VINCORION takes on key role in European defense project SENTINEL
VINCORION Power Systems GmbH is playing a key role in the European research project SENTINEL, which aims to fundamentally modernise the energy supply for military operations with the goal of reducing dependence on fossil fuels and increasing operational capability.
The project is funded by the European Defence Fund (EDF) and brings together 42 partners from 16 countries, including industry partners, research institutes and ministries of defence. At the first major meeting of all project partners in Maribor, Slovenia, at the beginning of February 2026, the strategic course was set for the next phases.
Why SENTINEL is important
Modern military operations are highly dependent on reliable energy supplies – whether for communication, reconnaissance or the operation of field camps. At the same time, mobile generators consume enormous amounts of fuel, which strains supply chains and makes operations vulnerable. SENTINEL is therefore developing intelligent, sustainable energy systems designed to make armed forces more independent, efficient and resilient.
VINCORION’s contribution
VINCORION brings over 70 years of engineering excellence in energy solutions and mechatronics for mission-critical applications to the project.
Specifically, the company is contributing two core components:
- • a 50-kilowatt power generator module (PGM)
- • a 50-kilowatt-hour energy storage module (ESM)
These systems are designed to provide a mobile field camp with an autonomous power supply – even under extreme conditions such as heat, cold or dust.
They are currently being tested in real-world field trials. The first test campaign is being conducted in collaboration with the University of the Federal Armed Forces in Munich, followed by international field tests in different climate zones, including the Netherlands and Aruba.
First milestones in sight
VINCORION covers three key energy capabilities: advanced power generation (Advanced Genset), energy storage (Energy Storage Battery) and intelligent grid control for ± energy networks (Micro Grid Control). This grid control can optimally combine various sources such as batteries and generators, as well as photovoltaics, wind power and fuel cells.
In addition, VINCORION is taking on a coordinating role: the company is leading the integration of all demonstration prototypes in the project and has overall responsibility for the area of energy storage across all development phases.
VINCORION is currently working with its project partners to develop the technical specifications for the components to be used. This work is scheduled to be completed by the end of March 2026 – an important first milestone and foundation on the road to the planned demonstrations.
Voices from the project
“SENTINEL gives us the opportunity to test and further develop our technologies under real military conditions alongside leading European partners,” says Thomas Horner, project manager at VINCORION. “The responsibility we bear in this project demonstrates the trust that the consortium partners place in VINCORION’s expertise.”
The SENTINEL project is a continuation of previous EDF projects and demonstrates the convergence and performance of European technologies in the field of resilient military energy systems. “This gives us the opportunity to gain an even better understanding of the future tactical and logistical requirements of various European armed forces and to strengthen our European partner and supplier network,” says Daniel Zeitler, Director Markets & Strategy at VINCORION, emphasising the importance of the project.
Building on this strategic perspective, Mr Matej Gajzer, SENTINEL Coordinator and Managing Director of TECES, emphasised the responsibility and operational complexity of leading such an ambitious European initiative:
“As coordinator of the SENTINEL project, we fully recognise the strategic importance and complexity of leading a project of this scale, particularly given the strong involvement of European Ministries of Defence. Conducting demonstrations in real military environments makes the project both highly demanding and significantly impactful. Ensuring the active and continuous engagement of Ministries of Defence is one of our key priorities at the coordination level. Our objective is to align all stakeholders effectively, so that technological development, demonstrations and operational validation move forward in a fully synchronised and coherent manner.”
