Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin to launch joint missile production in Europe

German defence giant Rheinmetall and U.S.-based Lockheed Martin are forming a joint venture to manufacture advanced missile systems, including the ATACMS, GMLRS, Hellfire, JAGM, and PAC-3.

The large-scale production initiative will be based in Europe and aims to reduce reliance on U.S. supply chains while speeding up delivery timelines—particularly for systems like the Patriot air defence missiles, Caliber.Az reports, citing German media.

Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger cited limited U.S. production capacity as a key factor behind the move. “Sometimes it takes up to ten years to receive missiles from America—that’s far too long,” he told reporters.

Under the terms of the partnership, Rheinmetall will hold a 60% stake in the joint venture. The facility is expected to produce up to 10,000 missiles annually, with operations projected to begin between 2026 and 2027.

A particular focus will be placed on the production of long-range missiles, which are in high demand by Ukraine and European countries amid ongoing security concerns.

The project is still awaiting approval from both the U.S. and German governments.

By Khagan Isayev