Lockheed Martin, a global security and aerospace company, and Rheinmetall, a leading international defense system house, have agreed to expand their existing cooperation. Aextension of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) already in force since June 2024 between the two partners.
Building on their existing partnership, the two companies intend to extend the scope of their cooperation to establish a European center of excellence for the production and distribution of various types of rockets and missiles, with the aim of strengthening Europe's security and strategic autonomy. The center of excellence, based in Germany, will be led by Rheinmetall and will operate primarily in Germany and other European countries.
The companies have already begun work to identify the best method to establish the center of excellence, and the plans resulting from the evaluation will be subject to approval by the U.S. and German governments.
With this project, two leading defense suppliers are joining forces to collaborate in an expanding military market for the benefit of their customers: Rheinmetall, with its market access in numerous countries as a leading system house in Europe, and Lockheed Martin as an internationally leading manufacturer in the field of military technology and mission systems.
Ray Piselli, Vice President, International Relations, Lockheed Martin: “This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening transatlantic security and providing proven, cutting-edge capabilities to European allies. It is a step forward in supporting our European customers in achieving NATO commitments. By combining Rheinmetall’s deep regional expertise with Lockheed Martin’s advanced missile technologies, we are creating a solid foundation to address evolving security needs. This collaboration will strengthen both defense industries and create jobs in the United States and Europe.”
Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “Two strong partners have found each other. We are pleased to take another step forward in our already proven cooperation with our friends in the United States. Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall complement each other perfectly with their respective capabilities and technological expertise. We want to play a significant role in the growing European rocket and missile market, where we see considerable demand. Rheinmetall will not only be involved in sales, but will also contribute substantially to production.”
Dennis Goege, Vice President and CEO, Europe, Lockheed Martin: “Europe is at the heart of our international partnerships, and this initiative is an important next step. By strengthening trusting bonds with industry in Germany and across the region, we are supporting the European defence industrial base and improving security through shared innovation and technology.”
Lockheed Martin has been a partner of German industry for more than 50 years and continues to strengthen these partnerships through agreements with companies such as Rheinmetall, which have high technological capabilities. For example, in the international F-35 supply chain, Rheinmetall will begin production of the first of approximately 400 F-35 center fuselage sections starting in July.
Back in 2023, Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin had joined forces to develop the GMARS multiple launch rocket system, designed to meet the growing demand for long-range rocket artillery. The system was presented publicly for the first time in Paris, in the summer of 2024, during the Eurosatory show.
Lockheed Martin remains committed to strengthening the U.S. and European defense industries through strategic partnerships that leverage the best of allied technological advances while creating jobs in manufacturing, maintenance, training, and research and development.
Rheinmetall is one of the world's leading manufacturers of munitions, land systems and defense electronics. The construction of the F-35 center fuselage factory in Weeze also marks the group's entry into the high-tech military aerospace industry.
