Discussions with Boeing are centred on the MQ-28 Ghost Bat project underway in Australia, Papperger revealed during the company’s second-quarter earnings call on 7 August. He also indicated that a classified programme related to the F-35 may be part of the dialogue with Lockheed Martin.
Papperger stated that Germany could require around 400 CCAs, calling it “a huge business.” He acknowledged, however, that he does not yet know which competitor might ultimately win the programme.
Rheinmetall is working to broaden its defence product range beyond armoured vehicles by forming strategic partnerships in advanced technology sectors. A deal is expected soon with Finland’s Iceye to produce low-Earth-orbit satellites in Germany and provide related services, enhancing the company’s digital capabilities.
Talks are also ongoing with Lockheed Martin to produce the American firm’s missiles in Europe, which Papperger described as “running in the right direction.” He said a first success in this area could come later this year, supported by Rheinmetall’s efforts to scale up rocket motor and missile production in northern Germany.
Among the goals is bringing production of the MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System to Germany, as U.S. manufacturing slows to prioritise the Precision Strike Missile. “It is still not done,” Papperger noted.
In addition to the CCA efforts, Rheinmetall and Anduril are cooperating on the Fury aircraft being developed for the U.S. Air Force. They have also agreed to work together on the Barracuda range of precision munitions, designed for cost-effective operations.
Papperger explained that Rheinmetall’s partnership with Lockheed Martin will focus more on higher-technology weapons, while the Anduril collaboration targets lower-cost munitions. He added that forming joint ventures in which Rheinmetall holds a majority stake is central to the company’s strategy for bringing advanced technologies to the German market.
Source: Aviation Week.
