Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin want to build large-scale missile production in Europe together

 

The German company Rheinmetall and the American Lockheed Martin are planning to create a joint venture aimed at establishing large—scale production of missiles directly in Europe. Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger spoke about this in detail during a conference call on the results of the first quarter of 2025. He confirmed that Rheinmetall is going to hold a controlling stake in this new joint business.

The idea is to create a serious European center for the production of advanced missile systems in order to ensure stable supplies and not depend on external factors. Such an enterprise will help accelerate production, improve quality and strengthen Europe's defense capability in the face of growing threats.

Papperger noted that cooperation with Lockheed Martin is an important step, because the American partner has extensive experience and technology in the field of missile weapons. By combining resources and knowledge, companies will be able to work faster and more efficiently, creating modern solutions for NATO and partner countries.

Rheinmetall will retain control over the joint venture, which will allow it to direct the development of the project in line with the interests of European countries and maintain a high level of production. The launch of such a concern is part of Rheinmetall's global strategy to strengthen defense technologies and create reliable arms supply chains in Europe.

All this is happening against the background of an increasing demand for modern missile systems that require manufacturers to be highly technologically advanced and flexible. The Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin joint venture should become a key player in the market, capable of meeting European security needs for many years to come.

Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin have agreed to jointly manufacture ATACMS and Patriot PAC-3 missiles in Europe

 

The German defense concern Rheinmetall has announced plans to establish large-scale production of high-precision missiles ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) and Patriot PAC-3 air defense systems on European territory. The American company Lockheed Martin, one of the world's leading developers and manufacturers of weapons, is a partner in the project.

According to Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, active negotiations are currently underway between the companies to establish a joint venture in which the German side intends to receive a 60 percent stake. Such a structure will ensure not only local production, but also control over supply chains, which is especially important in the context of growing demand for weapons among NATO countries.

The deployment of missile system production facilities in Europe is designed to meet the needs of the alliance's countries, which are faced with a shortage of ammunition after large-scale supplies to Ukraine and accelerated rearmament of their own armies. In particular, ATACMS missiles and Patriot complexes remain among the most sought-after weapons of destruction and air defense.

In addition, such a step could become an important element of the EU's strategy to diversify and strengthen its own defense industry, reducing dependence on exclusively American supplies.

It is expected that the implementation of the project will stimulate the development of high-tech infrastructure, create new jobs and strengthen Rheinmetall's position as one of the key players in the European arms market.

Otokar and Automecanica SA create a joint venture for the production of COBRA II armored vehicles in Romania

COBRA II 4x4 

The Turkish company Otokar, a leading manufacturer of military equipment, has signed an important joint venture agreement with the Romanian company Automecanica SA. This cooperation is aimed at organizing local production of COBRA II 4x4 armored vehicles. The agreement was an important step in Otokar's strategy to expand international cooperation and strengthen its position in the global market.

The signing of the agreement with Automecanica SA marks significant progress in Otokar's efforts to develop partnerships with European countries. The joint venture will allow COBRA II production to be established directly in Romania, which will ensure faster delivery of equipment and lower logistics costs. It will also strengthen Romania's industrial base and create new jobs.

The agreement is directly related to the recent contract signed by the Romanian Ministry of Defense for the purchase of 1,059 units of COBRA II armored vehicles. This contract became one of the largest in the history of Otokar and highlighted the high level of trust in the products of the Turkish manufacturer. Thanks to the joint venture with Automecanica SA, production will be carried out locally, which will increase the efficiency of order fulfillment.

The COBRA II is a modern 4x4 armored vehicle designed to perform a wide range of tasks, including reconnaissance, patrol, and personnel transportation. The vehicle is characterized by high maneuverability, reliable protection against mines and machine-gun fire, as well as the ability to integrate various weapons systems. These characteristics make the COBRA II an ideal choice for military and law enforcement agencies.

The local production of the COBRA II in Romania will not only accelerate the execution of the current contract, but also create conditions for long-term cooperation between Otokar and the Romanian authorities. In addition, it is a step towards strengthening Romania's technological independence in the field of the defense industry. The joint venture can also become a platform for the further development of other projects in the field of armaments.

The successful implementation of this project can become an example for other countries interested in localizing the production of military equipment. It will also strengthen Otokar's position as a global leader in the production of armored vehicles and open up new opportunities to enter the markets of Eastern Europe.

The agreement between Otokar and Automecanica SA demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in the defense industry. The production of the COBRA II in Romania will be a key stage in the implementation of a major contract with the country's Ministry of Defense and strengthen NATO's defense capability in the region. It also highlights the desire of companies to adapt to modern challenges and develop innovative security solutions.

Antimonopoly Agency approves creation of Rheinmetall, KNDS and Thales joint venture

 The Federal Anti-cartel Agency has approved plans by three arms manufacturers - Rheinmetall, KNDS and Thales - to establish a joint venture based in Germany. 

"We are increasingly seeing cooperation projects between various European companies," the Reuters news agency quoted Andreas Mundt, president of the Bonn-based antimonopoly authority, as saying on Friday, April 4. According to the experts, "Rheinmetall and KNDS' previous fields of activity largely complement each other," and therefore their unification is acceptable. Rheinmetall, KNDS Germany, KNDS France and Thales will each receive 25 percent of the shares in the company developing the new generation MGCS (Main Ground Combat System) battle tank. The companies signed a shareholder agreement with MGCS Project Company GmbH, based in Cologne, in Paris at the end of January, Reuters recalls. The aim of the Franco-German weapons program is to replace the main battle tanks - the German Leopard 2 and the French Leclerc - with a single ground combat system by 2040.