QinetiQ Germany has successfully demonstrated the first flight of the Rheinmetall Delta B15 target drone in Todendorf as part of the German Armed Forces’ Uncrewed Aerial Training Services (ATS), according to a press release.
This marks a significant milestone in their partnership with Rheinmetall in the Ground-based Air Defence (GBAD) segment.
The Delta B15 target drone has been selected to meet the German Armed Forces’ evolving GBAD requirements.
Designed to address emerging threats, including one-way drones such as the SHAHED, the Delta B15 will also fulfil NATO and European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) training needs, supporting the systems currently deployed in Germany.
Operational use of the Delta B15 in Germany is scheduled to begin in 2025, with plans to extend operations to maritime environments with the German Navy.
Matthias Grögor, QinetiQ Germany’s Head of Strategic Business Development, highlighted the importance of this collaboration:
“In cooperation with Rheinmetall, QinetiQ Germany can expand its market position in the relevant procurement programs of our customers in Germany,” Grögor said.
“This means that we are actively preparing today for the arrival of newly procured weapon systems, always with an eye on current threats and an outlook to 2035.”
Mark Robert Henning, CEO of Rheinmetall Technical Publications GmbH, underscored Rheinmetall’s commitment to the partnership, noting the importance of the Delta B15 in advancing European defence initiatives:
“We are thankful to have been chosen by QinetiQ to supply the new target drones playing an active role in the European Sky Shield Initiative,” Henning said.
“The sophistication and diversity of airborne threats are ever-evolving. We at Rheinmetall are continuously anticipating these advances and are developing solutions to cope with these.”
At the UK Defence Journal, we aim to deliver accurate and timely news on defence matters. We rely on the support of readers like you to maintain our independence and high-quality journalism. Please consider making a one-off donation to help us continue our work. Click here to donate. Thank you for your support!
