Lockheed Martin, Rheinmetall Plan 2027 ATACMS Production in Germany
LMT•Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall signed an MOU to establish Europe’s first ATACMS co-production center at Rheinmetall’s Unterluess facility with US and German government backing. The joint venture will begin rocket motor and guided missile component manufacturing by 2027, enhancing allied deterrence and supply resilience across NATO forces.
1. MOU and Partnership Overview
Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall signed a memorandum of understanding at the NATO Summit Defense Industry Forum to co-produce ATACMS munitions in Europe with support from the US and German governments, creating a joint venture to manufacture, integrate and distribute missiles for NATO and allied forces.
2. Facility and Production Plan
The joint venture will establish its manufacturing center at Rheinmetall’s Unterluess site, leveraging its 4,000-strong workforce and existing artillery ammunition plant, with rocket motor and guided missile component production slated to start as early as 2027.
3. Strategic and Operational Impact
By co-producing ATACMS on European soil, the partnership aims to enhance regional deterrence, secure supply chains, and boost industrial value in Germany while allowing Lockheed Martin to maintain its current production line in Camden, Arkansas until the transition is complete.
4. Long-Term Commitment to Europe
The agreement underscores Lockheed Martin’s over 75-year strategic partnership with European defense customers, deepening industrial cooperation and expanding allied munitions capacity to meet growing security demands across NATO.
