Hernan Benitez,
Head of Business Unit Arabia at Anschütz
With more than a century of heritage in maritime navigation and a growing focus on software-defined and autonomous systems, Anschütz has established itself as a trusted partner to navies worldwide. From integrated navigation and mission systems to autonomous and remotely supervised operations, the company’s solutions are shaping the future of naval warfare and fleet operations. In an interview with Arabian Defence, Hernan Benitez, Head of Business Unit Arabia at Anschütz, discusses its core technological strengths, advances in autonomous navigation, depth of R&D investment, and how platforms such as the World Defense Show support its strategy to deepen partnerships and expand its global footprint, including a growing focus on the Saudi maritime defence ecosystem.
Anschütz offers one of the most comprehensive navigation portfolios in the maritime domain. Could you outline the company’s core capabilities and key areas of expertise?
Anschütz is a global leader in advanced naval navigation and mission systems, trusted by navies worldwide. Our core strength lies in integrated, software-defined navigation architectures that combine safety-critical navigation with mission execution. With SYNAPSIS, we deliver a modular and scalable integrated navigation system, seamlessly combining WECDIS, naval radar, and sensor data into a single operational picture.
SYNTACS extends this capability into mission planning, command support, and execution. Both solutions are designed for long-term adaptability, enabling functional growth through software upgrades rather than hardware replacement. In parallel, we are advancing autonomous and remotely supervised navigation solutions, including land-based monitoring and control. This is complemented by our strong expertise in lifecycle support, fleet modernization, and long-term naval partnerships.
Autonomous navigation is becoming increasingly relevant for unmanned surface vessels. How is Anschütz contributing to this shift, and what role do navigation systems play in enabling autonomy?
Autonomy starts with trusted and certified navigation. Anschütz provides the navigation backbone that enables unmanned and remotely operated surface vessels to operate safely, predictably, and in compliance with naval standards. By combining precise navigation with automated route execution, mission planning, and system supervision, we are evolving toward an integrated Autonomous Navigation and Command System. This approach allows autonomy to be introduced step by step, always under human supervision.
These capabilities are already being developed within naval programs and are part of our long-term localization vision, including future applications for coastal surveillance, fleet support, and remote operations in Saudi Arabia.
Could you elaborate on the scale and depth of Anschütz’s R&D efforts?
R&D is a core pillar of Anschütz. We continuously invest in the development of advanced navigation, tactical, and mission systems with a strong focus on software, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance. For example, Anschütz is recognized as a pioneer in autonomous navigation and command systems, with proven applications across multiple programs—including in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Our development cycles are closely aligned with naval operators, allowing us to anticipate new operational concepts and regulatory requirements early. This combination of innovation, operational feedback, and long-term support ensures that our solutions remain future-ready throughout the entire lifecycle of a naval platform.
How important is WDS as a platform for Anschütz to strengthen partnerships and expand its footprint in the defence maritime sector?
The World Defense Show is a highly strategic platform for Anschütz. WDS 2026 marks our third consecutive participation, reflecting our long-term commitment to the Kingdom and the regional maritime defense ecosystem. It allows us not only to present technology, but to measure ourselves as a reliable and capable local partner for the Saudi maritime defense industry.
Our focus is on demonstrating credibility, continuity, and readiness to support naval programs locally—through engineering, system integration, and lifecycle support—while working closely with established Saudi partners like HICAP Telecom. Rather than a single milestone, WDS represents an important step in a broader journey to build trust, capability, and sustainable presence in Saudi Arabia.
Looking ahead, how does Anschütz plan to expand its market presence globally, and which regions or segments will be key growth drivers in your growth strategy?
In 2025, the year we celebrated our 120th anniversary, we established Anschütz USA and Anschütz Australia, marking an important step in bringing our expertise closer to key naval markets. Building on this momentum, 2026 will see the next phase of our international expansion with a planned establishment in Saudi Arabia. This approach allows us to combine German engineering excellence with strong local presence, ensuring proximity to customers, faster project execution, and long-term lifecycle support.
Our growth strategy is therefore not about geographic reach alone, but about creating trusted regional hubs that support naval modernization programs, software-defined upgrades, and the transition toward autonomous and remotely operated maritime systems worldwide.
