Rheinmetall has secured a Bundeswehr order for its FV-014 loitering munition system, marking a key win in Germany’s push to bolster tactical drone capabilities. The contract advances the FV-014 from testing to operational deployment for the German Army.
The FV-014 combines reconnaissance, target tracking, and precision strikes in a man-portable package weighing 20 kg with a 6 kg HEDP warhead capable of penetrating over 600 mm RHA. It offers a 100 km range, 70-minute flight endurance, and operates in GNSS-denied environments, supporting single or swarm attacks beyond line-of-sight.
This order follows a successful February 2026 demonstration at the German Aerospace Centre’s test facility in Cochstedt, where the system proved effective against armored and soft targets. Launchable from containers or multi-launchers, the FV-014 enhances tactical units’ ability to neutralize high-value assets like combat vehicles and artillery.
The procurement aligns with the Bundeswehr’s multi-billion euro loitering munitions program, where Rheinmetall competed against startups like Helsing and STARK. Despite prior challenges in speed, the FV-014’s maturity secured its place, strengthening Germany’s defense against evolving threats and networked battlefields.
Operational flexibility, including folding wings, electric propulsion, and low-signature design, positions the system for dynamic combat roles. This deal underscores Rheinmetall’s growing role in European drone munitions supply.