Rheinmetall, BAE Systems to form UK-based JV
BAE Systems and Rheinmetall have signed an agreement to establish a UK-based joint venture (JV) for military vehicle design, manufacture and support activities, the company announced on 21 January.
The new JV is subject to regulatory approvals which are expected to be completed in the first half of 2019. Following the approvals, the JV will be known as Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) and will be headquartered at BAE Systems’ facility in Telford, England.
As part of the agreement, Rheinmetall will buy a 55% stake in the existing BAE Systems UK-based combat vehicles business, with BAE Systems retaining 45%.
RBSL will initially focus on UK programmes, and will also form an integral part of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems Division and will participate in and contribute to various global military vehicle pursuits and contracts.
More from Land Warfare
-
![AUSA 2026: companies adapt munitions and missiles for greater effect at lower costs]()
AUSA 2026: companies adapt munitions and missiles for greater effect at lower costs
Rather than developing entirely new weapons, defence companies are looking to build on existing weapons and systems to deliver greater capability, control costs and accelerate fielding.
-
![With changing patterns in Middle Eastern procurement, is Europe missing out?]()
With changing patterns in Middle Eastern procurement, is Europe missing out?
Traditional suppliers are struggling to meet the Middle East’s armoured vehicle modernisation needs, creating opportunities for South Korean manufacturers and regional defence industries.
-
![AUSA 2026: CUAS market expands as suppliers target new threats and operational requirements]()
AUSA 2026: CUAS market expands as suppliers target new threats and operational requirements
New developments from MARSS, MyDefence, Mountain Horse Solutions and Rafael suggest that future counter-drone protection will increasingly depend on combining advanced detection, rapid interception and integrated defensive networks.
