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The German military is set to acquire loitering munitions from Rheinmetall, Germany’s largest defense manufacturer. These drones are designed to circle over a target area before autonomously diving to strike.
The Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support signed the contract in Koblenz, according to ntv on April 22.
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The Düsseldorf-based company confirmed the deal is valued at €300M ($327M).
While the specific number of units remains confidential, deliveries are expected to begin in the first half of 2027. Production for these systems will take place in Neuss. The order for the FV-014 model is part of a broader framework agreement which sources suggest could reach a total value of €1B ($1.09B).
Rheinmetall reports that these drones have an operational range of up to 100 kilometers. The warhead, including the detonator, weighs approximately four kilograms. The system is capable of remaining airborne for up to 70 minutes while monitoring potential targets.
This procurement follows recent controversial remarks made by Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger regarding Ukrainian drone production. Papperger claimed there was a lack of innovation in Ukraine’s manufacturing, comparing the process to playing with "Lego" sets, according to European Pravda.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to these comments, calling the CEO's statement strange. Zelenskyy noted that competition should be handled through results rather than rhetoric.
Following the public reaction, Rheinmetall issued a statement clarifying that they respect the efforts of the Ukrainian people in defending against Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, particularly given their limited resources.
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