Rheinmetall Supports US Navy Aircraft Ground Operations With New Components Contract

Rheinmetall Supports US Navy Aircraft Ground Operations With New Components Contract

(IN BRIEF) Rheinmetall Canada will supply replacement components for MSU-200NAV mobile air start units used by the US Navy under a contract awarded by the US Department of Defense to the Canadian Commercial Corporation. Valued in the single-digit millions of euros, the agreement covers spare parts for the system’s starter and Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) and will run from the end of 2026 through the end of 2028. The MSU-200NAV is used to start aircraft engines both ashore and aboard ships and can be airlifted to forward operating bases. Rheinmetall Canada develops, modernises and maintains the systems at its facility in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 4-Sep-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Rheinmetall Canada has secured a contract to supply replacement components for MSU-200NAV mobile air start units operated by the US Navy, supporting the long-term availability of aircraft ground support equipment used both ashore and aboard ships.

The contract was awarded by the US Department of Defense to the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) and is valued in the single-digit millions of euros.

Deliveries are scheduled to take place between the end of 2026 and the end of 2028.

Replacement parts for aircraft engine starting systems

The MSU-200NAV is used by the US Navy to start aircraft engines in land-based and shipboard operations.

Under the contract, Rheinmetall Canada will supply spare parts for two important elements of the system: the starter and the Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC).

The starter initiates operation of the turbine, while the FADEC system manages turbine power output, operating sequences and safety functions.

The turbine-based MSU platform is designed for long-term availability, operational reliability and efficient maintenance across a variety of deployment environments.

Rheinmetall said the system has been used under a wide range of climatic conditions and is designed for straightforward operation and servicing.

Compact design supports deployment to forward locations

The MSU’s compact dimensions and relatively low weight allow it to be transported by air to forward operating bases, providing armed forces with a mobile aircraft ground support capability.

This flexibility allows the equipment to support aircraft operations in locations where permanent ground infrastructure may be limited.

Rheinmetall has longstanding experience in aircraft ground support systems and supplies equipment and associated services to the US armed forces, allied military customers and civilian operators.

Rheinmetall Canada supports MSU lifecycle from Quebec

Development, modernisation and maintenance of Rheinmetall’s MSU systems are carried out by Rheinmetall Canada at its facility in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec.

The company said these capabilities support the long-term availability and sustainment of the aircraft ground support systems.

The contract is being facilitated through the Canadian Commercial Corporation, which supports Canadian companies supplying Canadian-made products and services to US government customers.

Rheinmetall said the award also contributes to Canadian industrial activity in specialised aircraft ground support technologies.

Media Contact:

Patrick Rohmann
Senior Media Relations Manager / Spokesperson Digital Systems
Phone: +49 151 70 50 53 66

SOURCE: Rheinmetall