The CML is part of Rheinmetall’s reconnaissance and strike network. The company said the system is designed to improve transparency in the operational area, reduce reaction times and support the protection of friendly forces.
Rheinmetall said the system is linked to the Rheinmetall Battlesuite as its digital foundation. The Battlesuite provides the framework for digitalising platforms, sensors and weapons, and enables networking of existing and future systems through open and standardised interfaces.
The company said this allows information to be made available more quickly and reduces integration effort. It also enables existing capabilities from different manufacturers to be used within a common command and information environment.
The CML is a fully autonomous, modular and networked weapon system. Rheinmetall said it is designed for flexible deployment on different platforms and rapid operational readiness.
The launcher is based on a logistically flexible 20-foot container. It can hold up to 18 FV-014 unmanned aerial vehicles.
An integrated power supply and several communications modules enable unmanned operation. Rheinmetall said the compact dimensions of the FV-014 and its swarm technology allow multiple unmanned aerial vehicles to be launched in a single salvo.
The company said the vehicles can be controlled simultaneously by a single operator. The FV-014 unmanned aerial vehicles have a range of up to 100 kilometres and an operational duration of up to 70 minutes.
The launcher’s open architecture is designed to allow quick and simple integration of other munitions. Rheinmetall said the system can also be adapted to different vehicles and country-specific command and control systems.
The CML includes an integrated fire control and communication system. This enables remote launch operations through several secure communication options.
Rheinmetall said this reduces personnel requirements and improves automation. Through the Battlesuite Interface Collection, the CML can also be integrated into existing command, reconnaissance and weapon systems.
The collection of open interfaces uses established military STANAGs and international standards such as ROS2 and MAVLink. It also includes proprietary developments and is already available on GitHub, including a digital test environment.
Rheinmetall said the Battlesuite architecture allows the CML to connect directly to a wide range of digital applications. These include tactical mission planning, autonomous UxV control, AI-supported target and object classification, multi-mode tracking, line-of-sight tracking and counter-UAS applications from Rheinmetall and its partners.
The CML is equipped with a battery system and a sleep mode. Rheinmetall said it can operate autonomously and as a standalone solution for an extended period.
An optional generator can further extend operating time. On command, the system automatically switches from standby to active mode.
The standardised container format makes the CML compatible with civilian and military transport systems. Rheinmetall said these include ships, trains and trucks.
The company said this supports mobility, covert operations and rapid deployment. The CML can be used as a standalone system or from vehicles, rail cars or ships.
Rheinmetall said smaller systems with a reduced footprint can also be implemented if required. The company said the combination of CML, FV-014 and Battlesuite represents more than a new weapon system.
Rheinmetall said the combination demonstrates an open digital combat network. The architecture integrates reconnaissance, command and firepower into a single system.
