Elbit Systems Advances Laser Communication Capabilities in Germany through Exclusive Defense Licensing Agreement with Cucuyo
March 18, 2026 - Elbit Systems Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG has entered into a strategic agreement with German start-up Cucuyo GmbH, obtaining an exclusive license to adapt Cucuyo’s advanced laser communication technology for defense applications, granting Elbit Systems exclusive rights to utilize and further develop Cucuyo’s technology for military and defense purposes. Under the agreement, both companies will develop jointly new products derived from this technology, which will be owned by Elbit.
As part of this initiative, Elbit Systems Deutschland is establishing a dedicated organization that will focus on research and development of military laser communication systems, with an emphasis on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and terrestrial applications. The technology being licensed represents a unique, very lightweight and high-performance solution designed to enable secure, high-capacity data links – a capability critical for next generation defense systems.
Marian Rachow, CEO of Elbit Systems Deutschland, commented: “Developing advanced technology and intellectual property in Germany, for use across Europe and NATO, is a cornerstone of our strategy. This exclusive cooperation with Cucuyo reinforces Elbit’s long term commitment to investing in German innovation, fostering local research and development, and strengthening our technological presence within Europe’s defense ecosystem.”
Frank Negretti, CEO of Cucuyo also emphasizes the technological sophistication of the collaboration: “With the new developed products, we are bringing together with Elbit Systems Deutschland laser communication into a compact, UAV-compatible format – with high capacity and long range. The investments made lay the foundation for making this capability operationally available during next year.”
Elbit Systems Deutschland brings proven experience in electro optics, radio communications and system integration, and is well positioned to contribute to lase innovation in laser communications for next generation multidomain operations across future operational platforms.
About Elbit Systems Germany
Elbit Systems Deutschland is a leading system developer, producer and supplier with core competencies in the areas of radio communication, sensor technology, command and control systems, electronic warfare, unmanned systems and cyber security, as well as the radio competence center for the globally active Elbit Systems Group. With its site in Ulm, the company ensures that its technological expertise is maintained in the heart of Europe, while at the same time providing nationwide support for its customer base. The solutions from Elbit Systems Deutschland are not only used by the German armed and security forces, but also internationally, where they have proven themselves hundreds of times over.
You can find more information at www.elbitsystems-de.com.
About Cucuyo
Cucuyo manufactures laser-based communication products for a wide range of applications. The declared aim is to bring laser communication terminals to the market as an off-the-shelf product. The first product, the P-100 terminal, is designed for use on smaller UAVs. Power consumption, weight and data rate are dimensioned accordingly. Areas of application for laser communication include all types of data connections that go beyond the capabilities of classic radio frequency links. Laser communication offers 50 times more data rate than radio communication and cannot be jammed, spoofed, or intercepted. It is particularly suitable for unmanned aerial systems (UAV/UAS), which transmit large amounts of data from on-board sensors and require resilient communication. The company is headquartered in Pfaeffikon SZ, Switzerland, with a German subsidiary in Krailling near Munich.
For more information, visit https://cucuyo.group.
Media Contact Elbit Systems Deutschland
Nimrod Nahon
T: +49 (0)731 1553 451
E: Nimrod.Nahon@elbitsystems-de.com
Media Contact Cucuyo
Martina Pennekamp
T: +49 (0)89 2020 9288
E: mp@cucuyo.group