Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martin to Establish European Centre of Excellence for Defence
German firm Rheinmetall and US company Lockheed Martin will jointly establish a centre of excellence in Europe for the manufacturing and distribution of missiles and rockets. The initiative aims to enhance European defence industry capabilities.
German defence company Rheinmetall and US aerospace and defence firm Lockheed Martin have agreed to expand their existing cooperation by establishing a European centre of excellence for missile and rocket production. Signed in early May 2025, the memorandum of understanding builds upon a prior agreement from June 2024, aiming to bolster Europe's defence industrial base and self-reliance in meeting NATO commitments.
The new centre, to be headquartered in Germany with operations across other European countries, will focus on enhancing European security through the manufacturing and distribution of various rockets and missiles. Rheinmetall will lead the centre's operations, and its establishment is subject to approval from both the US and German governments.
The collaboration seeks to address growing demand in the military market. Rheinmetall will contribute its extensive market access within Europe, while Lockheed Martin brings its advanced missile technologies. The companies have previously collaborated, including on the development of the GMARS multiple rocket launcher system.
Lockheed Martin has a long-standing partnership with German industry, and this new initiative further deepens transatlantic defence industrial ties. Rheinmetall is also set to manufacture centre fuselage sections for F-35 fighter jets, expanding its role in the high-technology military aerospace sector.