Rheinmetall acquires majority stake in Blackned to enhance digitalization strategy
Rheinmetall has acquired an additional stake in software developer Blackned GmbH, increasing its ownership to 51%. The transaction strengthens the companies' collaboration in defense digitalization.
Defense contractor Rheinmetall has acquired a further stake in software company Blackned GmbH, increasing its ownership to 51%. The transaction, carried out by Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH, is subject to approval from Germany's Federal Cartel Office.
Blackned, founded in 2009 and based in Heimertingen, specializes in software for the digitalization of armed forces. The company currently employs around 200 people. Rheinmetall's majority acquisition underscores the importance of digitalization and modern IT architectures for the defense contractor.
The two companies have already secured a significant joint order as part of the Bundeswehr's digitalization efforts. In December, Rheinmetall and Blackned were awarded a contract to integrate IT systems across land forces' vehicles and platforms under the D-LBO project.
This integration project aims to equip over 10,000 Bundeswehr combat and support vehicles with new technology by mid-2030. Rheinmetall's portion of the contract is valued at approximately €730 million, with Blackned contributing around €470 million. The move supports Rheinmetall's objective to play a leading role in the international digitalization of armed forces.