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Global aerospace and security giant Lockheed Martin and German defence heavyweight Rheinmetall have announced the expansion of their existing partnership, formalising the next phase of their cooperation with an extended memorandum of understanding signed in April 2025.
The renewed agreement, which builds on an MOU originally signed in June 2024, aims to establish a European centre of excellence for the manufacturing and distribution of advanced rockets and missiles. Based in Germany and led by Rheinmetall, the proposed centre will service not only Germany but a broader European market – strengthening regional defence capabilities and boosting industrial self-reliance across the continent.
Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall have already commenced joint planning to identify the most effective approach for establishing the centre, with the final framework subject to approval by both the United States and German governments.
“This partnership reflects our steadfast commitment to advancing trans-Atlantic 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 collaboration underscores a shared ambition to respond to growing demand for long-range precision weapons, especially in light of Europe’s changing security landscape and increased NATO defence spending. Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin are positioning the new facility to support European nations in meeting alliance commitments with sovereign capabilities.
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger welcomed the deepening ties between the two firms. “Two strong partners have found each other. Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall complement each other perfectly with their technological expertise and market access,” he said. “We want to play a significant role in the growing European market for rockets and missiles – not only in sales but also in production.”
Lockheed Martin has had a presence in the German defence industry for over five decades and continues to grow these ties through key projects, such as the international F-35 supply chain. From July 2025, Rheinmetall will begin producing the first of approximately 400 centre fuselage sections for the F-35 fighter jet at its new facility in Weeze, marking its entry into high-end aerospace manufacturing.
Dennis Göge, Lockheed Martin’s vice president and chief executive for Europe, highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration. “Europe is central to our international partnerships. By deepening trusted ties with Rheinmetall and others, we are supporting Europe’s defence industrial base and enhancing collective security through shared innovation.”
The two companies previously joined forces in 2023 to co-develop the Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System (GMARS), designed to meet the surging demand for long-range precision rocket artillery. The system was publicly unveiled at the Eurosatory trade show in Paris in mid-2024 and continues to attract strong interest from allied nations.
Rheinmetall remains one of the world’s leading producers of ammunition, land systems and defence electronics and is now expanding into military aerospace through its involvement in the F-35 program. The company’s growing partnership with Lockheed Martin represents a strategic alignment of capabilities in a time of heightened demand for defence readiness across Europe.
Lockheed Martin reaffirmed its long-term commitment to strengthening both US and European defence industries through technology sharing, advanced manufacturing and job creation in areas such as training, maintenance, research and development.
