Rheinmetall Defence and Lockheed Martin have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on tailored solutions that will provide the German army (Bundeswehr) with a unique rocket artillery system that maximizes existing and combat-proven components, produced in Germany.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Rheinmetall Defence and Lockheed Martin have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on tailored solutions that will provide the German army (Bundeswehr) with a unique rocket artillery system (Picture source: Rheinmetall)
“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.”
Under this collaboration, the companies will explore potential joint opportunities 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.”
For several decades, the rocket artillery of the German Bundeswehr was shaped by the use of US-manufactured weapon systems with nuclear capabilities. This changed with the fielding of the Raketenwerfer 110 mm SF rocket launcher, a conventional rocket artillery system used to engage area targets. The LKW 7 t gl (6x6) KHD Jupiter truck-based self-propelled Leichtes Artillerie Raketen System (LARS 1) light rocket artillery system proved itself well in service. After a new generation of vehicles had entered service in 1981 with the Follow-On-Generation, LARS 1 was modernized and the rocket launcher was mounted on a new chassis: the LKW MAN 7 t mil gl (6x6) KAT I truck. From 1990 the Mittleres Artillerie Raketen System MARS (MLRS) started to replace the LARS 2.
Currently, the German Army uses the MARS II Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) as its primary rocket artillery system. The MARS II is a modernized version of the American M270 MLRS, with improvements in range, accuracy, and mobility. It is capable of firing a variety of rockets, including GPS-guided munitions and cluster bombs, and can be rapidly deployed to support ground troops in a variety of scenarios.
German army MARS II/MLRS-E Multiple Launch Rocket System. (Picture source: KMW)
Defense News April 2023
