Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall Unite to Forge a Trailblazing Centre for European Security!

 
Partnership will bolster European defense sector to fulfill NATO obligations
 
Berlin, 30 April 2025 – Lockheed Martin, the worldwide security and aerospace enterprise, and Rheinmetall, a prominent global system provider in the defense domain, have decided to enhance their current collaboration. An enhancement of the already established Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) from June 2024 has been formalized between both parties. 
 
Expanding on their established alliance, the firms aim to broaden the scope of cooperation to function as a European center of excellence for the production and distribution of diverse rockets and missiles, thereby fortifying the security and self-sufficiency of Europe. The center of excellence, located in Germany, will be managed by Rheinmetall and will primarily operate within Germany and other European nations. 
 
The organizations have initiated joint efforts to determine the optimal strategy for establishing the center of excellence, and the plans from this subsequent review will require approval from the U.S. and German administrations.
 
With this venture, two foremost defense suppliers are uniting to collaborate in the expanding military marketplace for the advantage of their clients: Rheinmetall with its broad market reach in numerous countries as a leading system house in Europe, and Lockheed Martin as a globally leading producer of defense technology and mission systems. 
 
Ray Piselli, vice president, International at Lockheed Martin: “This collaboration signifies our unwavering dedication to enhancing transatlantic security and providing proven, state-of-the-art capabilities to European partners. This is a progressive step toward assisting our European clients in fulfilling their NATO obligations, and by merging Rheinmetall’s extensive regional knowledge with Lockheed Martin’s pioneering missile technologies, we’re establishing a robust foundation to address shifting security demands. This partnership will fortify both defense industries and generate employment opportunities in the US and Europe.”
 
Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “Two robust allies have come together. We are thrilled to be advancing the next phase in our established collaboration with our partners in the USA. Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall perfectly complement each other with their unique strengths and technological proficiency. We aspire to play a pivotal role in the burgeoning European market for rockets and missiles, where we foresee substantial demand. Rheinmetall will not only engage in sales but will also significantly contribute to production.” 
 
Dennis Goege, vice president and chief executive for Europe at Lockheed Martin: “Europe is pivotal to our international alliances, and this initiative represents an essential next step. By deepening reliable partnerships with industry in Germany and across the continent, we are bolstering Europe’s defense industrial framework and enhancing security through collaborative innovation and technology.”  
 
Lockheed Martin has been a collaborator with the German industry for over 50 years and is continually expanding these partnerships through collaboration with companies like Rheinmetall, which possess advanced technological capacities. For instance, as part of the international F-35 supply network, Rheinmetall will commence production of the first of around 400 F-35 fuselage central sections in July. 

In 2023, Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin united efforts to develop the GMARS multiple rocket launcher system, tailored to meet the increasing demand for long-range rocket artillery. It was publicly showcased for the first time in Paris during the summer of 2024 at the Eurosatory trade exhibition. 
 
Lockheed Martin remains devoted to fortifying the U.S. and European defense industries through strategic alliances that leverage the best of allied technological advancements and create jobs in manufacturing, maintenance, training, research, and development. 
 
Rheinmetall stands as one of the globe’s premier manufacturers of ammunition, land systems, and defense electronics. The establishment of the F-35 center fuselage factory in Weeze also marks the corporation’s entry into the advanced military aerospace sector.