Germany’s Rheinmetall is partnering with US defense major Lockheed Martin to offer an enhanced variant of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) for the German Army’s new rocket artillery system.
Rheinmetall Defence and Lockheed Martin announced on April 20 that they signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to work together on a custom rocket artillery system that maximizes the use of existing components made in Germany for the Bundeswehr.
By revealing the offer, the duo is becoming the second known team to join the race to deliver a new artillery system for the Bundeswehr. Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Israeli company Elbit revealed earlier they would be offering the Precise and Universal Launching System (PULS) for the program.
“For us, the letter of intent signed today is an agreement of strategic significance. The combination of Lockheed Martin’s proven capabilities and extensive know-how with Rheinmetall’s experience in fabrication and production opens unique opportunities for both sides”, declares Armin Papperger, chief executive of Rheinmetall AG. “For Germany and Rheinmetall, the agreement offers the chance to secure key technologies and a significant share in the value added chain for Germany.”
Lockheed Martin also announced that as part of their collaboration with Rheinmetall, the two companies will be exploring potential opportunities for joint ventures in areas such as research and development, production, and other activities.
“Lockheed Martin looks forward to collaborating and optimizing our combined resources to meet an immediate need for deterrence,” said Lockheed Martin Vice President of Tactical Missiles, Paula Hartley. “This is another step in our partnership with Rheinmetall bringing 21st Century Security solutions to Germany.”
In light of German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius’ comments in March about the German army’s inability to defend the country due to a lack of personnel and insufficient infrastructure, the recent collaboration between Rheinmetall Defence and Lockheed Martin on a new rocket artillery system for the Bundeswehr takes on added significance.
The minister stressed the need for greater investment in modernizing the army, and this partnership could be a step in that direction. With Germany’s obligation to fulfill its NATO commitments, improving its military capabilities is crucial.
