Lockheed Martin, the global security and aerospace company, and Rheinmetall, a leading international system house in the defence industry, have agreed to expand their existing cooperation. An extension of an already existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) from June 2024 has been signed between both partners. Building on their existing partnership, the companies intend to extend the scope of collaboration in order to serve as a European center of excellence for the manufacturing and distribution of various rockets and missiles to enhance the security and self-reliance of Europe. The centre of excellence, based in Germany, will be led by Rheinmetall and will primarily operate in Germany and other European countries.
The companies have begun working together to identify the best method to establish the centre of excellence, and plans of the resulting review will be subject to approval by the U.S. and German governments. With this project, two leading defence suppliers are joining forces to work together in the growing military market for the benefit of their customers: Rheinmetall with its market access in many countries as a leading system house in Europe, and Lockheed Martin as an internationally leading manufacturer defence technology and mission systems.
Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “Two strong partners have found each other. We are delighted to be taking the next step in our proven cooperation with our friends in the USA. Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall complement each other perfectly with their specific capabilities and technological expertise. We want to play a significant role in the growing European market with rockets and missiles, where we see a considerable demand. Rheinmetall will not only be involved in sales but will also contribute significantly to the production”.
Ray Piselli, vice president, International at Lockheed Martin: “This partnership reflects our steadfast commitment to advancing transatlantic security and delivering proven, cutting-edge capabilities to European allies. This is a step toward helping our European customers meet their NATO commitments and by combining Rheinmetall’s deep regional expertise with Lockheed Martin’s advanced missile technologies, we’re creating a powerful foundation to meet evolving security needs. This relationship will strengthen both defense industries and create jobs in the US and Europe.”
Dennis Goege, vice president and chief executive for Europe at Lockheed Martin: “Europe is central to our international partnerships, and this initiative marks an important next step. By deepening trusted ties with industry in Germany and across the region, we are supporting Europe’s defence industrial base and enhancing security through shared innovation and technology.”
Lockheed Martin has been a partner to the German industry for over 50 years and is continuing to expand these partnerships through cooperation with companies such as Rheinmetall, that have highly developed technological capabilities. For example, as part of the international F-35 supply chain, Rheinmetall will begin producing the first of approximately 400 F-35 fuselage centre sections in July. Back in 2023, Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin joined forces to develop the GMARS multiple rocket launcher system, designed to meet the growing demand for long-range rocket artillery. It was unveiled to the public for the first time in Paris in the summer of 2024 at the Eurosatory trade fair. Lockheed Martin remains committed to strengthening the U.S. and European defence industries through strategic collaborations that harness the best of allied technology progress and create jobs in manufacturing, maintenance, training, research and development. Rheinmetall is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of ammunition, land systems and defence electronics. The construction of the F-35 centre fuselage factory in Weeze also marks the corporation’s entry into the high-tech military aerospace industry.
The Lockheed Martin Corporation is an American defense and aerospace manufacturer with worldwide interests. It was formed by the merger of Lockheed Corporation with Martin Marietta in March 1995. It is headquartered in North Bethesda, Maryland. Lockheed Martin employs approximately 121,000 employees worldwide, including about 60,000 engineers and scientists. Lockheed Martin is also a contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Lockheed Martin operates in four business segments: Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control (MFC), Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS), and Space.
Rheinmetall AG is a German automotive and arms manufacturer, headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany. The group was promoted to the DAX, Germany’s leading stock market index, in March 2023. It is the largest German and fifth largest European arms manufacturer, and produces a variety of armored fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers, in both wheeled and tracked versions. Its name is derived from the German-language words Rhein and Metall, translating to “Rhine-metal” when combined. The company’s approximately 31,000 employees generated sales of around €9.8 bn in 2024.
