Salzgitter Maschinenbau AG

What Salzgitter Maschinenbau AG does

SMAG Mobile Antenna Masts AG, headquartered in Salzgitter-Bad, Germany, is a niche manufacturer of guy-wire-free mobile antenna mast systems for defense and security applications. The company originated the mobile mast product line in 1974 and was spun out as a separate entity (SMAG Mobile Antenna Masts GmbH) from Salzgitter Maschinenbau AG in 2014, before being acquired by Munich-based industrial investor AEQUITA SE & Co. KGaA in December 2023 alongside two sister companies. On 22 June 2026 the entity converted to a stock corporation (AG) as a preparatory step toward a planned public offering.

The product portfolio spans four mounting families — on-vehicle (FTM 9/3, FTM 14/3, FTM 15/4 KOMPAK), on-truck (FTH 40/9, FTH 34/9 AMA, FTH 34/5 Lirka, FTM 25/7, FTM 11/2 KZO, FTM 8/3 Aselsan, FTH 40/4 Telekom), in-container (FTH 25/6, FTM 25/6, FTM 15/4) and on-trailer (FTM 36/9, FTM 27/5 TITAAN, FTM 20/4 Radar, FTM 23/5 Auto KO 90, FTM 13/3 Toll Collect). The core technical claim is self-supporting, hydraulic mast structures that deploy in under ten minutes, reach up to 40 meters, carry payloads from 150 kg to 2,000 kg, and operate in winds exceeding 100 km/h across all climate zones — capabilities the company states no other manufacturer matches for masts above ~8 m. Revenue is generated through one-time hardware sales, multi-year OEM lifecycle services (maintenance intervals F1-F4, overhauls G1-G3, spare parts, the SMAG Training Academy, and a 365/7 Readiness Model), and technology-transfer / licensing arrangements.

Commercial activity is concentrated in Europe (notably Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Switzerland) with selected Middle East, North American and African deployments, and is driven by direct sales to defense ministries, OEM integration with prime contractors (Raytheon, MBDA, Lockheed Martin, Motorola Solutions, ERA), and defense exhibitions. Named customers include the Bundeswehr (ZNV program, TLVS), the Polish Armed Forces (Patriot WISLA), the Czech Armed Forces (VERA-NG), the Swiss Army (Patriot BODLUV via Raytheon/RUAG), and the Ministry of Defense of South Africa. Over 2,000 systems are in service in 50+ countries; standalone revenue is not publicly disclosed, with the broader Salzgitter Maschinenbau AG group historically reporting approximately €270 million and ~1,800 employees across three operating companies.

Name

Salzgitter Maschinenbau AG

Legal name

SMAG Mobile Antenna Masts AG

Website

https://smag.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1974

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

SMAG Mobile Antenna Masts AG, based in Salzgitter, Germany, designs and manufactures guy-wire-free mobile antenna mast systems up to 40m for defense and security forces worldwide, supplying primes like Raytheon, MBDA, and Lockheed Martin, and is preparing for an IPO under PE owner AEQUITA.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Defense Mobile Mast Systems

NAICS

Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing (33422)

SIC

Radio & Tv Broadcasting & Communications Equipment (3663)

akta.pro primary industry

Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) (HDAIAKAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Radar Systems & Subsystems (Airborne, Ground, Naval) (IMABAGAA)

Keywords

• Mobile antenna masts
• Defense mast systems
• Ground-based air defense
• Tactical communications equipment
• Military surveillance equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Salzgitter

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Mobile Antenna Mast Systems: Sale of guy-wire-free mobile antenna mast systems in various configurations (on vehicle, on truck, in container, on trailer). One-time hardware sales with custom specifications based on customer requirements and mission profiles.
2. Maintenance and Lifecycle Services: Full-scope OEM service including maintenance intervals (F1-F4), overhauls (G1-G3), spare parts, inspections, documentation, and operator training. Services follow structured lifecycle approach with 365/7 Readiness Model for critical support.
3. Technology Transfer and Licensing: Licensing agreements enabling partners to maintain and service SMAG systems. Technology transfer arrangements such as the agreement with RUAG for Patriot system maintenance capabilities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

SMAG Mobile Antenna Masts AG designs, manufactures, and services guy-wire-free mobile antenna mast systems for defense and security applications. Their product portfolio spans mast systems mounted on vehicles, trucks, ISO containers, and trailers, supporting radar, surveillance, secure communications, electronic warfare, and drone defense operations. The company complements its hardware with full lifecycle Mission Support Services including maintenance, spare parts, and a certified SMAG Training Academy.

Product overview

SMAG Mobile Antenna Masts AG is a leading European manufacturer of mission-critical, guy-wire-free mobile mast systems for defence applications. The product portfolio consists of four core mast system families: (1) Mast systems on vehicle (FTM 15/4 KOMPAK, FTM 9/3, FTM 14/3) for low-profile direct vehicle integration; (2) Mast systems on truck (FTH 40/9, FTH 34/9 AMA, FTH 34/5 Lirka, FTM 25/7, FTM 11/2 KZO, FTM 8/3 Aselsan, FTH 40/4 Telekom) for fully automated rapid deployment up to 40m; (3) Mast systems in container (FTH 25/6, FTM 25/6, FTM 15/4) for autonomous ISO-container configurations with up to 500kg payload; and (4) Mast systems on trailer (FTM 36/9, FTM 27/5 TITAAN, FTM 20/4 Radar, FTM 23/5 Auto KO 90, FTM 13/3 Toll Collect) for modular rough-terrain operations. All systems are self-supporting, require no guy wires, feature automatic deployment, and support payloads up to 2000kg with mast heights up to 40m. The company complements its product range with comprehensive Mission Support Services including maintenance, repairs, spare parts, training (SMAG Training Academy), and a 365/7 Readiness Model for operational support.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Mast System on Vehicle Vehicle-mounted compact mast systems designed for low-profile integration on special-purpose vehicles. Includes FTM 15/4 KOMPAK (5-15m height, 260kg payload, 4-minute assembly), FTM 9/3 (5-9m height, 200kg payload, 3-minute assembly), and FTM 14/3 (5-14m height). Targeted at defense and security customers needing low electromagnetic and visual footprint without affecting vehicle characteristics.
• Mast System on Truck Truck-mounted mast systems offering fully automated deployment reaching mission-ready status in under 10 minutes. Product family includes FTH 40/9 (10-40m, 600kg payload), FTH 34/9 AMA (12-34m, 900kg payload), FTH 34/5 Lirka (10-34m, 175 km/h wind), FTM 25/7 (6-25m, 650kg payload), FTM 11/2 KZO (7.9-11.2m, 2000kg payload), FTM 8/3 Aselsan (1.5-8m), and FTH 40/4 Telekom (18-40m, 500kg payload). Designed for defense, surveillance, and communications applications.
• Mast System in Container Autonomous mast systems integrated into standard ISO containers for optimal space management and complex mast-top configurations. Includes FTH 25/6 Container (8-25m height, 450kg payload, 10-minute assembly, 100 km/h wind), FTM 25/6 Container (6-24m height, 300kg payload), and FTM 15/4 Container (9-15m height). Designed for radar deployment, surveillance, and field communications.
• Mast System on Trailer Modular, lightweight trailer-mounted mast systems built for rough terrain mobility. Product family includes FTM 36/9 (12-36m height, 700kg payload, 30-minute assembly, 144 km/h wind), FTM 27/5 TITAAN (6.4-7m height, 620kg payload, 5-minute assembly), FTM 20/4 Radar (10-20m height, 150kg payload), FTM 23/5 Auto KO 90 (130 km/h wind), and FTM 13/3 Toll Collect (for toll collection applications). Targeted at defense, radar, and security deployments.
• Mission Support Services Full lifecycle OEM service including maintenance intervals (F1-F4), overhauls (G1-G3), spare parts, inspections, documentation, and operator training. Delivered by 20+ certified SMAG technicians and 5+ Service Project Leaders. Features the 365/7 Readiness Model with three service levels up to full 24/7 critical readiness support for defense and government customers.
• SMAG Training Academy OEM-certified training programs for operators, maintenance staff, and trainers covering safe and efficient operation and maintenance of SMAG mobile antenna mast systems. Provides standardized curricula and certifications for customer personnel.

Quantifiable outcome

• Set up in under 10 minutes
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• RUAG AGcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 17 March 2025Joint license agreement with RUAG and Raytheon for the Patriot air defense system for the Swiss Army (BODLUV GR project). SMAG authorizes RUAG through technology transfer to maintain the systems during their operational lifetime. The Fth 25/7 mast system serves as a critical communication interface in the Patriot system. Partnership established under offset program initiated by Raytheon (RTX).
• BDSV (Bundesverband der Deutschen Sicherheits- und Verteidigungsindustrie)minorOthers · 19 February 2025Official membership in the German Federal Association of Security and Defence Industry, confirmed at IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi. Supports the association's work in advancing security solutions and advocates for the German defense and security industry.
• ERA a.s.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 January 2022Long-standing partnership with Czech passive radar systems developer ERA a.s. for container mast systems integrated with VERA-NG surveillance systems. Signed contract for 3rd generation of container mast systems. Partnership includes cooperative development, manufacture, and supply of mast systems for Czech Armed Forces DPET project (8 systems). First generation delivered in 2017, second generation, now third generation under contract.
• Wojskowe Zakłady Łączności Nr 1 S.A. (WZL)coreTechnology or Integration · 20 December 2021Agreement with Polish defense supplier WZL for delivery of mast systems for Mobile Communication Centers (MCC1) of Polish Patriot WISLA system. Includes technology transfer for WZL to build mobile lattice antenna masts domestically. Joint launch of further projects in Polish military market. WZL to become first in Poland for serial production of lattice antenna masts integrated onto Polish Armed Forces vehicles.
• Motorola Solutions Germany GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 March 2021Development and delivery of deployable antenna container systems for the Bundeswehr's ZNV (Zellulare Netze Verlegefähig) project. SMAG develops and delivers antenna containers as subcontractor to Motorola Solutions, the main system supplier for the D-LBO (Digitalisierung landbasierter Operationen) program. Contract includes procurement of up to 42 antenna carrier systems through 2024.
• MBDA Deutschland GmbH and Lockheed MartincoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 27 October 2020Participation in TLVS (Taktisches Luftverteidigungssystem) project - Germany's next-generation air defense system for the next 20 years. SMAG supplies guy-wire-free mobile antenna masts as part of the joint venture led by MBDA Deutschland and Lockheed Martin. Over 80 small and medium-sized enterprises involved in the project with up to 6,000 highly qualified employees benefiting.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Thales Group: French multinational defense and aerospace company with major radar, communications, and air defense franchises. Comparable as a large European defense prime whose procurement of mobile mast subsystems overlaps with SMAG's customer set.
• Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace: Norwegian defense contractor with integrated air defense, radar, and communications systems. Comparable as a Nordic defense prime that procures mobile mast infrastructure and serves an overlapping NATO customer base.
• Cobham Advanced Electronic Solutions: Provider of advanced electronic systems for defense, aerospace, and communications markets. Comparable as a supplier of communications and electronic warfare systems where SMAG mast platforms are integrated as enabling subsystems.
• HENSOLDT: German defense electronics company providing radar, sensors, and communications solutions. Comparable as a German defense prime that integrates mast platforms like SMAG's into its sensor systems, and shares the European defense customer base.
• Saab AB: Swedish defense and security company with surveillance, radar, and air defense systems. Comparable as a European defense prime whose sensor and communications platforms require mobile mast subsystems of the type SMAG supplies.
• TERMA Group: Danish defense and aerospace manufacturer with radar, electronic warfare, and mission-critical infrastructure offerings. Comparable as a European mid-sized defense supplier operating across SMAG's customer base and adjacent technology areas.

Direct peers

• Clark Masts: UK-based manufacturer of telescopic and pneumatic masts for military, surveillance, and broadcast markets. Closely comparable to SMAG in product type, customer base, and European defense focus.
• Will-Burt Company: US-based manufacturer of mobile telescoping masts and towers for military, security, and broadcast applications. Directly comparable to SMAG as a competing supplier of mobile mast platforms to defense and government customers.
• Aluma Tower Company: Manufacturer of aluminum telescoping towers and mobile mast systems used by military, emergency services, and broadcast customers. Comparable product portfolio and customer segments to SMAG's mobile antenna mast business.
• SAT-LITE Technologies: US manufacturer of mobile satellite communications antenna systems and deployable masts. Comparable as a supplier of mobile, rapidly deployable communications platforms to defense and government customers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/smagholding

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Salzgitter Maschinenbau AG