Germany’s leading defence manufacturer Rheinmetall has announced plans to begin producing cruise missiles for the first time, marking a significant expansion of its weapons portfolio.
The Düsseldorf-based firm said it will partner with Dutch defence technology company Destinus to establish a joint venture later this year, subject to regulatory approvals. The collaboration will focus on developing and manufacturing advanced missile systems.
Chief executive Armin Papperger stated that the partnership combines Rheinmetall’s large-scale production capabilities with Destinus’s technological expertise in system design.
He emphasised the need to strengthen Europe’s defence manufacturing capacity, citing growing demand for modern military systems.
Cruise missiles and countermeasure technologies have gained increasing prominence in recent conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and the recent US-Israel confrontation involving Iran, underscoring their strategic importance in contemporary warfare.