Rheinmetall acquires majority stake in blackned to boost digital defense capabilities
Rheinmetall is increasing its stake in software company blackned from 40% to 51%, aiming to enhance the digitalization of defense systems. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval.
Defense and automotive supplier Rheinmetall has agreed to acquire a majority stake in the German software developer blackned GmbH. Rheinmetall's subsidiary, Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH, will raise its shareholding from 40% to 51%, giving it control over blackned. The transaction remains subject to various conditions, including approval from Germany's Federal Cartel Office.
Founded in 2009 and based in Heimertingen, Bavaria, blackned specializes in software for the digitalization of armed forces. The company currently employs around 200 people and is on a strong growth trajectory. With this increased stake, Rheinmetall underscores the importance of digitalization and modern IT architectures for the defense group.
The collaboration between the companies has already yielded significant results. In December, Rheinmetall and blackned secured a major contract as part of the German Armed Forces' (Bundeswehr) digitalization initiative. Within the D-LBO project, they are tasked with integrating the IT systems for all land forces' vehicle and platform systems. The contract is valued at hundreds of millions of euros, with the new technology slated for integration into over 10,000 Bundeswehr vehicles by mid-2030.
Rheinmetall AG CEO Armin Papperger stated that "the digitalization of the armed forces is progressing, including internationally," and that the company aims to "play a leading role." He pointed to the joint success in the D-LBO project as evidence of the compelling solutions offered by blackned.