as training and simulations.
Could you share some of the recent technological milestones that reflect your leadership in the field of radar and electromagnetic warfare?
A key milestone is HENSOLDT’s ECRS Mk1, the next-generation Eurofighter radar with multi-channel AESA technology and a high-performance processor, enhancing the Eurofighter’s operational capabilities. Its architecture covers the full mission spectrum of modern combat aircraft – from advanced air-to-air and high-resolution air-to-ground modes to both passive and active electronic warfare functionalities.
Another milestone is the expansion of our Spexer radar family into the naval sector, focusing on detecting and countering drones at sea. It also scans the sea surface for threats such as anti-ship missiles and submarine periscopes, strengthening situational awareness and protection in the maritime domain.
Could you explain how HENSOLDT’s OPTARION system enhances interoperability and effectiveness in multinational operations?
HENSOLDT’s software-defined and system-integrated mission support solution OPTARION connects weapon systems from different branches in a joint tactical data network, serving as a technological bridge within multinational mission networks. It enables end-to-end integration from command-and-control systems to aircraft platforms and back.
By linking different data links and systems, it ensures that mission information can be exchanged quickly, consistently and securely. Key capabilities include fully digital command processes, which reduce complexity, increase speed and precision in mission coordination, and ultimately strengthen the effectiveness of multinational task forces.
With the launch of the MDOcore software suite, HENSOLDT has reached a key milestone on the path toward software-defined defence. Could you elaborate on its significance and the capabilities it brings to multi-domain operations?
MDOcore is the digital foundation for multi-domain operations, enabling end-to-end integration of sensor and effect systems. By linking reconnaissance and effector networks, it accelerates decision-making and shortens the time from detection to action. Following the principle of software-centred defence, MDOcore allows software modules to be updated or expanded during operations to respond quickly to emerging threats.
Acting as a “universal translator” MDOcore enables seamless, real-time communication between different systems. Its open, modular architecture complies with modern defence reference standards and prevents dependencies on individual providers. The suite provides a key capability for networked data fusion and analysis, independent of non-European platforms, securing sovereignty over mission data and strengthening technological autonomy.
EDEX serves as a key platform for regional engagement. What are HENSOLDT’s objectives and priorities at this edition of the exhibition?
HENSOLDT's priorities centre on strengthening ties with the Egyptian Armed Forces across radar, electronic warfare, and optronics, whilst demonstrating commitment to localisation and long-term partnerships.
Rather than traditional sales, the company positions itself to work closely with end-users to define solutions aligned with Egypt's national strategic objectives. This reflects broader regional momentum such as how Egypt are building comprehensive defence ecosystems and seeking collaboration through software-defined defence approaches.
EDEX serves as HENSOLDT's essential platform for reinforcing market leadership across Africa and the Middle East, offering direct access to key decision-makers from over 100 countries.
Looking ahead, what are HENSOLDT’s strategic priorities for growth, both in Europe and in key international markets such as the Middle East and Asia-Pacific?
We aim to expand globally with clarity and discipline. While the short-term budget expansions in Europe, especially in Germany, will temporarily shift our revenue distribution towards our home markets, our long-term goal remains 50 % Germany, 30 % Europe, and 20 % strategic regions worldwide.
In Europe, outside our home countries, we concentrate on high-opportunity markets such as the Nordics, Eastern Europe, and Ukraine. Beyond Europe, we focus on a select number of strategic regions – the U.S., Canada, Australia, APAC, India, and the Middle East. We pursue these markets through local partnerships and government-to-government frameworks, leveraging proven products and services.
