Two companies will join forces to produce MLRS for Germany
21 April, 2023 M142 HIMARS of the U.S. military.
2021. Photo credits: U.S. Pacific Fleet
Rheinmetall Defence and Lockheed Martin are joining forces to produce rocket artillery systems in Germany. The companies have concluded a Memorandum of Understanding. The press service of Rheinmetall made the announcement.
The Memorandum of Understanding envisages cooperation on tailored solutions that will provide Germany with a unique rocket artillery system that maximizes existing and combat-proven components, produced in Germany. "For us, the letter of intent signed today is an agreement of strategic significance. The combination of Lockheed Martin's proven capabilities and extensive know-how with Rheinmetall's experience in fabrication and production opens unique opportunities for both sides", declares Armin Papperger, Chief Executive of Rheinmetall AG.
GMLRS rocket launch from the HIMARS system.
Photo credits: U.S. Army
It is said that for Germany and Rheinmetall, the agreement offers the chance to secure key technologies and a significant share in the added value chain for Germany. Under this collaboration, the companies will explore potential joint opportunities in areas such as research and development, production and other activities.
According to Lockheed Martin Vice President of Tactical Missiles, Paula Hartley, the US company looks forward to collaborating and optimizing our combined resources to meet an immediate need for deterrence. "This is another step in our partnership with Rheinmetall bringing 21st Century Security solutions to Germany," she emphasized. It should be noted that Lockheed Martin is a manufacturer of M142 HIMARS rocket systems, which have proven themselves well in defeating the Russian invasion forces on the territory of Ukraine.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine received these rocket systems and munitions for them from the United States.
Work on the M142 HIMARS at Redstone Arsenal. Photo credits: U.S. Department of Defense
In January 2023, Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall said that the arms producer Rheinmetall was holding negotiations with Lockheed Martin to set up the HIMARS system production in Germany.
"We have the technology for the production of the warheads as well as for the rocket motors - and we have the trucks to mount the launchers upon," Papperger said.
The CEO of Rheinmetall also noted that a deal with Lockheed Martin might prompt investments of several hundred million euros of which Rheinmetall would finance a major part.