At the ILA in Berlin, Lockheed Martin, the global technology company for aerospace and defense, and Rheinmetall, a leading international systems house for the defense industry, signed a new cooperation agreement (Memorandum of Understanding).
As the companies explain in a joint statement, both partners want to develop areas of cooperation in relation to land, air and naval forces as well as in the areas of simulation and maintenance. Specifically, this involves, among other things, rocket artillery systems, laser weapon systems, simulation and training for land vehicles and helicopters, air defense in the short and close range (SHORAD) and other areas.
Ray Piselli, Vice President International at Lockheed Martin, said at the signing ceremony: “With today’s agreement, we are taking an important step in our growing collaboration with Rheinmetall. We intend to use our shared expertise to develop advanced capabilities and defense solutions that will benefit both Germany and international customers.”
Dennis Goege, Vice President for Central and Eastern Europe at Lockheed Martin, added: “With the signing, we are building on successful collaborations such as the German F-35 program or the GMARS rocket artillery system. It is therefore a logical step for us to take our collaboration with Rheinmetall to the next strategic level and thus further strengthen our relationships with German and European industry.”
Armin Papperger, Vorstandsvorsitzender der Rheinmetall AG: „Wir freuen uns, in der bewährten Kooperation mit unserem US-amerikanischen Partner Lockheed Martin den nächsten Schritt zu gehen. Beide Unternehmen verfügen über spezifische Fähigkeiten und technologische Kompetenzen, die sich hervorragend ergänzen. Es ist unser erklärtes Ziel, unseren Kunden aus dieser ambitionierten Partnerschaft heraus mit Spitzentechnologie zu dienen, die das Beste aus beiden Häusern vereinigt.“
In February 2023, the companies initiated the production of F-35 center fuselage sections by Rheinmetall with a declaration of intent (ESuTreported).
In 2023, Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin joined forces to jointly develop the GMARS multiple rocket launcher system, which is intended to meet the growing need for long-range rocket artillery (ESuTreported). If the Bundeswehr decides on this system, this would mean a significant share of the added value for German industry.
According to the press release, Lockheed Martin continues to strive to create additional opportunities for industrial participation. Partnerships with German industry create jobs in manufacturing, maintenance, training, research and development.
Rheinmetall is one of the world's leading manufacturers of ammunition, land systems and defense electronics. The construction of the F-35 center fuselage factory in Weeze also means the company is entering the cutting-edge military aerospace industry.
Editorial staff / gwh