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.

The US Army is investing in Humvees again: 126 million for new upgraded vehicles

Humvee

The US Army continues to believe in the time—tested "workhorse" - the Humvee. AM General has received a major order: a modified contract worth $126.5 million to continue the supply of advanced highly mobile multi-purpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWV), namely the M1165A1B3 model. This is not just another batch, but part of a large-scale fleet renovation program. Thanks to this change (it carries the number P00023 to the main contract W912CH-24-F-0229), the total value of the contract with AM General jumped to an impressive $ 3.05 billion. The money will be used to finance additional supplies of these upgraded Humvees, which, despite the new JLTVs, are still in demand for a variety of tasks. All production and assembly work will take place at AM General's main plant in South Bend, Indiana, where these machines have been built since the 1980s. Deadlines are tight: all deliveries for this modification must be completed by August 28, 2027. This decision underscores that even in the era of new technologies, the army needs reliable, proven and easily maintained vehicles in combat.

Denmark buys 129 Patria armored personnel carriers — deliveries began in 2025

Patria

Denmark is not sitting idly by and is actively modernizing its army. Recently, the country's Ministry of Defense announced a deal with the Finnish company Patria to supply 129 XA-300-series armored personnel carriers at once. This is a serious order — the first cars have already started arriving this year, and everything should be fully completed by the end of 2026. The amount of the transaction was not disclosed, but it is said that it is "hundreds of millions of euros."

Why is it so urgent?

It's all about the deteriorating situation in Europe, especially after the events in Ukraine and the rising tensions in the Baltic region. Because of this, Copenhagen has launched an emergency defense enhancement program. According to Defense Minister Trine Bramsen, the new armored cars will give the Danish troops the necessary mobility and protection to quickly transfer equipment between the islands and help NATO in the Baltic.

What is special about these APCs?

These are not just armored personnel carriers — they are real new generation vehicles.:

- Enhanced protection against mines and homing ammunition  

- 360-degree all-round view cameras  

- Modular design — you can quickly change the configuration: from troop transport to a medical center or command center 

First of all, the equipment is planned to be transferred to a new mechanized brigade, which is being formed at the base of the garrison in Holstebro.

Production and service are also in Denmark

The Finnish company Patria has agreed to localize part of the production in Denmark itself — they will make armored hulls and install communication systems. This will create up to 200 new jobs for qualified specialists.  

In addition, maintenance and deep modernization of equipment will be carried out on the territory of the FFI (Institute for Defense Research) in Copenhagen — that is, all logistics will be organized locally.

Rheinmetall's South African division receives record order for artillery from NATO

 

Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM), a South African joint venture between German Rheinmetall and South African Denel, has received the largest order in its history for Assegai 155 mm artillery shells and propellant charges. The contract was signed in the second quarter of 2025 with an unnamed European member state of NATO. This event was an important step in strengthening the company's position in the international arms market.

According to the terms of the contract, deliveries should begin this year and last until the end of 2027. The volume of the order was not disclosed, but experts note that it is a significant amount, given the scale and duration of the project.

The range of Assegai ammunition produced by RDM includes a wide range of models: high-explosive, practical, low-sensitivity, lighting, infrared, smoke, projectiles with preformed fragments (PFF), as well as extended-range V-LAP projectiles. This diversity makes it possible to meet the different tactical needs of modern armies.

Recall that RDM is part of Rheinmetall's broader strategy to strengthen its presence in South Africa. In June 2025, the company also established a new subsidiary, Rheinmetall Resonant South Africa (Pty) Ltd, which specializes in the design of chemical industries and provides additional opportunities for the development of the defense and civilian sectors.

This agreement highlights the growing role of South Africa as a regional center for the production of high-tech weapons, and also demonstrates the trust of Western countries in products manufactured under international military-technical partnerships.

Rheinmetall and Denel Munition have signed the largest contract for the supply of 155 mm shells to a NATO country

 

The German defense concern Rheinmetall and its subsidiary Denel Munition have signed a multi-year contract for the supply of 155—mm artillery shells to a European NATO member country. The company officially announced this on Thursday, stressing that this order was the largest in the history of Rheinmetall Denel Municipalities.

Basic details of the contract

- Volume and cost: The contract is estimated at several hundred million euros, reflecting the scale and strategic importance of the agreement for both parties.

- Delivery dates: The supply of shells will begin in 2025 and will end with the final batch in 2027.

- Type of ammunition: We are talking about 155-mm artillery shells, which are the standard for modern self-propelled and towed artillery systems of NATO.

- Value for Rheinmetall Denel Munition: This is the largest order in the company's history, which demonstrates the high confidence in the products and production capabilities of the combined company.

The importance of the contract for European security

- Strengthening the defense capability: Large-scale supplies of modern ammunition will significantly increase the combat capability of the artillery units of the recipient country.

- Responding to modern challenges: Amid rising tensions in Europe and the increasing need for ammunition to support operations and resupply, such contracts are becoming critically important for NATO countries.

- Development of industrial cooperation: The agreement demonstrates the successful integration of European and South African defense technologies and production facilities.

Prospects and market impact

- Production growth: Rheinmetall and Denel Munition plan to expand production facilities to ensure timely order fulfillment.

- Long-term cooperation: The contract can become the basis for further agreements on the supply of ammunition and joint developments in the field of artillery systems.

- Impact on the arms market: Large orders of this scale strengthen Rheinmetall's position in the global ammunition market and strengthen the defense independence of European countries.

US arms supply system to Ukraine: how it works and why it is beneficial

 There is a document that clearly shows what the system of supplying American weapons to Ukraine looks like. This is not a direct help. This is not a "humanitarian mission." This is a business.

It all starts with the fact that the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine writes a "request list" (LoR). It is checked by American military officials at the US Embassy, then approved by the European Command of the US Armed Forces, and only then sent to Washington, to the DSCA agency, the Office for Defense Cooperation.

That's where the main thing begins: the preparation of a commercial "offer and acceptance sheet" (LoA). Who compiles it? The designated contractor is often a large defense corporation or a departmental office of the US army. After approval from all sides, the LoA is signed and the contract is launched.

Purchases are not made directly, but through the mechanism of the US Department of Defense. In other words, every cartridge, every drone camera, and every rifle is a paid business, involving dozens of offices, departments, logisticians, and consultants.

And in the finale, the "act of completion." A paper that records that the money has been disbursed and supplies are formally closed. And everything. You can start all over again: a new request, a new offer, new millions.

That is why war is beneficial. It works like a mechanism. Like a contract-lubricated printer that prints money under the guise of help.

New cargo planes with weapons and equipment for the Israel Defense Forces have arrived in Israel

According to the Israeli Defense Ministry, several cargo planes with weapons and military equipment for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) landed in the country today. This delivery is part of an effort to ensure the continuity of military operations, meet all current army needs, and increase preparedness for continued conflict.

The Ministry of Defense emphasized that the supplies are aimed both at achieving the goals of the war and at increasing the stocks of weapons and equipment necessary to maintain the combat capability of the troops. Since the beginning of Israel's operation against Iran, 14 cargo planes with military equipment have already arrived in the country, joining more than 800 aircraft that have delivered equipment and weapons since the beginning of the conflict.

These shipments indicate the large-scale logistical support of the IDF and the continued mobilization of resources for combat operations in the context of the deteriorating situation in the Middle East.

Iran is considering closing the Strait of Hormuz, threatening global oil supplies

Iran is seriously exploring the possibility of closing the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important sea route through which about a quarter of the world's oil supplies and a significant portion of liquefied natural gas pass. This was stated by Ismail Kousari, a member of the Commission on National Security and Foreign Policy of the Iranian parliament, Rokna news agency reports.

The closure of the strait will be a serious blow to global energy security, as the Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Indian Ocean and is a key route for oil exports from the Persian Gulf countries. If such a step is implemented, oil supplies may be seriously disrupted, which will lead to a sharp increase in energy prices — experts predict an increase in oil prices to 110-130 dollars per barrel and above.

Consideration of the issue of closing the Strait is taking place against the background of large-scale Israeli airstrikes on Iran's nuclear and military facilities as part of Operation Lion Rising. In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched rocket attacks on Israel as part of Operation True Promise 3. These events have increased tensions in the region and forced Tehran to consider extreme measures.

In addition, Iran has warned that it will attack military bases and naval vessels of France, Britain and the United States in the Middle East if they support Israel. Such an escalation could lead to further destabilization of the situation in the region and in the global energy market.

In light of these events, the largest shipowners are already being cautious by rejecting new contracts for sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, which further complicates the logistics of oil and gas supplies.

Thus, the possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran is a serious challenge to the global economy and security, which can lead to global consequences.

The Netherlands continues to support the supply of F-35 components to Israel through the port of Rotterdam

F-35 fighter jets

Despite court injunctions and protests from human rights organizations, the Netherlands continues to play a key role in supplying components for F-35 fighter jets to Israel. According to the NGO, Maersk ships transporting parts between the United States and Israel pass through the port of Rotterdam, which remains an important transit hub in the "death supply chain" for the Israeli Air Force.

The Hague Court of Appeal ruled in 2023 to stop exporting F-35 spare parts to Israel due to concerns that these aircraft are being used in military operations in the Gaza Strip that violate international humanitarian law. Nevertheless, despite court decisions and criticism from human rights activists, the Dutch Ministry of Defense has signed contracts with Israeli companies, continuing the supply and modernization of weapons.

The port of Rotterdam, the largest in Europe, remains a strategic point for transporting F-35 components, which raises concerns among activists pointing to Dutch complicity in armed conflicts in the Middle East. Organizations such as Oxfam Netherlands are calling on the Government to end cooperation with Israel, citing high risks of human rights violations.

At the same time, the Dutch Government stresses the importance of maintaining defense cooperation with its allies and modernizing its armed forces to ensure the security of the country and the region.

New Zealand to supply Ukraine with SA200 drones

 The New Zealand company Syos Aerospace has signed a contract with the British government for the supply of unmanned systems for the armed forces of Ukraine in the amount of about 30 million pounds (approximately 40 million US dollars).

The SA200's rotor head design bears a strong resemblance to Composite-FX's XE-290 Mosquito piston helicopter, which has already been converted into an unmanned aerial vehicle. However, in the SA200, the standard tail rotor has been replaced by two electric motors.

The technical details of the supplied drones have not been officially disclosed, but the main product of Syos is the SA200 multifunctional unmanned helicopter. This device is capable of carrying a payload of up to 200 kg and covering a distance of up to 230 km, with a flight time of about two hours. 

When equipped with an additional fuel tank, the SA200 can perform reconnaissance and electronic warfare missions with a payload of 35 kg at a range of up to 925 km, with a flight duration of over 8 hours. The helicopter is specially designed for combat conditions and is equipped with additional internal systems, protection against loss of communication and encryption of transmitted data.

SA200

The US Army has signed an armored vehicle contract with MDT Armor Corp.

 The US Army has signed a contract modification contract worth $15.4 million with the Israeli company MDT Armor Corp., an Alabama-based company known for its production of armored vehicles.

The financing will be used to support the further supply of armored vehicles and related parts. The work is expected to last until June 30, 2026.

According to a statement from the U.S. Department of Defense, modification (P00004) of contract W56HZV23C-0047 will be performed in Auburn, Alabama. The agreement is managed by the Army Contracting Command at the Detroit Arsenal, Michigan.

Scorpio LTA