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Rheinmetall secures billion-euro Bundeswehr order for FV-014 loitering munition
Rheinmetall has been awarded a major framework contract by the Bundeswehr to supply its FV-014 loitering munition systems, marking a significant step in expanding Europe’s autonomous defence capabilities.
www.rheinmetall.com
The agreement, signed in Koblenz, is valued in the billions of euros, with an initial call-off order worth approximately €300 million.
- Deliveries are set to begin in the first half of 2027
- System qualification is scheduled from Q2 2026
- The framework includes options for a five-figure quantity of systems
This positions Rheinmetall to ramp up industrial-scale production of autonomous drone systems in the coming years.
Autonomous reconnaissance and strike capability
The FV-014 is designed as a loitering munition system that combines surveillance and engagement functions in a single platform.
Key capabilities include:
Autonomous reconnaissance and strike capability
The FV-014 is designed as a loitering munition system that combines surveillance and engagement functions in a single platform.
Key capabilities include:
- Range: up to 100 km
- Endurance: up to 70 minutes airborne
- Payload: 4 kg warhead with integrated detonation system
The drone can monitor targets over extended periods before executing a strike, enabling precise and controlled engagement.
Strengthening modern defence operations
According to Armin Papperger, the FV-014 reflects rapid development of autonomous systems that integrate intelligence gathering with strike capability.
The system is intended to:
Strengthening modern defence operations
According to Armin Papperger, the FV-014 reflects rapid development of autonomous systems that integrate intelligence gathering with strike capability.
The system is intended to:
- Enhance force protection
- Enable fast-response targeting
- Support modern, networked battlefield operations
European production and strategic significance
The FV-014 is manufactured entirely within the European Union, reinforcing regional defence autonomy and supply chain security.
This order highlights the growing role of:
The FV-014 is manufactured entirely within the European Union, reinforcing regional defence autonomy and supply chain security.
This order highlights the growing role of:
- Autonomous systems in defence strategies
- Scalable drone production capabilities
- Integrated reconnaissance-strike platforms
