Rheinmetall Successful Launch of the FV-014 Loitering Munition System

Related Vendors

Rheinmetall AG

Fastems Systems GmbH

item Industrietechnik GmbH

Rheinmetall has successfully demonstrated the launch of its FV-014 loitering munition system from the Containerized Missile Launcher, marking another milestone in the development of highly mobile unmanned effectors.

Rheinmetall has successfully launched its FV-014 loitering munition system from the Containerized Missile Launcher, a modular multiple launcher for guided missiles and loitering munitions. Both the Containerized Missile Launcher and the FV-014 loitering munition system are in-house developments by the company. The product demonstration took place in July 2026 at the National Test Centre for Unmanned Aircraft Systems of the German Aerospace Center in Cochstedt, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.

As part of a customer demonstration, the FV-014 was launched both from a stationary position and while on the move from a Rheinmetall HX truck. During the demonstration, the system completed various simulated operational profiles and attack flights. With the successful testing, Rheinmetall is demonstrating its expertise in modern loitering munition systems and achieving another important milestone in expanding its portfolio of unmanned effectors for different ranges.

Designed for the modern battlefield

The FV-014 was developed for highly mobile deployment on the modern battlefield. It combines reconnaissance, target identification and precise engagement in a single system and is designed for engagement ranges of up to 100 kilometres (approx. 62 miles). Modern sensors, networking capabilities and a high degree of autonomy provide a high level of resilience against GNSS interference, enabling deployment even in challenging scenarios. The system is suitable for engaging both armoured and unarmoured targets.

The system is launched from a transport and launch canister using a booster. These launch canisters can be integrated modularly into the Containerized Missile Launcher. Depending on the container model selected, the launcher can accommodate up to 18 FV-014 systems. After ejection, the aircraft unfolds its wings and transitions to aerodynamic flight. With a flight endurance of up to 70 minutes, the operator has sufficient time for reconnaissance, target selection and the decision on whether to conduct the engagement.

Human-in-the-loop control

The system is controlled via a user-friendly ground station with a permanent human-in-the-loop concept. This enables the operator to identify and track targets, initiate an attack precisely and abort the mission if required in order to respond to changing operational conditions.

The FV-014 is a modern loitering munition system with a launch weight of approximately 22 kilograms, including a payload of around six kilograms. The integrated HEDP warhead (High-Explosive Dual-Purpose) has a penetration capability of more than 60 centimetres (approx. 23.6 inches) of solid armour steel and is equally effective against armoured and unarmoured targets as well as infrastructure.

An electrically powered propeller enables a low-noise approach. In addition, the FV-014 is designed to have a reduced radar and infrared signature. In addition to precise individual attacks, the system supports swarm operations for simultaneously engaging multiple targets or for “saturation”, meaning the deliberate overwhelming of opposing protection systems. In the future, deployment from mobile vehicle platforms and naval units is planned.

Flexible launch platform

The Containerized Missile Launcher is a highly flexible, modular launch platform for, among other applications, the FV-014 loitering munition system. It is based on a standardised ISO container of any size. It can be deployed both in stationary configurations and on mobile platforms, such as a Rheinmetall HX truck, as well as on seagoing units. In the “20-foot” configuration, a Containerized Missile Launcher can accommodate up to 18 FV-014 systems and is fully compatible with existing transport, logistics and operational platforms.

Integration with command and information systems (C4I) enables flexible launch by a local operator, via radio or through satellite communications. An integrated power supply ensures reliable long-term operation, including in remote areas of operation. The consistent use of commercially available standard components (COTS) reduces lifecycle costs. In addition, the system has remote activation capability as a so-called “sleeper system”.