HENSOLDT Targets Growth in Advanced Sensor and Optronics Systems with Planned Facility Expansion in Baden-Württemberg

HENSOLDT is in advanced negotiations to expand on the Triumph site. Photo: Ten Brinke

(IN BRIEF) HENSOLDT is planning to expand its development and production capacities in the Ostalb district of Germany, with the Triumph site in Aalen identified as the preferred location for the project. The expansion is driven by growing demand for sensor technologies and optoelectronic systems developed by the company’s Optronics Division, headquartered in Oberkochen. Plans include using existing facilities at the Triumph site to create new office, production and assembly areas for optical and optoelectronic components, while strengthening research, development, integration and maintenance capabilities. The project could create several hundred new jobs and reinforce the region’s role as a centre for photonics and advanced technology. Negotiations with landowners and project developer Ten Brinke are ongoing, and final contractual agreements have yet to be completed.

(PRESS RELEASE) TAUFKIRCHEN, 6-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — HENSOLDT is moving forward with plans to expand its development and production capabilities in Germany’s Ostalb district, with the Triumph site in Aalen emerging as the preferred location for the company’s next phase of growth. The technology group is currently engaged in advanced negotiations with the site’s landowners and the project developer Ten Brinke as it finalises the details of the planned expansion.

The initiative reflects HENSOLDT’s response to sustained global demand for advanced sensor technologies and optoelectronic systems. Growth has been particularly strong within the company’s Optronics Division, which develops high-precision optical and electronic systems used in applications such as targeting and reconnaissance for military platforms.

As part of the planned expansion, HENSOLDT intends to extend the capabilities of its Optronics business unit, which is headquartered in nearby Oberkochen. The proposed development would provide additional capacity for research, development, production, integration and maintenance activities related to optical and optoelectronic technologies.

Existing facilities at the Triumph site are expected to be utilised to support this expansion. Plans include converting existing hall space into offices, production areas and assembly facilities dedicated to optical and optoelectronic components. The project aims to strengthen HENSOLDT’s operational capabilities while supporting continued technological innovation.

The investment is intended to secure the company’s long-term delivery capacity while enhancing technological expertise and vertical integration across its operations. At the same time, the expansion would reinforce HENSOLDT’s industrial footprint in the Ostalb district and support the region’s position as an important centre for photonics and advanced technology.

The company anticipates that the planned development could create several hundred new jobs in the region.

Christina Canitz, Head of the Optronics Division at HENSOLDT, said the Triumph site offers strong potential for expanding the company’s development and production activities in optronics. She highlighted the region’s established industrial ecosystem, strong technical expertise and well-developed infrastructure as key advantages for the project. Canitz added that while the location has been prioritised, final contractual agreements are still pending as negotiations continue.

At the talks (from left): Achim Gruber (Chairman of the Works Council, HENSOLDT Optronics), Bernd Mayer (Site Manager, HENSOLDT Optronics), Frederick Brütting (Mayor of the City of Aalen), Christina Canitz (Head of Optronics Division), Dr Joachim Bläse (District Administrator of the Ostalbkreis district), Wolfgang Steidle (First Mayor of the City of Aalen).

Local authorities have welcomed the planned investment. Dr Joachim Bläse, District Administrator of the Ostalb district, described the potential expansion as a positive development for the region and for the state of Baden-Württemberg. He noted that the project would reinforce the region’s strong photonics cluster centred around Aalen and Oberkochen and strengthen cooperation with research and academic institutions such as Aalen University and Fraunhofer IOSB in Oberkochen.

Frederick Brütting, Mayor of Aalen, also expressed support for the project, noting that the investment would bring new employment opportunities and strengthen the city’s industrial landscape. He emphasised that HENSOLDT’s presence would support the development of the local Photonic Valley cluster while also revitalising the historic Triumph site with new industrial activity.

Media contact:

Alexander F. Ogger
Communications Manager
Multi-Domain Solutions, Optronics
Contact
alexander.ogger@hensoldt.net
+49 7364 9557 984

SOURCE: HENSOLDT