Rheinmetall has successfully demonstrated its new FV-014 loitering munition system to a potential NATO customer. The demonstration took place on 18 February 2026 at the National Test Centre for Unmanned Aerial Systems of the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) in Cochstedt, Saxony-Anhalt. During the demonstration, the FV-014 loitering munition system (LMS) simulated various mission scenarios and attack flights. For Rheinmetall, the successful test marks another milestone in its loitering munition activities. Rheinmetall’s state-of-the-art LMS FV-014 is designed for dynamic combat deployment at ranges of up to 100 kilometres. The system combines high effectiveness against armoured and soft targets with state-of-the-art sensor technology, network capability and deployment options even in GNSS-jammed environments.
The FV-014 is a state-of-the-art loitering munition system designed specifically for the demands of today’s and tomorrow’s battlespace. As a portable reconnaissance and strike drone, it combines reconnaissance and precision strike capabilities in a flexible solution, providing armed forces with decisive operational advantages from a distance. In action, the FV-014 can observe and analyse targets before striking with precision at the right moment. The operator remains engaged in the decision-making process at all times. In this way, the system helps to minimise collateral damage, protect friendly forces and engage critical threats quickly, in a precise and effective manner. As part of Rheinmetall’s portfolio of loitering munitions, the FV-014 stands for technological excellence and high operational value for modern armed forces.
The system is launched from a launch container using a booster, but can also be deployed from a multi-launcher. After launch, the FV-014 unfolds its folding wings and transitions to aerodynamic flight. The system has an operational range of up to 100 kilometres with a flight duration of 70 minutes, providing sufficient time for observation, target selection and attack decision-making. The FV-014 is initially designed as a portable system for use at troop level and is controlled via a user-friendly ground station that enables permanent human-in-the-loop control. The operator can identify targets, fly to them, launch a precise attack or abort the mission if conditions change. The FV-014 flight body follows a classic wing concept with electric propulsion and faceted structures to reduce signatures and enable high approach speeds in the target area. The system is optimised for low acoustic and thermal signatures and can also be used in electromagnetically demanding scenarios with disrupted satellite navigation.
The FV-014 at a glance
Type: Loitering munition / kamikaze drone.
Mission spectrum: Target reconnaissance, target tracking, precise single or swarm attack, deployment in GNSS-denied scenarios.
Launch weight: approx. 20 kg with 6 kg payload.
Range: up to 100 km, (60 km data link range).
Flight duration: 70 minutes.
Warhead: approx. 5 kg HEDP (High-Explosive Dual Purpose) with a penetration capacity of more than 600 mm RHA, also effective against unarmoured targets and infrastructure.
Transport and launch container with booster launch for quick deployment.
Operator station with data link for real-time situational awareness and target assignment.
Designed for swarm operations to simultaneously engage multiple targets or saturate enemy defence systems.
Can be used in mobile and scalable launcher configurations on land vehicle platforms and seagoing units.
Electric motor with propeller for quiet approach.
Designed for reduced radar and IR signature.
Robust against GNSS interference, suitable for use in highly contested airspace.
