Rheinmetall to Take Over Lockheed Martin Missile Production Including ATACMS, Acquire Lürssen as Family Divests Military Yards

Rheinmetall is pursuing strategic expansions in the defense and naval sectors. The German defense contractor is reportedly planning to take over missile production for Lockheed Martin, focusing on key missile systems such as ATACMS and Hellfire, as part of a broader collaboration to boost missile manufacturing capabilities in Germany. Additionally, Rheinmetall is eyeing the acquisition of the German shipbuilder Naval Vessels Lürssen (NVL) to expand into the naval business. The Lürssen family may divest its military yards to concentrate on the megayacht market. Rheinmetall's CEO has expressed interest in broadening the company's product portfolio and indicated plans to sign contracts for new plants in Bulgaria in the coming weeks. These moves align with ongoing efforts to strengthen defense manufacturing and cooperation between German and U.S. defense firms, with the White House reportedly considering a stake in defense contractors involved.