German Army Procures Kamikaze Drones from Rheinmetall

According to a report by Reference News Network on April 25, the German newspaper Berliner Zeitung reported on April 22 that Rheinmetall has received a large order from the German Bundeswehr for "loitering munitions" (also known as suicide drones). According to the company, the relevant contract was signed on the 22nd. The total amount of the first batch of orders is approximately 300 million euros, while the total value of the framework contract is in the billions of euros.

Delivery is expected to begin in the first half of 2027, with production taking place at the Neuss facility and completed entirely within the European Union.

According to Rheinmetall, the FV-014 loitering munition has a range of up to 100 kilometers and can stay airborne for up to 70 minutes to scout targets.

Strictly speaking, loitering munitions are not drones in the traditional sense, but rather a type of expendable munition. A spokesperson for Rheinmetall stated that this aircraft hovers over the target area after launch and then dives to attack the target. If no target is found, they will crash in a controlled manner.

Rheinmetall claims that they need to develop this system from scratch. The company's CEO, Armin Papperger, stated that with the FV-014, the Bundeswehr will acquire a weapon system that can "protect friendly forces and strike critical targets quickly, controllably, and effectively."

The Bundeswehr also pointed out the advantages of such weapons: they can achieve rapid response and precise targeting, with a range that exceeds that of artillery shells. Software is a decisive factor and requires continuous adjustments. Therefore, the contract with the supplier includes innovative clauses requiring the manufacturer to update the system. (Translated by Jiao Yu)