Terma A/S
Danish aerospace, defense, space and security technology company.
Last updated August 25, 2026
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Overview
Terma A/S is a Danish aerospace and defense company whose activities span military electronics, aircraft survivability, naval command and control, radar, aerostructures, space systems, and security and surveillance technologies. The company is headquartered in Lystrup near Aarhus, with additional Danish operations including facilities in Grenaa and Herlev, and international activities in Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East and India. It is owned by Thrige Holding A/S and is one of Denmark's largest companies in the aerospace and defense sector. Terma began in Aarhus in 1944 as a small mechanical workshop founded by brothers Orla and Svend Aage Jørgensen. Its early products included thermometers, manometers and other metal components for ships. The company's name is associated with this original measuring-instrument business. After Thorkild Juncker acquired the company in 1949, Terma shifted toward electronic measuring equipment and radar. Under Juncker's direction, the business developed radar systems intended to compete on both price and performance, and expanded from a small workshop into a growing defense-electronics supplier. During the 1950s and 1960s, Terma worked on the overhaul and modernization of radar, computing and air-defense systems for the Danish Armed Forces. It developed navigation radars, Doppler radar and equipment associated with missile programs, including long-term support work connected with the RIM-7 Sea Sparrow. The company also entered the European space industry, winning an early contract for a satellite ground check-out system in 1966. By the 1970s, its activities covered air-defense systems, aircraft avionics, missile-related equipment, communications and space hardware. Terma's aerospace business grew through participation in aircraft programs and international industrial partnerships. It supplied electronics for Saab 35 Draken aircraft operated by Denmark and later became involved in F-16 programs for European customers. It subsequently established supplier relationships with major aerospace and defense companies including Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman and Eurofighter GmbH. Its role in the F-35 Lightning II program includes the supply of leading edges, composite tail components, gun pods, fuselage parts, electronics and other aerostructures. Terma states that it supplies more than 70 parts for the F-35 program. The company also developed a substantial electronic-warfare and aircraft-survivability business. Its electronic-warfare management systems, missile-warning equipment and self-protection technologies have been used on fighter aircraft, transport aircraft and helicopters operated by several countries. Naval products include the C-Flex command-and-control system and SCANTER radar family, which have been supplied for new ships and modernization programs. In space, Terma produces power-conditioning units, star trackers, onboard electronics and software for satellites and scientific missions. It served as prime contractor for the Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor, launched to the International Space Station in 2018, and was lead supplier for Denmark's Ørsted satellite, launched in 1999. Terma has expanded internationally through customer programs, subsidiaries, offices and acquisitions. Its international footprint has included the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and India. In 2013, international customers accounted for more than 87 percent of the group's sales, according to the cited reference material. In August 2024, Terma announced Henriette Hallberg Thygesen as chief executive, succeeding Jes Munk Hansen. The company remains focused on supplying specialized systems and components to governments, armed forces, aerospace primes, shipbuilders, space agencies and civil security organizations.
History
Terma was established in Aarhus, Denmark, in 1944 by brothers Orla and Svend Aage Jørgensen. The original workshop produced thermometers, manometers and metal parts, particularly for maritime use. In 1949 it was reorganized as Fabrik for Måleinstrumenter TERMA A/S and acquired by Thorkild Juncker. Juncker redirected the business toward electronic measuring instruments and radar. With the assistance of a Norwegian engineer, Terma developed radar equipment that combined competitive pricing with useful performance. By the mid-1950s, the company had grown from fewer than ten employees to approximately 120, although Juncker died in 1955. During the 1950s and 1960s, Terma supported the Danish Armed Forces with radar, computer and air-defense modernization. Its early radar systems were primarily used for navigation on smaller vessels. The company gradually concentrated on radar, computers and missile-related equipment, while also entering international European programs. It participated in the development and production support of the RIM-7 Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missile and began developing Doppler radar in 1961 for measuring the velocity of Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. In 1966, Terma received what the reference describes as the first European contract for a satellite ground check-out system. The 1970s brought ownership changes and diversification. Terma became associated for periods with the Dannebrog Gruppen and BW Holding, while expanding into space technology, communications and aircraft electronics. Its acquisition of Bravour in 1977 added VHF communications equipment used by the Danish Armed Forces. After Denmark selected the Saab 35 Draken, Terma received its first contract for important aircraft electronics. The company's later participation in F-16 production and support programs for European customers became an important international breakthrough. In 1980, the Thomas B. Thrige Foundation acquired a majority interest. During the decade, Terma developed aircraft self-protection equipment for fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, and created a project department for naval command-and-control systems near Copenhagen. In 1993, it reached an agreement with NATO to establish a maintenance and upgrade center for the MIM-23 Hawk surface-to-air missile system. Its AN/ALQ213(V) Electronic Warfare Management System was approved by the United States Air Force in 1996 and was later installed on more than 1,000 U.S. aircraft. Terma expanded through acquisitions including Computer Resources International and Per Udsen Co. Aircraft in the late 1990s. The 1999 launch of the Ørsted satellite marked a major space milestone. Terma served as prime contractor and lead supplier for the satellite, which the cited material identifies as Denmark's first satellite launched into space. In the following decade, the company expanded its satellite electronics and power systems. Its power-conditioning units were adopted for European Space Agency missions including Rosetta, Mars Express and Venus Express. Terma also developed star trackers used on scientific missions such as CryoSat, ADM-Aeolus, LISA Pathfinder and Tacsat. Terma's defense portfolio continued to broaden in the 2000s. It supplied self-protection systems for Royal Netherlands Air Force helicopters and developed electronic-warfare systems for F-16, A-10, Tornado and Harrier aircraft. It also entered major aircraft industrial partnerships. Agreements with Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics led to Terma's participation in the F-35 Lightning II program, where it supplies numerous components and technologies. A 2006 arrangement with Eurofighter GmbH extended its aircraft-program work to the Eurofighter Typhoon, while the company also worked with Saab on the JAS 39 Gripen. The company has developed naval and security systems alongside its aerospace activities. C-Flex command-and-control systems and SCANTER radars have been used on naval vessels and in maritime surveillance applications. SCANTER systems have been supplied to coast guards, port authorities and other operators in several countries. Terma also built international operations in the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and India. A U.S. office opened in Warner Robins, Georgia, in 2004, followed by broader Terma North America operations. Terma's space portfolio includes the ASIM observatory, for which it acted as prime contractor and coordinated technical work with the European Space Agency and other partners. ASIM was launched to the International Space Station in April 2018. By 2013, international customers represented more than 87 percent of Terma's sales according to the cited reference. In August 2024, Terma announced Henriette Hallberg Thygesen as chief executive, succeeding Jes Munk Hansen. The company continues to operate as a privately held Danish supplier focused on aerospace, defense, space and security systems.
- 2024
Henriette Hallberg Thygesen becomes CEO
[1]Henriette Hallberg Thygesen is announced as chief executive, succeeding Jes Munk Hansen.
- 2018
ASIM reaches the International Space Station
[1]The ASIM observatory is launched for installation on the International Space Station's Columbus module.
- 2006
Eurofighter industrial agreement
[1]Terma enters an arrangement with Eurofighter GmbH for work on the Eurofighter Typhoon.
- 2004
Expansion of U.S. operations
[1]Terma North America opens U.S. offices, beginning with activity in Warner Robins, Georgia.
- 2001
Company renamed Terma A/S
[1]Terma Elektronik A/S adopts the shorter Terma A/S name together with a new logo and visual identity.
- 1999
Ørsted satellite launched
[1]Terma serves as prime contractor and lead supplier for Denmark's Ørsted satellite.
- 1996
Electronic-warfare system approved by the U.S. Air Force
[1]The AN/ALQ213(V) Electronic Warfare Management System receives U.S. Air Force approval.
- 1993
NATO Hawk maintenance center agreement
[1]Terma agrees with NATO to establish a maintenance and upgrade center for the MIM-23 Hawk system.
- 1980
Thomas B. Thrige Foundation becomes majority owner
[1]The foundation acquires a majority interest in Terma.
- 1977
Bravour acquisition
[1]The acquisition expands Terma's communications portfolio with VHF equipment used by the Danish Armed Forces.
Products and positioning
Specialized, high-reliability aerospace and defense technology supplier serving governments, armed forces, aerospace primes, shipbuilders, space agencies and security operators.
Aerostructures
F-35 Lightning II components
Terma supplies a broad range of parts and technologies for the F-35 program through major aerospace partners. The portfolio includes leading edges supplied through Lockheed Martin, composite tail components through BAE Systems, gun pods for the F-35B and F-35C through General Dynamics, and fuselage parts and electronics through Northrop Grumman. The reference material states that Terma supplies more than 70 F-35 parts.
Defense electronics
Electronic Warfare Management Systems
Terma's electronic-warfare management systems coordinate aircraft self-protection functions, including threat detection and response. The systems have been used on fighter, transport and helicopter fleets, including F-16, A-10, Tornado and Harrier aircraft. The reference material says Terma systems are fielded on more than 2,000 fighter and transport aircraft and helicopters internationally.
Naval command and control
C-Flex
C-Flex is Terma's naval command-and-control system for managing maritime sensors, operational information and shipboard decision support. It has been installed on vessels of the Danish, Lithuanian, Romanian and Thai navies, and has been supplied both for newly built ships and for modernization of vessels already in service.
Surveillance radar
SCANTER radar family
SCANTER radars are used for maritime and coastal surveillance, including the tracking of vessels and aircraft. Reference customers and users include coast guard organizations, port authorities and maritime-security operators in the United States, Spain, Colombia, Norway, the United Kingdom and Hong Kong. The product family includes the SCANTER 5202.
Space electronics
Satellite power-conditioning units
Terma develops power-conditioning equipment for spacecraft power distribution and control. Its systems have been used on European Space Agency missions including Rosetta and BepiColombo. For BepiColombo, the reference material describes the unit as a high-capacity system designed for the demanding solar-power environment around Mercury.
Space navigation · 1999
Star trackers
Terma's star trackers provide spacecraft attitude information by identifying and comparing observed star patterns. The company has produced trackers for scientific and technology missions including CryoSat, ADM-Aeolus, LISA Pathfinder and Tacsat spacecraft.
Space observatory · 2018
Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor
ASIM is an observatory designed to study high-altitude electrical phenomena such as red sprites, blue jets, halos and associated X-ray and gamma-ray flashes. Terma acted as prime contractor, coordinating technical work with the European Space Agency and subcontractors. The observatory was launched to the International Space Station in 2018.
Aircraft survivability
Aircraft self-protection and missile-warning systems
Terma develops aircraft survivability equipment for fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. Its portfolio includes electronic-warfare protection, missile-warning systems and related countermeasure capabilities. Systems have been supplied for Danish and Norwegian F-16 aircraft, Royal Danish Air Force helicopters, Royal Netherlands Air Force helicopters and other international platforms.
Brand decisions
2018
Launch of the ASIM observatoryProduct launchBackground
Terma served as prime contractor for a space observatory intended to investigate high-altitude electrical discharges and energetic atmospheric events.
Action taken
ASIM was launched to the International Space Station on 2 April 2018 for installation on the Columbus module.
Aftermath
The mission extended Terma's role from supplying spacecraft subsystems to coordinating a complete scientific observatory project.
2004
Expansion of North American operationsStrategyBackground
Terma was increasing its participation in international aerospace and defense programs and seeking closer access to U.S. customers and partners.
Action taken
Terma North America opened U.S. offices, beginning with an office in Warner Robins, Georgia, and later establishing operations in Arlington, Fort Worth, Norfolk and Atlanta.
Aftermath
The expansion supported Terma's participation in U.S.-linked aircraft and defense programs.
2001
Adoption of the Terma A/S name and new identityStrategyBackground
The company had previously operated under the name Terma Elektronik A/S while its activities had expanded beyond electronics into aerospace, defense, space and security.
Action taken
Terma adopted the shorter Terma A/S name and introduced a new logo and graphic design.
Aftermath
The rebranding aligned the corporate identity with a broader multi-sector technology portfolio.
Sources1 sources
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