Rheinmetall secures largest-ever order for laser systems to equip Bundeswehr assault rifles

Rheinmetall secures largest-ever order for laser systems to equip Bundeswehr assault rifles

(IN BRIEF) Rheinmetall has secured a major additional order from the Bundeswehr for the delivery of LLM-VarioRay Laser-Light-Modules for Germany’s new assault rifle. Following budget approval by the Bundestag, the first binding call-off has been placed under a long-term framework agreement signed in 2021. The order, valued at several hundred million euros, is the largest in the history of Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics and will be fulfilled over seven years from the company’s Stockach facility. The LLM-VarioRay enhances combat effectiveness through advanced laser and illumination capabilities and is already integrated into Germany’s Future Soldier system and used by other European armed forces.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 22-Dec-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Rheinmetall has received a major additional order from the Bundeswehr for the supply of Laser-Light-Modules for the German Armed Forces’ new assault rifle. The order follows budget approval granted by the German Bundestag Budget Committee on 3 December 2025 and marks the first binding call-off under a framework agreement concluded in June 2021.

The agreement provides for the delivery of LLM-VarioRay Laser-Light-Modules over a seven-year period and includes options for further units to be procured within the same timeframe. The confirmed call-off results in a net order intake of several hundred million euros, representing the largest order in the history of Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics. Manufacturing will take place at the company’s production facility in Stockach, near Lake Constance.

The LLM-VarioRay forms part of Rheinmetall’s latest generation of laser and illumination systems designed to enhance the combat effectiveness of infantry and dismounted forces. Mounted primarily on service weapons, the system supports the detection, identification, and marking of targets across a wide operational spectrum.

Weighing approximately 250 grams including its mount, the LLM-VarioRay can be fitted to assault rifles using MIL-STD-1913 rails or STANAG 4694 interfaces and operated via a trigger cable. The module integrates a powerful white-light LED, a red-light laser marker, an infrared laser marker, and an electrically focusable infrared illuminator. Users can select and continuously adjust the light source through a rotary switch, while the fully integrated, factory-aligned laser block enables straightforward weapon and sight alignment.

When used in combination with night-vision and thermal imaging systems, the LLM-VarioRay enables the Bundeswehr to conduct missions across the full operational spectrum, regardless of lighting or weather conditions. The product family is also part of Germany’s Future Soldier – Extended System (IdZ-ES) programme and is in service with other armed forces, including the British Army as the Laser-Light-Module MK3 and the Swiss Army as the Laser-Light-Module 19.

Rheinmetall’s broader infantry equipment portfolio includes a range of targeting and illumination systems developed to enhance the tactical effectiveness of modern small arms. Among them is the LM-VTAL (Laser Module – Variable Tactical Aiming Laser), which has been in operational use with the Bundeswehr’s special forces for several years.

Media Contacts:

Oliver Hoffmann
Head of Public Relations
Rheinmetall AG
Tel.: +49-(0)211 473 4748

SOURCE: RHEINMETALL AG