Rheinmetall and Destinus to Form Missile Systems Joint Venture

German technology group Rheinmetall and Netherlands-based defense technology company Destinus have agreed to form a joint venture named "Rheinmetall Destinus Strike Systems." The new entity is slated to begin operations in the second half of 2026, focusing on the manufacture, marketing, and delivery of advanced missile systems, such as cruise missiles and ballistic rocket artillery. Rheinmetall will hold a 51 percent stake in the joint venture, with Destinus holding the remaining 49 percent, pending regulatory approvals. The partnership aims to capitalize on market opportunities and advance modern missile system development, providing solutions tailored to the current needs of European and allied armed forces. Destinus will maintain its headquarters in the Netherlands, continuing development of its core systems and components across its European facilities. The joint venture will integrate Germany-based qualification and serial production capabilities within Rheinmetall's industrial infrastructure in Unterlüß. This move addresses the escalating demand for scalable strike systems observed in recent global conflicts, which necessitates production volumes potentially reaching thousands of units annually. The collaboration leverages Destinus's battle-proven system architecture and product design alongside Rheinmetall's industrial scale, qualification expertise, and manufacturing proficiency. Both companies aim to bolster European defense industrial capacity and enhance allied long-range strike capabilities.