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Germany at the heart of NATO missile and rocket production led by Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin.
On 30 April 2025, U.S.-based Lockheed Martin and Germany’s Rheinmetall signed an extension to their initial Memorandum of Understanding, first established in June 2024, to create a European centre of excellence dedicated to the production and distribution of missiles and rockets. This joint industrial platform will be based in Germany and operate across additional European countries, with the stated objective of supporting the expansion of Europe’s defence industrial capacity while ensuring full interoperability with allied forces.
This cooperation between Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall is part of a broader initiative that began in 2023 with the joint development of the Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The centre, to be led by Rheinmetall, is intended to provide a sustainable industrial response to the growing needs of European armed forces in terms of guided munitions and precision strike capabilities. Over time, it will contribute to strengthening the continent's strategic autonomy and provide more effective responses to NATO’s capability requirements. The project is currently in the planning phase and remains subject to approval by both German and U.S. authorities. However, both partners are banking on a strong synergy: Rheinmetall brings its established industrial presence and command of European logistics chains, while Lockheed Martin contributes its advanced missile technologies, already integrated within NATO’s weapon systems.
While the specific munitions to be produced at the centre have not yet been disclosed, the scope of the partnership covers the full MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) family of munitions, which includes the GMLRS (Guided MLRS) with a range of up to 90 kilometres, the extended-range GMLRS-ER capable of reaching 150 kilometres, and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), designed for ranges exceeding 400 kilometres. These munitions—guided by inertial and GPS systems—are compatible with NATO platforms and represent the core of Lockheed Martin’s long-range fires portfolio. The future centre could therefore support the assembly or local production of these rockets or their components, as well as structural subsystems for the GMARS launcher, subject to export and licensing agreements.
This cooperation is part of a broader initiative that began in 2023 with the joint development of the Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System (GMARS). Designed to meet the demands of contemporary operations, this next-generation multiple rocket launcher was first publicly presented at the Eurosatory defence exhibition in Paris in 2024 and was later introduced in greater detail during an international summit held in March 2025. During this event, the two companies presented GMARS to an audience comprising representatives from fourteen nations, highlighting its status as a mobile, long-range artillery solution positioned to become a core asset for allied forces.
Mounted on Rheinmetall’s HX3 tactical truck chassis, GMARS is distinguished by its high mobility, modular architecture, and compatibility with the full MLRS munitions suite. It can fire guided rockets with inertial and GPS navigation already capable of striking targets at more than 400 kilometres, with further range enhancements in development. The system features dual launch pods and an integrated fire control system that supports “shoot-and-scoot” operations essential for avoiding enemy counter-battery fire. Its precision capabilities, streamlined logistics, and interoperability with legacy M270 and HIMARS platforms make it deployable across NATO-aligned forces.
GMARS also benefits from specifications designed for rapid deployment in all environments. With a combat weight under 40 tonnes, it reaches road speeds of up to 100 km/h and has an operational range of 700 kilometres. Measuring 2.5 metres in width and under 10 metres in length, the vehicle is legal for road and rail transport without requiring special permits. It can launch munitions without external stabilisers, allowing for fast repositioning after each strike. The launcher also features an integrated crane for autonomous reloading in any weather or lighting condition. Operated by a crew of two, with space for a third in an optional protected cabin, the GMARS benefits from high parts commonality with existing Rheinmetall HX trucks, M270 systems, and HIMARS units—streamlining maintenance and training across allied inventories.
The centre of excellence, complementary to the GMARS programme, represents a natural evolution of this industrial partnership. It will enable the localisation of key component production within Europe, enhance capacity in response to the munition shortages observed since the start of the war in Ukraine, and synchronise industrial outputs with NATO force planning. The facility could also facilitate technology transfers, support joint R&D efforts, and generate thousands of skilled jobs in the land defence, missile, and aerospace sectors. Rheinmetall is also launching production this summer of 400 centre fuselage sections for the F-35 fighter jet at its Weeze site, marking a tangible step into the high-tech military aerospace domain.
Executives from both companies emphasised the strategic scope of this partnership. Ray Piselli, International Vice President at Lockheed Martin, described the initiative as key to supporting NATO’s objectives and strengthening transatlantic industrial integration. Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall, highlighted the company's involvement not only in distribution but also in direct missile production, citing increasing demand across the European market. Dennis Goege, Lockheed Martin’s Vice President for Europe, noted that the initiative aims to reinforce the European defence industrial base through collaborative innovation and shared technological development.
As NATO continues to modernise its strike capabilities, GMARS is positioned to play a structuring role in future joint deployments by delivering deep strike reach to European forces. Its integration into a transatlantic industrial framework, anchored by the German-based centre of excellence, also enhances Europe’s role as a credible contributor to NATO’s strategic depth. By combining industrial sovereignty, NATO compatibility, and next-generation missile technology, Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall are laying the groundwork for a new phase in Europe’s precision rocket artillery capabilities.