Continued In-Service Support by HENSOLDT reinforces European COBRA radar readiness

​​Signing ceremony at OCCAR: Olaf Ripper, HENSOLDT, Joachim Sucker, OCCAR, and Fabrice Crepin, HENSOLDT (f.l.t.r.) ​Photo: OCCAR

(IN BRIEF) HENSOLDT has been awarded a follow-on In-Service Support contract by OCCAR to maintain and sustain the COBRA artillery radar system until 2028, following a renewed defence cooperation agreement between Germany and France. As the designated System Design Authority, HENSOLDT will continue overseeing technical support functions including maintenance, incident management, IT security, logistics documentation, and quality assurance, with obsolescence management remaining a core priority to ensure longevity beyond 2035. COBRA retains its position as the world’s most advanced weapon-location radar with long-range detection capabilities and strong resistance to electronic disruption. Working alongside its subsidiary ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH, HENSOLDT has supported COBRA for over 12 years. The programme highlights ongoing Franco-German commitment to European defence cooperation and operational resilience.

(PRESS RELEASE) TAUFKIRCHEN, 26-Nov-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — HENSOLDT has secured a renewed In-Service Support (ISS) contract from the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR), ensuring continued sustainment of the COBRA artillery location radar until the end of 2028. The agreement stems from an updated Memorandum of Understanding between Germany and France, reaffirming HENSOLDT’s role as the long-term strategic industrial partner responsible for the radar system throughout its operational life.

As System Design Authority, HENSOLDT will remain responsible for delivering core ISS services that support system readiness and availability. These include configuration oversight, technical incident management, on-site maintenance, technical assistance, IT security administration, logistical documentation, safety and quality assurance, with specific emphasis on tackling obsolescence challenges. Through this role, HENSOLDT is positioned to sustain COBRA availability well beyond 2035.

COBRA continues to be recognised as the most capable weapon-location radar in service worldwide, engineered to detect and locate enemy artillery, rocket launches, and mortar fire with precision. Its performance is defined by long detection range, high electronic countermeasure resilience, and full tactical mobility. For more than 12 years, HENSOLDT, working with its wholly-owned subsidiary ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH as the primary contractor, has been responsible for both In-Service Support and ongoing technological evolution of the COBRA platform.

Managed by OCCAR, the COBRA programme stands as a clear demonstration of strong Franco-German cooperation and ongoing commitment to strengthening European security and defence capability. The programme reinforces shared goals for resilience, protection, and operational integrity within a unified European defence framework.

Media Contact:

Ulrich-Joachim Müller
Communications Manager
Multi-Domain Solutions
Contact
ulrich-joachim.mueller@hensoldt.net
+49 160 7158 433

SOURCE: HENSOLDT