TKMS and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) Are Expanding Their Strategic Partnership to Protect Critical Infrastructure

April 10, 2026

TKMS and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deepen and systematically expand their existing collaboration. The goal is to combine their respective extensive expertise for joint research and development activities and to create synergies.

The collaboration focuses, among other things, on the protection of critical maritime infrastructure, quantum technology, ship technologies, as well as simulation and systems engineering.  

Jeronimo Dzaack, Senior Vice President of Ocean X, explains: “With this memorandum of understanding, TKMS is strengthening its strategic and goal-oriented partnership with the DLR. Together, we can combine our strengths and develop innovative security and communication solutions to shape the maritime ecosystem of the future.” 

A key project is the model-based establishment of a seamless network from space to the seabed. This is intended to close existing gaps—such as in remote or hard-to-reach areas—in the future and enable a reliable situational picture in real time. 

Another focus is on the protection of critical maritime infrastructure. As part of the collaboration, vehicles such as the SeaCat autonomous underwater drone—developed by TKMS and its TKMS ATLAS ELEKTRONIK segment—will also be deployed. The drone delivers high-resolution underwater situational imagery, thereby supporting the creation of robust maritime situational awareness. 

“The challenges we face in the maritime sector, particularly with regard to resilient infrastructure, are complex and interdisciplinary. They can only be overcome through strategic cooperation between industry and research. A comprehensive exchange of knowledge is the foundation of our shared success,” emphasizes Frank Sill Torres, Head of the DLR Institute for the Protection of Maritime Infrastructures. 

With the signed memorandum of understanding, TKMS and DLR are laying the foundation for long-term, interdisciplinary cooperation. 

Source : ThyssenKrupp