FWB:RHM

Rheinmetall has secured a new €1.04 billion contract from the German armed forces (Bundeswehr) for its “Infantry Soldier of the Future – Enhanced System” (IdZ-ES). The order includes modernization of existing systems and delivery of 237 additional platoon systems, with deployment scheduled between November 2027 and December 2029.

The project will equip an additional 8,600 soldiers, bringing the total to more than 12,000 individual systems across 353 platoon units. The contract falls under a broader framework agreement signed in 2025 with a potential total value of up to €3.1 billion through 2030.

The upgraded systems will integrate advanced IT, optics, and communication technologies, enabling compatibility with the Bundeswehr’s “Digitisation of Land-Based Operations” (D-LBO) network. Rheinmetall will act as the prime contractor, coordinating over 30 subcontractors.
Rheinmetall is advancing a full-spectrum, integrated approach to munitions production in response to growing demands for speed, scalability, and battlefield effectiveness, particularly in the United States. The company is positioning itself as a lead systems integrator, overseeing the entire lifecycle from design and production to deployment, aiming to address longstanding inefficiencies in fragmented defense supply chains.

The strategy includes developing munitions alongside weapon systems and fire control technologies to improve performance and reduce integration delays. Rheinmetall has already demonstrated rapid scaling capabilities in Europe, including building new production facilities and expanding output within months rather than years.

Through its subsidiary American Rheinmetall Munitions, the company is now seeking to apply this model to the U.S. defense industrial base, addressing capacity constraints and modernizing aging infrastructure. The move comes amid increased pressure to boost ammunition production following lessons from recent conflicts, highlighting the need for faster and more coordinated defense manufacturing systems.
Rheinmetall AG has secured a major framework contract from the Bundeswehr to supply FV-014 loitering munition systems, marking a significant expansion in the drone and autonomous weapons segment.

The agreement is valued in the billions of euros, with an initial order of approximately €300 million. Deliveries are set to begin in the first half of 2027 following system qualification in 2026, while the contract also includes options for large-scale additional orders.

The FV-014 system combines reconnaissance and strike capabilities, featuring a range of up to 100 km, a 4 kg warhead, and an endurance of up to 70 minutes. Fully developed and manufactured within the EU, the system is designed to enhance rapid-response and precision engagement capabilities for modern military operations.
Rheinmetall announced it will showcase advanced robotics and teleoperated driving technologies at Hannover Messe 2026, highlighting innovations in industrial automation and digital transformation. The company will present live demonstrations, including remote-controlled vehicle operation and AI-powered robotic systems.

Key exhibits include a teleoperation control station enabling vehicles to be operated remotely in real time, as well as the “YARO Cobot,” a robust collaborative robot designed for use in harsh and unpredictable environments. These technologies aim to enhance safety and flexibility by combining automation with human oversight.

Rheinmetall also showcased developments in IoT platforms and AI-assisted robotics, enabling more efficient data sharing, process optimization, and easier deployment of robotic applications.

The company said its innovations support the broader shift toward data-driven industrial ecosystems, with applications spanning logistics, transportation, and advanced manufacturing.
Rheinmetall Launches Serial Production of Unmanned Naval Vessels in Hamburg

Rheinmetall has begun series production of the Kraken K3 Scout, an unmanned surface vessel (USV), at its historic Blohm+Voss shipyard in Hamburg. The vessels are built under "Rheinmetall Kraken GmbH," a joint venture between Rheinmetall Naval Systems and British tech firm Kraken Technology Group.

The K3 Scout measures 8.4 metres in length, reaches speeds of up to 55 knots, and can be configured for a range of military and civilian missions including maritime surveillance, infrastructure protection, and weapons deployment. Initial production capacity stands at around 200 units per year, with the potential to scale up to 1,000 annually based on demand.

Rheinmetall is positioning the Blohm+Voss site as Germany's premier test and technology centre for autonomous marine systems, reflecting surging global interest in unmanned naval platforms.
Rheinmetall AG has signed a memorandum of understanding with Andøy Municipality in Norway to develop a satellite test center at Prærien Business Park in Andenes. The planned Rheinmetall Integrated Process Facility will support the region’s growing space and defence industry cluster and focus on satellite processing and testing capabilities.

Under the agreement, Rheinmetall Nordic will provide technical specifications for the project, while the municipality will facilitate zoning, land access, and infrastructure. The initiative remains subject to Rheinmetall’s final investment decision, with both parties aiming to advance toward construction and formal development agreements.
Rheinmetall AG has begun production of the third and final Class 424 intelligence vessel ahead of schedule, marking a key milestone in Germany’s naval modernization program.

The steel-cutting ceremony took place at the Peene-Werft shipyard in Wolgast, signaling that all three vessels in the series are now under construction. The ships, measuring around 130 meters, are designed as advanced maritime reconnaissance platforms equipped with state-of-the-art sensor technology.

Once completed, the vessels will be jointly operated by the German Navy and the Cyber and Information Domain Service, replacing the aging OSTE-class fleet. Rheinmetall stated that the accelerated timeline reflects the growing importance of speed in strengthening defense capabilities amid a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment.
Rheinmetall AG announced that its U.S. subsidiary, American Rheinmetall, has achieved CMMC Level 2 cybersecurity certification across all six of its manufacturing plants.

The certification confirms compliance with 110 security controls under the NIST SP 800-171 framework, ensuring protection of sensitive defense information across the Defense Industrial Base.

This milestone is strategically important, as CMMC compliance is becoming mandatory for participation in future U.S. Department of Defense contract tenders. Achieving Level 2 certification positions the company to compete for larger and more security-sensitive defense programs.

The certification follows several years of investment in cybersecurity infrastructure, policies, and workforce training, reflecting a company-wide effort to strengthen resilience against increasing cyber threats.

Overall, the development enhances Rheinmetall’s credibility as a secure defense manufacturing partner and supports its long-term growth in the U.S. defense market.
Rheinmetall and Destinus have announced plans to establish a joint venture focused on the production of advanced missile systems, as Europe seeks to expand its defense manufacturing capacity.

The new entity, to be named Rheinmetall Destinus Strike Systems, is expected to be formed in the second half of 2026 and will be headquartered in Germany. Rheinmetall will hold a 51% stake, while Destinus will own the remaining 49%.

The joint venture will specialize in the development and production of cruise missiles and ballistic rocket artillery, combining Rheinmetall’s large-scale manufacturing capabilities with Destinus’s expertise in missile technology and system design.

The partnership comes amid rising demand for scalable strike systems, driven by recent conflicts and increasing defense requirements across Europe and allied nations. The companies aim to deliver high-volume, industrial-scale missile production to meet evolving military needs, with potential market opportunities reaching billions of euros over time.

The venture will primarily target European and NATO markets, with potential expansion into selected partner countries.
Rheinmetall and Boeing partner to offer MQ-28 Ghost Bat for German air force

31 March 2026 — Rheinmetall AG and Boeing announced a strategic partnership to offer the MQ-28 Ghost Bat unmanned aircraft for Germany’s planned deployment of collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) by 2029.

The MQ-28, developed in Australia, is an autonomous aircraft designed to operate alongside manned fighter jets, performing missions such as reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and combat support. It has already completed over 150 test flights and is considered a mature platform for operational deployment.

Under the agreement, Rheinmetall will act as the system integrator in Germany, responsible for adapting the platform to national requirements and integrating it into the Bundeswehr’s command and weapons systems. The partnership also aims to strengthen Germany’s defence industrial base through local production and development capabilities.

The collaboration is expected to accelerate deployment timelines and enhance Germany’s military capabilities, while supporting long-term technological development and supply security.