Rheinmetall releases Battlesuite interfaces as open source
Rheinmetall continues to advance the digitalization of modern defense systems by publishing the core interface specifications of its Battlesuite as open source for the first time. The initial offerings in the Battlesuite Interface Collection include the Onboard API and the Tactical API, both of which are now accessible to the public.
The Battlesuite Interface Collection is built on years of experience from numerous development and integration projects. This expertise has been directly incorporated into the interface designs, forming a robust foundation for contemporary, modular software architecture.
“The Battlesuite forms the software foundation for Rheinmetall’s digitalization and networking strategy,” stated Timo Haas, CEO of the Digital Systems Division at Rheinmetall. He emphasized the importance of standardized interfaces, noting: “They enable efficient integration of platforms, sensors, effectors, and command and control applications. These interfaces also lay the groundwork for modular, interoperable, and scalable defense systems.”
The Battlesuite serves as a non-proprietary digital platform solution, designed for both civil and military applications. Acting as a manufacturer-independent hub, it effectively connects various hardware including sensors, cameras, and drones. The platform’s architecture is tailored to safeguard critical infrastructure, considering its application in both civil protection and disaster management as well as purely civil sectors.
With the release of the Interface Collection, Rheinmetall is enabling industry partners, research institutions, and customers to access defined interface specifications for integration. This initiative allows for software solutions to align with the standardized, distributed architecture from the beginning, thus facilitating the development of interoperable applications with minimal integration efforts.
Ervin Kolenovic, Head of Battlesuite at Rheinmetall’s Digital Systems Division, expressed: “With the Battlesuite, Rheinmetall is putting the concept of software-defined defense into practice. The Interface Collection simplifies the combination of system components, irrespective of the manufacturer. It promotes the reusability of software modules across various programs and encourages the flexible evolution of existing systems. As a result, we can shorten development times, mitigate integration risks, and accelerate the deployment of new capabilities.”
