Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall Move Forward with ATACMS Co-Production in Europe
ANKARA, Türkiye, July 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At the NATO Summit Defense Industry Forum, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Rheinmetall announced a significant advancement in European defense capabilities through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at addressing the urgent need for locally produced munitions in the region.
The agreement, which enjoys support from both the United States and German governments, represents a pivotal step towards establishing a joint venture for the creation of the first European center of excellence dedicated to the manufacturing, integration, and distribution of ATACMS missiles across NATO and allied European forces.
“This partnership is a watershed moment for European security and allied industrial cooperation. By merging Lockheed Martin’s unparalleled missile expertise with Rheinmetall’s manufacturing capabilities, we aim to deliver combat-proven technologies more swiftly and efficiently to our allies,” stated Jay Pitman, President of Lockheed Martin International.
Dennis Goege, Chief Executive for Europe at Lockheed Martin, emphasized the strategic significance of locating ATACMS co-production in Germany, calling it a strong signal for Europe’s defense industry and NATO’s long-term resilience. He noted that this partnership not only combines U.S. technological advancements with European industrial strength but also enhances the capacity needed by allies to address growing security demands.
Rheinmetall AG’s CEO, Armin Papperger, remarked, “Our goal is to fortify the defense capabilities of Germany and Europe. In collaboration with our partners at Lockheed Martin, we are establishing a robust industrial foundation in Germany for modern defense systems, which are in high demand among European armed forces. The ATACMS production at Rheinmetall’s Unterluess site will generate new capabilities, secure supply chains for our customers, and promote autonomy in defense policy. We are honored to be selected to set up and operate the world’s first and only production facility for ATACMS guided missiles outside the United States.”
Rheinmetall’s Unterluess facility, commissioned over 125 years ago, stands as a cornerstone of the company, employing approximately 4,000 personnel. Its expertise spans the production of weapon systems and ammunition, alongside the development and maintenance of tracked vehicles. Notably, Unterluess is home to the largest privately owned firing range in Europe. Recently, the “Werk Niedersachsen” facility, a state-of-the-art production center for artillery ammunition, became operational, and a new rocket motor factory is on the brink of completion with production expected to start as early as 2027.
By co-producing ATACMS missiles on European soil, this partnership not only enhances local capabilities and allied deterrence but also fosters economic benefits across the Atlantic.
With a proven track record spanning decades, ATACMS has consistently demonstrated operational effectiveness, precision, and reliability in high-intensity conflicts. In recognition of the global demand for ATACMS, Lockheed Martin will maintain operations at its existing production line in Camden, Arkansas, until the transition is finalized.
This agreement highlights Lockheed Martin’s long-standing commitment to Europe, facilitating deep, long-term co-production relationships with European industry and customers. For over 75 years, Lockheed Martin has served as a strategic partner in the defense and security of Europe, reaffirming its dedication to supporting regional allies and partners.
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global leader in defense technology, delivering advanced aerospace, missile, fire control, security, and space systems. The company’s 21st Century Security® vision accelerates the implementation of transformative technologies to keep customers ahead of emerging threats. More information is available at lockheedmartin.com.
About Rheinmetall
Headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany, publicly traded Rheinmetall AG is an integrated technology group with around 34,000 employees across 160 global locations. Rheinmetall is a leading supplier of defense systems and a proponent of innovative technological advancements in the civil sector, with a strong focus on sustainability embodied in its strategic objectives. More details can be found at rheinmetall.com.
Source: Lockheed Martin (2026-07-07 09:15:00)
