HENSOLDT, the global sensor solutions provider, announced the launch of the DL-6000, its sixth-generation data link solution, at IDEX 2025, which took place which took place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 17-21 February.
Engineered to deliver exceptional security and reliability, the DL-6000 enables seamless, long-range, line-of-sight HD video and telemetry data exchange across multiple platforms.
The DL-6000 is an IP-based, high-data communications link that sets a new standard in video and telemetry transmission. Being internet protocol (IP) based, it provides the transmission of secure, high-definition video and telemetry data from unmanned and rotary- wing airborne platforms to ground-based command and control centres. Several radios may be networked together, enabling distributed payload and platform control, as well as display capabilities.
“In modern defence and communications systems, the interconnection between technologies determines the real tactical and strategic advantage. The DL-6000 serves as the critical backbone that seamlessly connects sensors, platforms and operators, ensuring real-time data exchange for mission success,’ said Marcus Reuter, Key Accounts Manager of the HENSOLDT South Africa’s Radar business unit.
The terminal is a software-defined radio (SDR), incorporating system on module (SOM) architecture, which provides users with future-proof flexibility and performance adaptability to changing operational requirements. It also offers full backwards compatibility with the HENSOLDT DL-5000 range of data links.
Engineered for performance, reliability, and ease of use, the DL-6000 is designed to maximise mission effectiveness while minimising life-cycle costs. Its modular and flexible support concept ensures long-term sustainability and operational efficiency.
HENSOLDT’s robust spread-spectrum technology ensures low probability of intercept (LPI) and low probability of detection (LPD) and provides excellent anti-jamming capabilities, which allows the DL-6000 to withstand challenging electromagnetic warfare environments, ensuring secure and uninterrupted communications.
With a stable, range-independent downlink data rate, the DL-6000 airborne terminal provides operators with excellent data throughput in the most demanding operational environments. Due to its inherent low latency, fast, accurate and reliable data and video allows the operator and the command team to make confident, expedited decisions when it matters most - ensuring advantage over threats and increased survivability.
The DL-6000 is a complete data link solution bundled into a single STANAG-4586-compliant radio, especially optimised for ease of integration within manned and unmanned platforms due to its smaller, single-form footprint and wide range of discreet data and video interfaces.
HENSOLDT has a strong track record of supporting sovereign development initiatives. “We realise the strategic significance of localisation initiatives and therefore can work closely with partners to position DL-6000 to benefit in local capabilities,” said Reuter.
HENSOLDT South Africa is a pioneer of technology and innovation in defence and security electronics. The company offers a comprehensive range of products, systems and services across defence and civil markets, from electronic warfare and spectrum monitoring, to optronics, radar, IFF and datalinks. With almost 800 South African employees across four sites in South Africa, it is the HENSOLDT Group’s largest industrial base outside of Germany and one of the largest defence and security electronics companies in South Africa.
HENSOLDT is a leading company in the European defence industry with a global reach. Based in Taufkirchen near Munich (Germany), the company develops sensor solutions for defence and security applications. As a system integrator, HENSOLDT offers platform-independent, networked sensors. At the same time, the company is driving forward the development of defence electronics and optronics as a technology leader and investing in new solutions based on software-defined defence. In addition, the company is expanding its range of offers to include new service models and is extending its portfolio of system solutions.
In 2023, HENSOLDT achieved a turnover of 1.85 billion euros. Following the acquisition of ESG GmbH, the company employs around 8,400 people. HENSOLDT is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in the MDAX.
