SILAM Programme Moves Forward with Rheinmetall and EM&E Joint Proposal to Spanish Defence Ministry

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(IN BRIEF) Rheinmetall and EM&E have submitted a joint proposal to Spain’s Ministry of Defence for the SILAM High Mobility Rocket Launcher System, presenting a fully national solution developed through their UTE SILAM joint venture. The phased proposal covers launchers, ammunition, support vehicles and the development of guided rockets, aiming to deliver a technologically mature and sustainable system aligned with Spain’s operational and strategic needs. Integrated into Spain’s Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defence, the programme is designed to strengthen the national industrial base, enhance technological sovereignty and reinforce Spain’s role within European and NATO defence capabilities.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF / MADRID, 14-Jan-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Rheinmetall and EM&E Group, through Rheinmetall Expal Munitions and their joint venture structure, have submitted a joint proposal to Spain’s Ministry of Defence for the SILAM High Mobility Rocket Launcher System programme. The proposal presents a nationally developed alternative designed to meet Spain’s operational requirements while reinforcing domestic industrial and technological capabilities within the defence sector.

The joint venture has worked closely and continuously with the Directorate General of Armament and Material of the State Secretariat for Defence to define a viable Spanish solution within an accelerated timeframe. This sustained coordination has enabled a detailed assessment of operational needs and existing national capabilities, ensuring that the proposed system is fully aligned with Spain’s strategic, defence and sovereignty objectives.

As a result of this collaborative process, the UTE SILAM joint venture between Rheinmetall Expal Munitions and EM&E has put forward a phased development plan for a rocket artillery system conceived as a fully national programme. The proposal covers the delivery of operational and test launchers, associated ammunition, reconnaissance platforms and command post vehicles. It also includes the development, qualification and integration of training rockets and guided munitions, allowing the system to mature progressively while ensuring long-term operational readiness and sustainability.

The SILAM programme forms part of Spain’s Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defence and is positioned as a strategic initiative to strengthen the country’s national industrial and technological base. Beyond meeting the requirements of the Spanish Armed Forces, the programme contributes to broader European Union and NATO defence capabilities while reinforcing national supply chains and promoting technological innovation within Spain.

The development of a domestically designed and produced rocket artillery system represents a significant step for the Spanish defence industry, placing it within a highly specialised technological field currently dominated by a limited number of countries. The programme enhances Spain’s position as a capable and reliable industrial partner, able to manage complex defence programmes and compete at an international level.

In addition, the initiative supports the independent acquisition of national expertise in the design, development and manufacture of guided rockets. This ensures sovereign control over critical technologies and the full lifecycle of the system, strengthening strategic autonomy, improving defence resilience and reinforcing national sovereignty over essential defence capabilities.

Media Contact:

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

SOURCE: RHEINMETALL AG