Rheinmetall showcases a comprehensive portfolio of unmanned and networked technologies for modern defence and security at XPONENTIAL Europe 2026.
Rheinmetall presents advanced unmanned systems, satellite reconnaissance and teleoperation solutions at XPONENTIAL Europe 2026.
(Source: Rheinmetall AG)
From 24 to 26 March 2026, Rheinmetall AG is exhibiting at the XPONENTIAL Europe 2026 trade fair in Düsseldorf (Germany) the event is one of Europe’s leading flagship exhibitions for autonomous systems, robotics and unmanned technologies. This year, the topic of security and defence is receiving special focus for the first time.
At the exhibition, the Düsseldorf-based technology group is presenting a broad spectrum of unmanned solutions across the land, air and space domains. These include drones, satellites, robotic systems as well as applications for teleoperated driving via 5G mobile communications. Among the innovations Rheinmetall is showcasing at XPONENTIAL 2026 are:
Loitering munition FV-014
The FV-014 is a modern loitering munition system specifically developed for the requirements of today’s and future battlefield. As a portable recce and strike drone, it combines reconnaissance and precise effect capabilities in a flexible solution, providing armed forces with decisive operational advantages at a distance. During deployment, the FV-014 can initially observe and analyse targets in order to execute a precise strike at the right moment. The operator remains involved in the decision-making process at all times. In this way, the system helps minimise collateral damage, protect friendly forces and engage critical targets quickly, in a controlled and effective manner. The FV-014 is also a key component of Rheinmetall’s reconnaissance-strike network (RSN). This includes all necessary systems for reconnaissance and combat deployment and combines coordinated effects with rapid responsiveness.
Europe’s security landscape is changing rapidly
(Source: VCG)
As defence budgets rise and EU programmes expand, civil technology providers are becoming vital contributors to Europe’s strategic autonomy. The event will act as a neutral platform for dialogue between technology suppliers, integrators, and decision-makers shaping the next generation of European defence capabilities and aims to open doors between civil industry and defence procurement, providing practical insights.
The C-UAS Interceptor drone (RV-005) from Rheinmetall is a specialised “hard-kill” effector designed to counter small unmanned aerial vehicles and is part of the company’s comprehensive counter-drone toolbox. The system neutralises hostile drones through a targeted physical ramming manoeuvre or by means of a warhead, while modern AI technology enables precise approach even under the influence of radio interference. The RV-005 can be integrated as an effector into any command-and-control system for counter-drone operations. This allows threats to be reliably detected, classified and cost-effectively neutralised physically within a “multi layer defence”. Thanks to these capabilities, the drone is ideally suited for protecting critical infrastructure and sensitive airspace, such as airports or major events.
SAR satellites (Synthetic Aperture Radar)
SAR satellites (Synthetic Aperture Radar) are advanced reconnaissance systems that deliver high-resolution radar images of the Earth’s surface regardless of time of day or weather conditions. Using active radar signals, they provide detailed information even in dense cloud, fog, smoke or complete darkness. For modern armed forces, this data forms an essential basis for situational awareness, target acquisition and real-time surveillance. Through the joint venture Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions, a sovereign German satellite constellation is being established from Neuss on the Lower Rhine, ensuring a secure and controlled flow of information. Space-based reconnaissance is regarded as a key building block for the digital transformation of defence and national security.
Collaborative robot YARO Cobot
The YARO Cobot was developed for environments where other robots fail. With advanced AI, a robust design and adaptable options, it is the ideal tool for complex tasks under the harshest conditions. The hard-coated aluminium frame ensures resistance to salt, fog and corrosion in demanding outdoor environments. Certified to IP67 and IP69, it is fully dustproof and waterproof for reliable operation in wet and dusty conditions. “Force control” enables precise handling for delicate tasks, even under extreme conditions. Vibration damping and corresponding sensors ensure precision in environments with strong vibrations. Customised sensor heads adapt the YARO Cobot for tasks such as chemical detection or spatial measurements. The robot operates reliably at temperatures from -20 °C to 50 °C (approx. -68°F to 122°F).
Driver station and control centre for teleoperation
With its exhibit, Rheinmetall subsidiary MIRA GmbH demonstrates key elements of its teleoperation solution for use in public road traffic. At the centre is the driver station, from which a vehicle can be teleoperated and controlled in real time. The workstation is designed so that all driving-relevant vehicle functions can be operated and controlled remotely. Via the screens, the “remote driver” receives high-resolution video streams from the vehicle’s cameras in order to continuously monitor traffic conditions and safely perform driving tasks. In addition, MIRA is presenting the control centre at the exhibition as the central control and management unit of the overall system. This is where all information relevant to operations converges, where driving missions are monitored and coordinated, and where driving tasks are assigned to the respective control station. The interaction between control centre and driver station illustrates how teleoperated vehicles can be controlled efficiently, safely and in a scalable manner.
Date: 08.12.2025
Naturally, we always handle your personal data responsibly. Any personal data we receive from you is processed in accordance with applicable data protection legislation. For detailed information please see our privacy policy.
Consent to the use of data for promotional purposes
I hereby consent to Vogel Communications Group GmbH & Co. KG, Max-Planck-Str. 7-9, 97082 Würzburg including any affiliated companies according to §§ 15 et seq. AktG (hereafter: Vogel Communications Group) using my e-mail address to send editorial newsletters. A list of all affiliated companies can be found here
Newsletter content may include all products and services of any companies mentioned above, including for example specialist journals and books, events and fairs as well as event-related products and services, print and digital media offers and services such as additional (editorial) newsletters, raffles, lead campaigns, market research both online and offline, specialist webportals and e-learning offers. In case my personal telephone number has also been collected, it may be used for offers of aforementioned products, for services of the companies mentioned above, and market research purposes.
Additionally, my consent also includes the processing of my email address and telephone number for data matching for marketing purposes with select advertising partners such as LinkedIn, Google, and Meta. For this, Vogel Communications Group may transmit said data in hashed form to the advertising partners who then use said data to determine whether I am also a member of the mentioned advertising partner portals. Vogel Communications Group uses this feature for the purposes of re-targeting (up-selling, cross-selling, and customer loyalty), generating so-called look-alike audiences for acquisition of new customers, and as basis for exclusion for on-going advertising campaigns. Further information can be found in section “data matching for marketing purposes”.
In case I access protected data on Internet portals of Vogel Communications Group including any affiliated companies according to §§ 15 et seq. AktG, I need to provide further data in order to register for the access to such content. In return for this free access to editorial content, my data may be used in accordance with this consent for the purposes stated here. This does not apply to data matching for marketing purposes.
Right of revocation
I understand that I can revoke my consent at will. My revocation does not change the lawfulness of data processing that was conducted based on my consent leading up to my revocation. One option to declare my revocation is to use the contact form found at https://contact.vogel.de. In case I no longer wish to receive certain newsletters, I have subscribed to, I can also click on the unsubscribe link included at the end of a newsletter. Further information regarding my right of revocation and the implementation of it as well as the consequences of my revocation can be found in the data protection declaration, section editorial newsletter.
Rheinmetall—driving the digital transformation of armed forces
At XPONENTIAL, Rheinmetall positions itself as a leading international systems provider driving the digital transformation of armed forces as well as innovative mobility solutions for civilian applications. In doing so, the company underlines its ambition to establish unmanned technologies as a central element of modern defence and to ensure information superiority on the battlefield. As a global player, the group is presenting forward-looking solutions for networked operations over the next decade during the exhibition. In this way, Rheinmetall is making a decisive contribution to national and international security in an ever-changing world. Visitors to XPONENTIAL Europe 2026 can learn more about Rheinmetall’s extensive portfolio at stand C25 in hall 1.