Image: Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall have taken another step toward establishing the first production facility for Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles outside the United States, signing a memorandum of understanding during the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum in Ankara.
The agreement, announced on 7 July, lays the groundwork for a joint venture that would manufacture, integrate and distribute ATACMS missiles from Germany to NATO members and allied European nations. The move comes as European governments seek to expand domestic defence production and reduce delivery times for critical munitions.
According to a joint announcement from Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall, the initiative has the backing of both the U.S. and German governments and aims to strengthen Europe’s long-term defence industrial capacity.
The proposed production line will operate at Rheinmetall’s Unterlüß facility in northern Germany. The site already manufactures ammunition, weapon systems and tracked vehicles, while a new rocket motor factory is nearing completion. Rheinmetall expects production of rocket motors and guided missile components to begin in 2027.
Lockheed Martin International President Jay Pitman said the partnership would combine the U.S. company’s missile expertise with Rheinmetall’s manufacturing capability to accelerate deliveries to allied customers. Dennis Goege, Lockheed Martin’s chief executive for Europe, described the project as a significant step in expanding industrial capacity while creating economic value in Germany.
Rheinmetall Chief Executive Armin Papperger said local production would strengthen Germany’s and Europe’s defence industrial base, improve supply security and increase strategic autonomy. He added that the Unterlüß facility would become the world’s first ATACMS production site outside the United States.
ATACMS is a combat-proven, surface-to-surface precision missile designed for long-range strikes against high-value targets. Demand has risen sharply as European nations replenish stockpiles and modernise their armed forces following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Lockheed Martin said its existing ATACMS production line in Camden, Arkansas, will continue operating until the transition to European manufacturing is complete.
Read more on Lockheed Martin’s website
