Bundeswehr launches loitering munition spending spree with $2.16 billion unassigned
Rheinmetall describes the FV-014 as a loitering munition system which combines reconnaissance and precision-strike capabilities. (Photo: Rheinmetall)
After months of delays, Rheinmetall has inked a €300 million deal with Germany for its FV-014 drone this week as part of a wider framework contract worth €2.4 billion for loitering munition procurement. Shephard looks at how the as-yet-unawarded funds could be spent.
Rheinmetall announced this week that it had signed a contract with the Bundeswehr worth €300 million (US$344.28 million) to acquire the company’s FV-014 autonomous recce and strike drones. Delivery of the drones is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2027, with qualification starting in the second quarter of 2026.
The contract is part of a wider Bundeswehr procurement of various loitering munition systems, including the HX-2 from Helsing and the Virtus drone from Stark Defence.
This latest announcement comes after various reports highlighted that Rheinmetall was having issues with the programme. Reporting in January 2026, Hartpunkt noted that initial contract awards, planned for late
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![FY2027 budget request highlights shift in USAF’s future aerial refuelling priorities]()
FY2027 budget request highlights shift in USAF’s future aerial refuelling priorities
The USAF’s Next-Generation Aerial Refuelling Programme is coming under scrutiny in the wake of the Pentagon’s FY2027 budget request, signalling a change in how the force could prioritise the modernisation of its tanker fleet.
-
![Can laser-guided rockets and light aircraft help tackle the CUAS cost-curve?]()
Can laser-guided rockets and light aircraft help tackle the CUAS cost-curve?
While the move to integrate lower-cost missiles onto more combat aircraft is long overdue, there is also an opportunity for cheaper turboprop platforms to perform CUAS roles.
-
![What does the FY2027 US budget signal for the country’s future airpower plans?]()
What does the FY2027 US budget signal for the country’s future airpower plans?
The record-breaking defence budget request focuses on bolstering some core next-generation aircraft programmes across each domain, although questions remain on the US's commitment to some key defence programmes.
-
![Can UK interceptor efforts keep pace with the rising drone threat?]()
Can UK interceptor efforts keep pace with the rising drone threat?
The recent acquisition announcement for Cambridge Aerospace’s Skyhammer solution is a key step in the UK’s efforts to bolster its counter-UAS capabilities, but more still needs to be done to tackle even smaller drone threats.
