“Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall Join Forces to Create a Pioneering Hub for European Defense!”

Collaboration will strengthen the European defense industry to meet NATO commitments

Berlin, 30 April 2025 – Lockheed Martin, the global security and aerospace giant, and Rheinmetall, a leading international systems provider in the defense sector, have chosen to enhance their existing partnership. An upgrade of the previously established Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) from June 2024 has been formalized between both entities.

Building upon their established collaboration, the companies aspire to expand the boundaries of cooperation to serve as a European center of excellence for the manufacturing and distribution of various rockets and missiles, thus bolstering the security and autonomy of Europe. The center of excellence, situated in Germany, will be operated by Rheinmetall and will mainly function within Germany and other European nations.

The organizations have commenced joint initiatives to determine the best strategy for establishing the center of excellence, and the outcomes from this follow-up review will need approval from the U.S. and German governments.

With this initiative, two leading defense suppliers are coming together to cooperate in the growing military marketplace for the benefit of their customers: Rheinmetall with its extensive market presence in numerous countries as a preeminent systems house in Europe, and Lockheed Martin as a globally recognized manufacturer of defense technology and mission systems.

Ray Piselli, Vice President, International at Lockheed Martin: “This partnership underscores our steadfast commitment to enhancing transatlantic security and delivering proven, state-of-the-art capabilities to our European allies. This marks a progressive step toward assisting our European partners in meeting their NATO commitments, and by combining Rheinmetall’s vast regional expertise with Lockheed Martin’s advanced missile technologies, we’re laying a strong foundation to confront evolving security challenges. This collaboration will strengthen both defense sectors and create job opportunities in the US and Europe.”

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “Two formidable allies have united. We are excited to advance the next phase in our established collaboration with our partners in the USA. Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall complement each other exceptionally well with their distinctive strengths and technological expertise. We aim to play a crucial role in the expanding European market for rockets and missiles, where we anticipate considerable demand. Rheinmetall will not only participate in sales but will also significantly contribute to manufacturing.”

Dennis Goege, Vice President and Chief Executive for Europe at Lockheed Martin: “Europe is essential to our international partnerships, and this initiative represents a critical next step. By strengthening reliable alliances with the industry in Germany and across the continent, we are enhancing Europe’s defense industrial base and improving security through collaborative innovation and technology.”

Lockheed Martin has been a collaborator with the German industry for over 50 years and is continuously expanding these partnerships through cooperation with companies like Rheinmetall, which hold advanced technological capabilities. For instance, as part of the international F-35 supply chain, Rheinmetall will begin production of the first of approximately 400 F-35 fuselage central sections in July.

In 2023, Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin joined forces to develop the GMARS multiple rocket launcher system, designed to meet the rising demand for long-range rocket artillery. It was publicly unveiled for the first time in Paris during the summer of 2024 at the Eurosatory trade exhibition.

Lockheed Martin remains committed to strengthening the U.S. and European defense sectors through strategic partnerships that leverage the best of allied technological innovations and generate employment in manufacturing, maintenance, training, research, and development.

Rheinmetall is ranked among the globe’s top manufacturers of ammunition, land systems, and defense electronics. The establishment of the F-35 center fuselage factory in Weeze also marks the company’s entry into the advanced military aerospace industry.