Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall Expand Partnership to Build European Missile Manufacturing Hub for NATO Goals

Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall Expand Partnership to Build European Missile Manufacturing Hub for NATO Goals

(IN BRIEF) Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall have strengthened their partnership to establish a European center of excellence for rockets and missile production, based in Germany. The centre will cater to the European market, supporting NATO’s defence goals and enhancing Europe’s self-reliance. This collaboration is set to create jobs, foster technological innovation, and contribute to regional security. The companies plan to leverage Rheinmetall’s regional expertise and Lockheed Martin’s advanced missile technology. The project, which includes a commitment to producing key military assets like the F-35 fuselage, reflects their dedication to improving the European defence industry and meeting growing demand for missile and rocket systems.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 1-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Lockheed Martin, a global leader in security and aerospace, and Rheinmetall, a prominent international systems house in the defence sector, have extended their partnership through the signing of an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 30 April 2025. This new agreement builds upon the initial MoU signed in June 2024, aiming to deepen their collaboration in the defence industry.

Under the expanded partnership, the companies plan to create a European center of excellence for the production and distribution of advanced rockets and missiles. Located in Germany, this center will be led by Rheinmetall and will focus primarily on serving the European market, contributing to the continent’s security and strengthening its self-reliance. This project is expected to support NATO’s defence objectives and bolster Europe’s defence capabilities. The operational scope of the centre will span across Germany and other European nations.

The companies are already in discussions to determine the optimal structure for the center, with plans subject to approval by both the U.S. and German governments. By combining Rheinmetall’s deep regional expertise with Lockheed Martin’s advanced missile technology, the partnership aims to drive innovation, create jobs, and enhance the technological base of the European defence sector.

Ray Piselli, Lockheed Martin’s Vice President of International Operations, remarked, “This strengthened partnership reflects our unwavering commitment to transatlantic security and providing Europe with the advanced capabilities it needs to meet NATO’s evolving security challenges. By bringing together Rheinmetall’s expertise with our cutting-edge missile technologies, we are establishing a strong foundation for European security.”

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall, highlighted, “Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall are natural partners with complementary capabilities. Our collaboration positions us to play a pivotal role in the growing European missile market, where we see significant demand. Rheinmetall will not only contribute to sales but also significantly support production efforts.”

Dennis Goege, Vice President and Chief Executive for Europe at Lockheed Martin, added, “Europe is at the heart of our international partnerships. By deepening our collaboration with industry leaders in Germany and across Europe, we aim to strengthen the continent’s defence industrial base and security.”

Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall’s partnership has long been a stronghold of European defence. In addition to their collaboration on advanced missile technology, they are also working together on the production of the F-35 aircraft. Rheinmetall is set to manufacture approximately 400 fuselage centre sections for the F-35, marking a significant expansion of their involvement in the high-tech military aerospace industry. This milestone follows Rheinmetall’s involvement in developing the GMARS multiple rocket launcher system with Lockheed Martin, which was first showcased at the Eurosatory trade fair in 2024.

About Lockheed Martin 

Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at www.lockheedmartin.com.

About Rheinmetall

The Düsseldorf based Technology Corporation Rheinmetall is a leading international system supplier to the defence industry and a driver of forward-looking technological and industrial innovations in the civilian market. The company’s approximately 31,000 employees generated sales of around €9.8 bn in 2024. www.rheinmetall.com.

Media Contacts: 

Lockheed Martin:

Julian Wörner
julian.worner@global.lmco.com
+49 (0) 160 93 585

Rheinmetall:
Oliver Hoffmann
Head of Press and Public Relations
Phone: +49 211 473-4748
Fax: +49 211 473-4157

SOURCE: RHEINMETALL AG