The latest call-off follows budget approval by the German Bundestag’s Budget Committee in December 2025. It was placed under a framework contract concluded in June 2021 and extended in December 2025.
Rheinmetall said the second definitive call-off represents a further net order intake of several hundred million euros. The order will be booked in the second quarter of 2026.
The LLM-VarioRay modules are made in Germany and manufactured by Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics in Stockach at Lake Constance. Rheinmetall said numerous small and medium-sized German companies will also benefit from the contract as suppliers.
“Our versatile and battle-proven LLM-VarioRay is a key tactical combat enhancer for dismounted soldiers,” said Dr Timo Haas, Head of Rheinmetall’s Digital Systems division.
“This further major contract from the Bundeswehr demonstrates the troop’s confidence in our capabilities and underlines the constructive cooperation between industry, procurement authorities and the armed forces,” Haas said.
The Rheinmetall LLM-VarioRay is part of the latest generation of laser-light modules. The devices are primarily used on small arms carried by infantry and dismounted forces to detect, identify and mark targets.
The module weighs about 250 grams, including its mount. It can be attached to any assault rifle using a MIL-STD 1913 rail or STANAG 4694 interface and can be operated by trigger cable.
The device includes a powerful white-light LED, a red-light laser marker, an infrared laser marker and an electrically focusable infrared illuminator. Its light source can be selected and adjusted steplessly using a rotary switch.
The LLM-VarioRay also has a fully integrated, factory-aligned laser block. Rheinmetall said this allows easy adjustment and alignment of the sight and weapon.
Used with night vision and thermal imaging devices, the module allows German forces to carry out missions across the full spectrum of operations. Rheinmetall said this applies in daytime and night-time conditions and in all weather.
The LLM-VarioRay product family is part of Germany’s Future Soldier – Extended System, known as IdZ-ES. It is also used by the British Army as the Laser-Light-Module MK3 and by the Swiss Army as the Laser-Light-Module 19.
Rheinmetall said its wider portfolio includes a range of infantry equipment, including targeting and illumination modules. These systems are designed to increase the tactical value of modern small arms, while the LM-VTAL laser module has been used by Bundeswehr special operators for several years.
