Rheinmetall has received a major order from the Bundeswehr for FV-014 loitering munition systems. A contract to that effect was signed on April 22nd in Koblenz. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the first half of 2027, following qualification from the second quarter of 2026.
The framework contract is worth billions, with the first call-off amounting to approximately $350M (€300m) gross. The order will be booked in April 2026. The framework agreement optionally includes a five-figure number of FV-014 autonomous recce and strike drones.
“Within a very short time, Rheinmetall has developed an autonomous drone that combines reconnaissance and strike capabilities. The FV-014 will enable the Bundeswehr to protect its own forces and engage critical targets in a fast, controlled and effective manner. We are grateful for the trust placed in us and will begin producing the system in large quantities on an industrial scale very soon”,
said Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG.
The FV-014 loitering munition system has a range of up to 100 km and is equipped with a 4 kg warhead and detonator mechanism. The drone can remain airborne for up to 70 minutes, monitoring targets until engaging on them. The system combines intelligence and firepower and is manufactured entirely within the EU.
The FV-014 is a state-of-the-art loitering munition system designed specifically for the demands of today’s and tomorrow’s battlespace. As a portable reconnaissance and strike drone, it combines reconnaissance and precision strike capabilities in a flexible solution, providing armed forces with decisive operational advantages from a distance.
In action, the FV-014 can observe and analyse targets before striking with precision at the right moment. The operator remains engaged in the decision-making process at all times. In this way, the system helps to minimise collateral damage, protect friendly forces and engage critical threats quickly, in a precise and effective manner. As part of Rheinmetall’s portfolio of loitering munitions, the FV-014 stands for technological excellence and high operational value for modern armed forces.
Multi-Control & Swarm Capability
Thanks to advanced swarm technology, the system is designed to allow a single operator to control multiple LMSs simultaneously. The software architecture enables coordinated control, communication and mission planning of multiple platforms in real time. Automated routines throughout the entire chain of action – from navigation to target identification and prioritisation and combating – reduce the operator’s workload, allowing them to efficiently monitor and control the entire mission. This capability significantly increases flexibility and operating density and contributes to boosting effectiveness in complex operating scenarios.
The FV-014 flight body follows a classic wing concept with electric propulsion and faceted structures. A special feature is the use of fins, which enable a long range combined with high maneuverability. This also reduces signatures and enables high approach speeds in the target area. The system is optimised with low acoustic and thermal signatures and can also be used in demanding electromagnetic environments with disrupted satellite navigation.
Industrial Scalability via Design
The FV-014 is designed from the ground up for high-volume industrial mass production. Commercially proven and established components (wings, fuselage, etc.), a modular system design, combined with the use of standardised key components (warhead, ESAD, flight control, etc.) and digitally networked production lines enable short ramp-up times for series production with high quality. Modern manufacturing technologies – including automated assembly processes and additive manufacturing for selected components – shorten delivery times and increase availability even in the context of dynamic demand. This technological design enables the system to be quickly adapted to different production capacities while ensuring high reliability and reproducibility regardless of rapid technology cycles.
Source: Rheinmetall