At the core of the cooperation is the linking of Hensoldt’s sensor and software expertise with the AI agents from SE3 Labs, which can autonomously analyze sensor data, recognize correlations, and derive concrete action recommendations from them.
In the defense sector, the transition from pure data aggregation to intelligent systems that actively support decision-makers and interpret complex operational pictures in real-time has long been a central trend.
SE3 Labs develops AI models that combine large language models with modern computer vision technology. The systems generate interpretable insights from sensor data and will enable interaction with military operational pictures through natural language in the future.
Integration into Hensoldt’s MDOcore platform planned
SE3 Labs’ capabilities are to be deployed in the future as part of Hensoldt’s MDOcore platform. The software serves to process and analyze large amounts of sensor data in the context of networked military operations.
Sven Heursch, Chief Digital Officer and Head of Software-Defined Defence at Hensoldt, sees this as an important development step:
“Agentic AI is the next logical step for multi-domain operations — away from pure data aggregation and visualization toward systems with which users can directly interact with military operational pictures and control operations by voice.”
According to the companies, the MoU already includes concrete programs and ongoing tenders.
Munich deeptech expertise meets European defense corporation
Particularly noteworthy is the cooperation against the backdrop of the increasing importance of AI technologies for Europe’s defense industry. While Hensoldt, as an established sensor and defense technology corporation, has extensive market and systems expertise, SE3 Labs brings specialized research expertise in the field of spatial AI.
The Munich startup develops a software platform that processes sensor data in real-time into a continuously updated three-dimensional model. This spatial operational picture can be synchronized across various systems, allowing multiple platforms to operate on the same information base.
AI agents continuously analyze the environment and independently derive conclusions. Operators will be able to control autonomous system networks through natural language in the future.
Defense startups gain strategic significance
The partnership underscores the growing role of AI and deeptech startups in the European defense sector. In particular, technologies for automated data analysis, operational picture fusion, and autonomous decision support are becoming increasingly important in light of modern deployment scenarios.
Lukas Koestler, co-founder and CEO of SE3 Labs, explains:
“Hensoldt and SE3 Labs unite complementary capabilities that together create real added value: Hensoldt’s first-class sensors and our AI agents, which autonomously evaluate sensor data, recognize correlations, and derive concrete action options from them. In this way, cognitive load is significantly reduced and faster and better decisions are enabled.”
For Hensoldt, the collaboration strengthens its own software expertise in the field of software-defined defense. For SE3 Labs, the cooperation opens up the opportunity to bring its own technology into large-scale defense programs—a win-win situation.
