QinetiQ Germany: successful demonstration of Rheinmetall Delta B15 target drone

The Delta B15 has been selected to address the evolving demands of Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD). With updates designed to counter emerging threats, including SHAHED one-way drones, the platform is set to meet the operational needs of NATO and European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) partner nations. Its primary role will involve providing critical training support for currently deployed air defence systems in Germany.

Operational deployment of the Delta B15 drone is scheduled to commence in Germany in 2025. Plans are also underway for its future integration into naval operations with the German Navy, reflecting its versatility across different military domains.

Matthias Grögor, Head of Strategic Business Development at QinetiQ Germany, emphasised the strategic significance of the collaboration with Rheinmetall. “In cooperation with Rheinmetall, QinetiQ Germany can expand its market position in the relevant procurement programs of our customers in Germany. This means that we are actively preparing today for the arrival of newly procured weapon systems, always with an eye on current threats and an outlook to 2035.”

The partnership aligns with QinetiQ’s comprehensive Global Threat Representation Life Cycle approach, which spans from operational analysis to practical implementation. This methodology ensures tailored solutions to meet the ever-changing landscape of global threats.

Mark Robert Henning, CEO of Rheinmetall Technical Publications GmbH, highlighted the value of this collaboration. “We are thankful to have been chosen by QinetiQ to supply the new target drones playing an active role in the European Sky Shield Initiative. We look forward to intensifying our collaboration in this field, based on our extensive experience in target solutions for ground-based air Defence training on the one hand and unmanned systems on the other.”

The Delta B15 drone stands as a testament to the continuous innovation required to counter the sophistication and diversity of modern airborne threats. Both QinetiQ and Rheinmetall remain committed to advancing solutions that address current and future defence challenges.