HENSOLDT has reinforced its commitment to next-generation defence technologies by participating in a new funding round for European defence tech company Project Q, further strengthening their strategic partnership and expanding collaboration in software-defined defence and multi-domain integration.
The funding round was led by Polish venture capital firm Expeditions Fund, with additional participation from Project A and Heliad. While the investment amount has not been disclosed, the move marks a significant step in deepening cooperation between the two companies and accelerating innovation across Europe’s defence ecosystem.
Project Q specialises in open software solutions designed to securely connect and orchestrate sensors, unmanned systems, and command and mission systems from multiple manufacturers. Central to this capability is its open-source platform, HYDRIS, which enables interoperability across diverse defence technologies.
Through the partnership, HYDRIS will be combined with HENSOLDT’s software-centric integration approach. HENSOLDT brings to the collaboration its advanced sensor technologies, artificial intelligence and edge computing expertise, along with its MDOcore integration platform. Project Q complements this with its edge and mesh applications, as well as proprietary acoustic and seismic sensor solutions.
The investment underscores HENSOLDT’s growing role as a bridge between established defence players and emerging start-ups. By providing access to its programmes, platforms, and procurement structures, the company aims to accelerate the transition of innovative technologies from development to operational deployment.
Christian Schmidt, Chief Strategy Officer at HENSOLDT, said the investment reflects the company’s broader strategy to shape the future defence ecosystem through partnerships and targeted investments. He highlighted the importance of combining start-up innovation with established systems expertise to strengthen Europe’s technological sovereignty.
Leonard Wessendorf, CEO and co-founder of Project Q, added that the collaboration demonstrates how traditional systems integrators and modern defence tech companies can effectively complement each other, enabling interoperable and software-driven capabilities across domains.
The investment forms part of HENSOLDT’s ongoing efforts to expand its software-defined defence capabilities and position itself as a leading neo-systems house within Europe’s rapidly evolving defence landscape.
