Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall have agreed to expand their strategic defence cooperation with the creation of a European centre of excellence for missile and rocket production, aiming to boost Europe’s defence self-reliance and help NATO members meet growing capability demands.
Announced on 30 April 2025 in Berlin, the deepened collaboration builds on an earlier Memorandum of Understanding signed in June 2024. The new agreement outlines plans for a jointly led manufacturing and distribution hub, spearheaded by Rheinmetall and based in Germany, which will serve customers across the continent. The initiative is currently under review by both the U.S. and German governments.
“This partnership reflects our steadfast commitment to advancing transatlantic security and delivering proven, cutting-edge capabilities to European allies,” said Ray Piselli, Vice President, International, at Lockheed Martin. “By combining Rheinmetall’s deep regional expertise with Lockheed Martin’s advanced missile technologies, we’re creating a powerful foundation to meet evolving security needs.”
The planned missile hub represents a significant development for Europe’s defence industrial base, particularly at a time of heightened security concerns and rearmament across NATO. Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin previously joined forces on the GMARS multiple rocket launcher system, unveiled at Eurosatory 2024, and Rheinmetall is also engaged in production for the global F-35 fighter supply chain.
Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG, described the expanded partnership as a natural next step. “Two strong partners have found each other. We want to play a significant role in the growing European market with rockets and missiles. Rheinmetall will not only be involved in sales but will also contribute significantly to production.”
The centre of excellence is expected to support European nations in building out their missile stockpiles and long-range strike capabilities, with benefits in terms of job creation, defence resilience, and shared technology advancement.
“Europe is central to our international partnerships, and this initiative marks an important next step,” added Dennis Goege, Vice President and Chief Executive for Europe at Lockheed Martin. “We are supporting Europe’s defence industrial base and enhancing security through shared innovation and technology.”
The announcement comes as Europe moves to ramp up defence production capacity, with companies across the continent seeking to reduce reliance on overseas suppliers while accelerating the delivery of key military systems.
Lockheed Martin wanting to boost European self reliance is just about the biggest lie I’ve ever heard! US Government & companies want what they’ve always wanted; hegemony and total market dominance & control.
LM are doubtless nervous that Europe wants more missile self reliance and is scared of losing share.
European & Scandinavian countries would be foolish to fall for this scam.
Europe has the technology, ability & innovation skills to be independent of the US and should do so. Otherwise they face a future of being told where they can use, deploy or sell their systems – With Trump’s position of detent with Russia and encouraging Russian investment who knows where this would end.
The irony of LM being so slow to deliver on F35 block 4 but they can see europe has money to spend now and they want in. we know america is moving away from europe but how much willing is it to partner up with russia in the name of opposing china?