Major contract worth billions

Defence systems Major Contract Worth Billions

2026-04-24 Source: Press release Rheinmetall AG | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

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Rheinmetall supplies the German Armed Forces with loitering munition FV-014.

The FV-014 loitering munition drone combines reconnaissance and strike capabilities for rapid and precise target engagement.(Source: Rheinmetall AG) — The FV-014 loitering munition drone combines reconnaissance and strike capabilities for rapid and precise target engagement.
(Source: Rheinmetall AG)

Rheinmetall has received a major contract from the German Armed Forces for loitering munition systems of the FV-014 type. A corresponding agreement was signed today in Koblenz. Delivery is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2027, with qualification starting in the second quarter of 2026. The framework contract has a value in the billion-euro range; the initial call amounts to approximately EUR 300 million (approx. 350 million USD) gross. The order will be booked in April 2026. Optionally, the framework agreement includes a five-digit number of autonomous recce and strike drones of the FV-014 type.

“Within a very short time, Rheinmetall has developed an autonomous drone that combines reconnaissance and effect. With the FV-014, the German Armed Forces will receive another weapon system that enables them to protect their own forces and engage critical targets quickly, in a controlled manner and effectively. We are grateful for the trust placed in us and will soon produce the system on an industrial scale in high volumes,” said Armin Papperger, Chief Executive Officer of Rheinmetall AG.

The FV-014 loitering munition system has a range of up to 100 km (approx. 62 miles) and is equipped with a warhead including a fuze of around 4 kg (approx. 8.8 lbs). In addition, the drone can remain airborne for up to 70 minutes, observing targets until engagement. The system, which combines intelligence and strike capability, is produced entirely within the EU.

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