Rheinmetall is a German technology group and a leading international systems supplier to the defense industry that is expanding into the space sector. Their focus is on utilizing space-based reconnaissance data for tactical battlefield applications, developing customized solutions for military vehicles, and integrating space technologies into the defense sector. Rheinmetall has invested in ICEYE, a SAR satellite operator, and is partnering with other companies to deliver cutting-edge space technologies to the defense sector. They also collaborate with space agencies like NASA and ESA through their Rheinmetall Italia subsidiary, providing components, structures, and services for launchers and satellites.
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The proposed HIMARS sustainment model includes use of Rheinmetall’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Queensland and existing facilities in South Australia.
Lockheed Martin Australia and Rheinmetall Defence Australia are exploring a collaboration to establish an Australia-based sustainment and maintenance-support network for the Australian Army’s HIMARS fleet.
The Queensland site at Rheinmetall’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence could support heavy-grade repair and specialist maintenance for HIMARS.
Advanced Navigation has partnerships with Anduril, NOAA, Hanwha Systems, BHP, Rheinmetall, and Intuitive Machines.
The German Armed Forces awarded a €1.7 billion SPOCK 1 contract to the ICEYE and Rheinmetall joint venture in December 2025.
ICEYE has a partnership with Rheinmetall.
Rheinmetall won a €1.7 billion contract from the German Bundeswehr.
Space Intel Report published a post about Rheinmetall’s joint venture with OHB and Airbus for the $10-billion military satcom constellation.
Rheinmetall considered an intervention in February 2026 to prevent critical dual-use space technology from being acquired by a U.S.-headquartered firm.
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger is the chief executive officer of Rheinmetall AG.
Rheinmetall AG is forming a joint venture with OHB to pursue a military satellite communications constellation.
Rheinmetall AG decided on March 11, 2026 not to submit a formal bid for Mynaric AG.
With Rheinmetall no longer pursuing a bid, Rocket Lab is the sole remaining suitor for Mynaric.
Rheinmetall concluded Mynaric’s technology could be accessed through commercial licensing or subcontracts rather than a full acquisition.
ICEYE formed a joint venture with Rheinmetall that helped the joint venture secure a €1.7B contract from the German Bundeswehr.
Mynaric is the subject of an intensified bidding contest between Rheinmetall and Rocket Lab.
German defense companies OHB SE and Rheinmetall are in discussions regarding joint bids for upcoming satellite segments.
German defense primes OHB SE and Rheinmetall are in discussions regarding joint bids for upcoming satellite segments.
German defense firm Rheinmetall is considering a bid for Mynaric to keep the company under German ownership.
Rheinmetall’s stated objective in pursuing Mynaric is to keep Mynaric’s intellectual property within a German-owned defense prime and secure a domestic supply chain for laser communication terminals (OCTs).