Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall have signed a new cooperation agreement (Memorandum of Understanding) at the ILA Berlin Air Show. The two companies intend to develop further fields of cooperation in land, air and naval forces as well as in the areas of simulation and maintenance. Specifically, this includes missile artillery systems, laser weapon systems, simulation and training for land vehicles and helicopters as well as close and short-range air defense (SHORAD).
Ray Piselli, Vice President International at Lockheed Martin, said at the signing ceremony: “Today’s agreement marks an important step in our growing collaboration with Rheinmetall. We intend to leverage our joint expertise to develop advanced capabilities and defense solutions that will benefit both Germany and international customers.”
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger also expressed his delight: “We are delighted to be taking the next step in our proven cooperation with our US partner Lockheed Martin. Both companies have specific capabilities and technological expertise that complement each other perfectly.”
Last year, the two companies decided to jointly develop the GMARS multiple rocket launcher system. This is intended to meet the growing demand for long-range missile artillery. Rheinmetall is also currently building an F-35 center-fuselage factory in Weeze for Lockheed. Production of 400 F-35 center fuselage parts is to begin there shortly.
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