Successful testing: Rheinmetall demonstrates the FV-014 loitering munition system to a potential NATO customer

19 February 2026 – Rheinmetall has successfully demonstrated its new FV-014 loitering munition system to a potential NATO customer. The demonstration took place on 18 February 2026 at the National Test Centre for Unmanned Aerial Systems of the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) in Cochstedt, Saxony-Anhalt. During the demonstration, the FV-014 loitering munition system (LMS) simulated various mission scenarios and attack flights. For Rheinmetall, the successful test marks another milestone in its loitering munition activities.

Rheinmetall’s state-of-the-art LMS FV-014 is designed for dynamic combat deployment at ranges of up to 100 kilometres. The system combines high effectiveness against armoured and soft targets with state-of-the-art sensor technology, network capability and deployment options even in GNSS-jammed environments.
The FV-014 is designed as a true LMS, combining reconnaissance and effect in a single system. It supports tactical units in combating high-value point targets, such as combat vehicles, artillery positions or command vehicles, over long distances beyond the line of sight. 

The system is launched from a launch container using a booster, but can also be deployed from a multi-launcher. After launch, the FV-014 unfolds its folding wings and transitions to aerodynamic flight. The system has an operational range of up to 100 kilometres with a flight duration of 70 minutes, providing sufficient time for observation, target selection and attack decision-making.

Operation and system integration

The FV-014 is initially designed as a portable system for use at troop level and is controlled via a user-friendly ground station that enables permanent human-in-the-loop control. The operator can identify targets, fly to them, launch a precise attack or abort the mission if conditions change.

Design and survivability

The FV-014 flight body follows a classic wing concept with electric propulsion and faceted structures to reduce signatures and enable high approach speeds in the target area. The system is optimised for low acoustic and thermal signatures and can also be used in electromagnetically demanding scenarios with disrupted satellite navigation.

The FV-014 at a glance

▪ Type: Loitering munition / kamikaze drone
▪ Mission spectrum: Target reconnaissance, target tracking, precise single or swarm attack, deployment in GNSS-denied scenarios.
▪ Launch weight: approx. 20 kg with 6 kg payload. 
▪ Range: up to 100 km, (60 km data link range).
▪ Flight duration: 70 minutes.
▪ Warhead: approx. 5 kg HEDP (High-Explosive Dual Purpose) with a penetration capacity of more than 600 mm RHA, also effective against unarmoured targets and infrastructure.
▪ Transport and launch container with booster launch for quick deployment.
▪ Operator station with data link for real-time situational awareness and target assignment.
▪ Designed for swarm operations to simultaneously engage multiple targets or saturate enemy defence systems.
▪ Can be used in mobile and scalable launcher configurations on land vehicle platforms and seagoing units.
▪ Electric motor with propeller for quiet approach.
▪ Designed for reduced radar and IR signature.
▪ Robust against GNSS interference, suitable for use in highly contested airspace.

Image courtesy Rheinmetall