Rheinmetall eyes ship-mounted weapons market
Rheinmetall Defence has made a strategic acquisition in its takeover of the stabilised weapon platform activities of Britain’s EM Digital, reinforcing the group’s portfolio of advanced naval systems and equipment. The company has established a new subsidiary to offer a wider range of naval weapons to the market.
The new subsidiary, Rheinmetall Advanced Stabilised Platforms (RASP) of London, has been formed with Rheinmetall holding a 51% stake in the company, with the remainder owned by Seawood Ltd.
According to Rheinmetall, the acquisition reflects its ‘quest for global leadership in innovative high-tech solutions for naval weapon stations’. RASP’s prime focus is the development and production of naval weapon stations and platforms. Rheinmetall is already well established in this field, with its MLG 27 light naval gun and the shipboard version of the Millennium automatic cannon. RASP will now be able to expand its offerings with a wider portfolio of made-to-measure components and complete weapon systems.
RASP offers an extensive range of stabilised modular platforms for small-calibre (5.56mm to 14.5mm as well as 40mm automatic grenade launchers) and medium-calibre weapons (20mm - 40mm) for naval applications; and the open system architecture greatly facilitates integration of weapons and electro-optical sensors. In addition, RASP develops and manufactures a wide variety of electronic components and subsystems such as fibre-optic gyroscopes, which play a vital role in modern maritime operations.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs]()
South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs
HHI and Hanwha Ocean outline highly autonomous and unmanned-enabled designs as the ROKN explores force structure for the 2030s and beyond.
-
![US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026]()
US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026
The FY26 Homeland Security Bill Markup of the House Committee on Appropriations included resources for the procurement of ships, aircraft and unmanned systems.
-
![US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs]()
US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs
The Office of Naval Research will host an Industry Engagement Day in August aiming at building new partnerships and advancing its science and technology initiatives in multiple areas.
-
![Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy]()
Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy
Under the most recent contract, the US Navy will receive four additional AN/SPY-6(V) radars, increasing the number of radars under contract to 42. The radars are considered key for expanding the navy’s capability for air defence.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer]()
Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer
The sixth Canada’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship is currently at the final stages of construction within Irving Shipbuilding.
