Rheinmetall showcases combat-proven, certified UAVs at DSEI

German defense contractor Rheinmetall is presenting its comprehensive portfolio of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) at the DSEI exhibition in London. The company emphasized that its product range has been shaped by over 20 years of close collaboration with the German Ministry of Defence and insights gained from recent conflicts.

The showcased UAVs include small systems (up to 25 kg) capable of reconnaissance or attack missions, operating individually or in swarm configurations. These can function as multi-purpose drones or be deployed as "kamikaze drones." Rheinmetall also offers target drones for air defense training and interceptor drones for counter-UAV operations.

The LUNA NG medium-range drone is nearing the final stages of certification, with deliveries to the German Ministry of Defence anticipated soon. This drone serves in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) roles and can execute "sensor-to-shooter" missions by integrating guided bombs or loitering munitions, enabling real-time targeting.

Rheinmetall highlights the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in its systems, facilitating swarm capabilities and seamless integration into existing military doctrines. The company states its robust supply chain ensures rapid production scalability to provide air superiority when needed.

Additionally, Rheinmetall is partnering with UVision to offer the HERO series of precision loitering munitions to European customers. In collaboration with Anduril Industries, the company is also developing and manufacturing the Barracuda family of large autonomous air vehicles (AAVs) for European defense, designed for mass production and flexible deployment.