Elbit Systems Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG has entered into a strategic agreement with German startup Cucuyo GmbH, securing an exclusive license to adapt the company’s laser communication technology for defense applications, the companies announced on Wednesday.
The agreement gives Elbit Systems Deutschland exclusive rights to use and further develop Cucuyo’s technology for military and defense purposes. Under the deal, the two companies will jointly develop new products based on the technology, with ownership of those products to remain with Elbit.
As part of the initiative, Elbit Systems Deutschland said it is establishing a dedicated organization focused on research and development of military laser communication systems, with an emphasis on unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned aircraft systems and terrestrial applications.
The licensed technology was described as a lightweight, high-performance system designed to provide secure, high-capacity data links, a capability seen as critical for next-generation defense systems.
Marian Rachow, chief executive of Elbit Systems Deutschland, said developing advanced technology and intellectual property in Germany for use across Europe and NATO is a cornerstone of the company’s strategy.
“This exclusive cooperation with Cucuyo reinforces Elbit’s longterm commitment to investing in German innovation, fostering local research and development, and strengthening our technological presence within Europe’s defense ecosystem,” he said.
Frank Negretti, chief executive of Cucuyo, said the collaboration would help bring laser communications into a compact format compatible with unmanned aerial vehicles while maintaining high capacity and long range.
“The investments made lay the foundation for making this capability operationally available during next year,” he said.
Elbit Systems Deutschland said it brings experience in electro-optics, radio communications and system integration, positioning it to help advance laser communications for next-generation multi-domain operations across future platforms.