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
-
![A400M trial demonstrates airborne deployment of uncrewed surface vessel]()
A400M trial demonstrates airborne deployment of uncrewed surface vessel
Kraken Technology Group’s A400M airdrop of a K3 Scout uncrewed surface vessel points to a new way for navies to insert USVs into contested waters, bypassing ports and motherships.
-
![Babcock onshores 85% of Canada’s submarine supply chain as it eyes future CPSP programme]()
Babcock onshores 85% of Canada’s submarine supply chain as it eyes future CPSP programme
By moving most of the Royal Canadian Navy’s submarine supply chain into Canada, Babcock Canada is driving to strengthen sovereign sustainment capabilities while preparing to compete to maintain the future Canadian Patrol Submarine Project.
-
![From the seas to the web: the changing shape of UK defence in Southeast Asia]()
From the seas to the web: the changing shape of UK defence in Southeast Asia
As his final engagement before leaving his post as the head of the British defence staff for Southeast Asia and defence adviser to Singapore, Brigadier Eddie Maskell-Pedersen spoke with Shephard about maritime security, cyber cooperation and long-term partnerships.
-
![Baltic naval priorities shift towards mine warfare and versatile platforms]()
Baltic naval priorities shift towards mine warfare and versatile platforms
Baltic states are investing in mine warfare, uncrewed systems and multirole platforms as major warship purchases remain scarce, industry sources indicate.
