Rheinmetall Defence and Lockheed Martin have signed an agreement to jointly develop a rocket artillery system for the German military.
The German-made system will be tailored to the military’s “unique” requirements, leveraging Lockheed’s extensive know-how in rocket artillery production, such as its High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).
“For us, the letter of intent signed today is an agreement of strategic significance,” said Rheinmetall AG chief executive Armin Papperger.
“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.”
The announcement comes after Papperger stated in January that the companies were discussing producing the HIMARS in Germany.
“We have the technology for the production of the warheads as well as for the rocket motors – and we have the trucks to mount the launchers upon,” Reuters quoted him as saying.
Germany Lacks Wheeled Rocket Artillery
The Germany Army lacks a rocket artillery system capable of launching guided rockets from a high mobility wheeled platform.
It currently possesses 38 tracked M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems, over a hundred PzH 2000 155mm self-propelled tracked systems, and over 80 M120 Mortars.
“Lockheed Martin looks forward to collaborating and optimizing our combined resources to meet an immediate need for deterrence,” Lockheed Martin vice president of Tactical Missiles Paula Hartley said.
