Rheinmetall Air Defence and Hensoldt have demonstrated a significant advance in networked air defence during the German Air Force’s Timber Express 2026 exercise in Manching.
During the exercise, the air picture generated by Hensoldt’s Twinvis passive radar was successfully integrated into Rheinmetall’s Skymaster command and weapon engagement system, which was directing a Skynex air defence battery deployed during the scenario.
The integration was conducted under realistic NATO networking conditions and demonstrated Skymaster’s open architecture and flexibility. Sensor data was fused and correlated through the NATO Link 16 network to create a common air picture.
Twinvis demonstrated its ability to detect and track airborne targets while providing a passive sensing capability that can complement conventional active radar systems.
A key feature of Skymaster is its ability to combine active and passive radar with electro-optical sensors to create a comprehensive air picture. This offers new opportunities for resilient air surveillance with a reduced electromagnetic signature while supporting modern emissions control (EMCON) strategies.
The demonstration also highlighted the potential of distributed and interconnected sensor networks to strengthen air defence. Passive sensors can complement existing systems while contributing to network survivability by avoiding the distinctive emissions associated with active radar.
The successful trial provides a foundation for further integration of passive sensing technology into stationary Skynex systems, mobile Skyranger solutions and counter-UAS systems such as Skyspotter.
The demonstration was achieved through cooperation between German Air Force organisations, the exercise management team and specialist teams from Rheinmetall Air Defence and Hensoldt, highlighting the potential of NATO-compatible sensor integration for future integrated air defence capabilities.
