Defence Contractor Hensoldt Plans 1,600 New Jobs by 2026 as Order Book Hits Record €10 Billion
Published on 07/25/2026 at 15:53 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
Germany’s defence industry is scaling up at a pace not seen in decades. Hensoldt, the sensor and optronics specialist, announced it will create 1,600 new positions across the group by 2026, driven by an order backlog that has swelled to nearly €10 billion.
The expansion plans were unveiled on July 23, when Defence Minister Boris Pistorius inaugurated a new Optronics Campus in Oberkochen, Baden-Württemberg. The facility, spanning 41,000 square metres, consolidates development, production and service for optical and electronic systems under one roof. Hensoldt has poured €300 million into the site — €100 million for the building itself and €200 million for state-of-the-art equipment.
Around 900 employees already work in Oberkochen, but that number is expected to rise to as many as 1,900. The campus will produce sight systems for the Leopard 2 tank and the Puma infantry fighting vehicle, submarine periscopes and laser systems. Pistorius used the opening to stress the need for reliable supply chains for both the Bundeswehr and NATO, arguing that Germany must become more self-sufficient in defence technology.
Finding skilled workers remains a challenge. The company is hunting for specialists in systems engineering, software, electrical engineering and production. Hensoldt’s strategic focus on “Software Defined Defence” and the integration of artificial intelligence into sensor technology is driving much of the demand. To fill the gaps, the group has struck a cooperation deal with technology conglomerate Voith, which includes the transfer of personnel.
Beyond Oberkochen and the nearby site in Aalen, Hensoldt is planning a new plant in Ulm. On July 24, Federal Economics Minister Katherina Reiche visited the company’s Fürstenfeldbruck location and described the expansion as a vital contribution to national security.
The numbers underline the urgency. As of March 2026, Hensoldt’s order book stood at €9.8 billion. In 2025, the company posted revenue of €2.46 billion. Its Optronics division saw incoming orders double to more than €1.5 billion.
Support for Ukraine is fuelling part of the boom. Around 50 TRML-4D radar systems have been ordered, and Hensoldt now maintains its own office in the country. During the ministerial visits, the company showcased new technologies, including the “Elysion” drone-defence software and the “MDOcore Battle-Truck”, developed in partnership with Helsing. Pistorius described Germany as a European leader in drone technology.
The German government currently holds a 25.1 percent stake in Hensoldt.
Disclaimer regarding our articles: No investment advice, no buy or sell recommendation. Information on prices, companies, and markets is provided without guarantee; changes are possible at any time. Stock market transactions can lead to substantial losses. Our articles are created and reviewed in whole or in part automatically with the support of AI.
