Rheinmetall will co-develop advanced systems with Lockheed Martin for rocket artillery, laser weapons, simulation and training for land vehicles and helicopters, and short-range air defense.
Under a memorandum of understanding signed in Berlin, the two companies will produce new capabilities for land, air and naval forces.
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger said the strategic partnership will provide customers with cutting-edge technologies that combine the two companies’ expertise.
“We are pleased to take the next step in our proven cooperation with our U.S. partner Lockheed Martin. Both companies have specific capabilities and technological expertise that complement each other perfectly,” the CEO said.
Meanwhile, Dennis Goege, vice president for Central and Eastern Europe at Lockheed Martin, called the expanded collaboration “a logical step” for Lockheed to bolster its relationship with German and European industries.
Rheinmetall and Lockheed’s previous collaborative efforts include a deal in 2023 to develop a German version of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, known as GMARS.
The rocket launcher system will be designed to meet the increasing demand for long-range artillery by European military units, particularly the German armed forces.
The two parties also agreed to support the international F-35 supply chain, with Rheinmetall preparing to manufacture up to 400 F-35 center fuselages in Weeze, Germany.
The partnership will explore new industrial opportunities and generate jobs in manufacturing, sustainment, training, and research and development, Rheinmetall said.
