The German Armed Forces has placed a multi-billion-euro framework order with Rheinmetall for the supply of FV-014 autonomous reconnaissance and strike drones.
The contract carries an initial value of approximately €300 million ($351 million), with deliveries slated to begin in early 2027 after qualification is completed in the second quarter of 2026. It also includes provisions for acquiring a five-digit number of drones over time.
The FV-014 loitering munition is capable of striking targets at ranges of up to 100 kilometers and carries a 4-kilogram warhead designed to penetrate up to 600 mm of armor. Developed and manufactured entirely within the EU, the system integrates surveillance and strike capabilities into a single platform.
With an endurance of up to 70 minutes, the drone can loiter over target areas for extended reconnaissance before engaging. Its electric propulsion system supports quiet, low-signature operations, while a secure data link enables real-time monitoring, target identification, and mission abort functionality.
The system is designed to remain effective in GPS-denied and electronically contested environments and can be deployed in coordinated swarms to saturate enemy defenses or strike multiple objectives. Launch options include ground and naval platforms, with primary targets ranging from armored units and artillery to command and control centers.
