03/06/2026 | Press release

Rheinmetall will be exhibiting across approximately 840 square metres at the International Aerospace Exhibition, ILA Berlin 2026. The Düsseldorf-based technology group is one of the major exhibitors at this long-established trade fair, which will take place from 10 to 14 June 2026 at the exhibition grounds at the capital’s BER airport in Schöne­feld. Following the motto “strong and clear. Across all domains.”, Rheinmetall is positioning itself at the ILA as a comprehensive systems provider for all operational domains – as a reliable ‘One-Stop-Shop’. With this, the company is taking on responsibility for Germany, NATO and its partners.

Rheinmetall’s ‘sensor-to-shooter’ approach is an innovative solution that ensures maximum transparency in the operational theatre, minimising response times and thereby securing a decisive advantage in protecting friendly forces – from the first signal in space to the impact on the ground. Highlights of Rheinmetall’s exhibition presence in 2026 include:

MQ-28 Ghost Bat: Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat is a proven, autonomous ‘Collaborative Combat Aircraft’ (CCA) designed for manned-unmanned teaming operations in highly embattled airspace. The system has a modular design, has already completed over 150 flights and can be flexibly deployed for reconnaissance, electronic warfare and the integration of weapon systems. Boeing is bringing this sophisticated solution into a strategic partnership with Rheinmetall to realise the Bundeswehr’s planned CCA procurement by 2029. In this cooperation, Rheinmetall will be the system manager for the MQ-28 in Germany and is responsible for adapting the system to national requirements. Furthermore, thanks to its strong industrial base and expertise in unmanned systems, Rheinmetall will provide all operational, maintenance and logistical support.

SAR satellites: SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellites are state-of-the-art reconnaissance systems that provide high-resolution radar images of the Earth’s surface regardless of the time of day or weather conditions. Using active radar signals, they gather detailed information even in dense cloud, fog, smoke or complete darkness. For modern armed forces, this data is an essential basis for real-time status reports, target acquisition and surveillance. Through the Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions joint venture, a sovereign German satellite constellation is being established from Neuss on the Lower Rhine, ensuring a secure and controlled flow of information. Space-based reconnaissance is regarded as a central component of the digital transformation of defence and national security. Just recently, the joint venture received a contract, worth billions from the German Armed Forces, the Bundeswehr: through exclusive access to a SAR constellation, Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions is providing space-based reconnaissance data to secure NATO’s eastern flank.

FV-014 Loitering Munition: The FV-014 Loitering Munition System (LMS) combines reconnaissance and precision strike capabilities in a single platform. It closes the gap between a typical drone and the conventional artillery. Using a fully rotatable gimbal – that is, a 360-degree optical sensor mounted on the bow – potential targets can be monitored over extended periods and engaged with precision at the decisive moment. This can be done autonomously or by remote control. Thanks to modular sensor technology, long range and networked mission control, the LMS is an effective tool for modern battlefields where reaction speed and situational awareness are of crucial importance. The FV-014 has a range of up to 100 km and is equipped with a warhead including an ignition device. In addition, the drone can remain airborne for up to 70 minutes, observing targets until it is deployed. The system, which combines intelligence and firepower, is manufactured entirely within the EU. It is integrated into a ground control station that organises mission planning, flight control and support for combat operations. The FV-014 is a key component of Rheinmetall’s ‘sensor-to-shooter’ approach. This encompasses all the systems required for reconnaissance and combat operations – the Luna NG drone, as a key reconnaissance element, is also part of this.

Skyranger 30 air defence system: Ground-based air defence has become significantly more important in Europe, especially when looking at the war in Ukraine. Numerous EU and NATO members, including Germany, have opted for Rheinmetall’s Skyranger 30 mobile air defence solution. The system offers a sophisticated combination of mobility, protection, flexibility and precision to meet the growing demands of challenging threat scenarios at close and medium ranges. At the ILA 2026, Rheinmetall will be showcasing the Skyranger 30 turret mounted on the Boxer 8x8 armoured wheeled vehicle, featuring MBDA’s DefendAir guided missile. With this combination of effectors, the Skyranger 30 is ideally equipped to decisively counter current and future threats.

Caracal airborne vehicle with ATAX air-drop system: With the Caracal, Rheinmetall presents a highly mobile 4x4 airborne platform that has been specially developed to meet the requirements of airborne and special forces. The vehicle combines high tactical mobility, a low profile and modular, scalable protection with the ability to flexibly adapt to a wide variety of mission profiles. The platform can be configured for various roles – from a simple troop carrier through specialised variants to a heavily armed combat vehicle equipped with mounted weapons or anti-tank guided missiles. Thanks to a payload of up to 1,200 kg and a universal rail system, the vehicle can be optimally adapted to the specific mission – from rapid deployment operations through reconnaissance and command tasks to highly mobile weapon carriers. In conjunction with the modular ATAX Land air transport system from IrvinGQ Ltd., this creates an integrated approach to highly mobile airborne operations with significantly reduced logistical effort and shorter response times in operational theatres. As a modular ‘Rapid Rigging / De-Rigging Airdrop System’, ATAX enables the air transport and parachute drop of the Caracal over a designated drop zone. This allows initial operations to be supported as quickly as possible by highly mobile vehicles delivered by air.

F-35 fuselage centre section production: In less than eighteen months, Rheinmetall has built one of Europe’s most modern military aircraft manufacturing facilities in Weeze at the Lower Rhine. Production began in the summer of 2025, and the eighth centre section for the world’s most advanced and capable fighter aircraft, the F-35 Lightning II, is now ‘on the production line’. A total of 14 NATO countries, including Germany, are already using the aircraft or have placed firm orders for it. The centre section, being the heart of the aircraft, connects various critical systems, including weapon systems, avionics, as well as hydraulic and electrical systems. The Düsseldorf-based technology group is manufacturing 400 centre sections in Weeze on behalf of its US partner company, Northrop Grumman. During the ILA, Rheinmetall will be exhibiting an F-35 model.

Rheinmetall’s two-storey stand at the ILA Berlin 2026 is located in the Defence Park at G/300. This prestigious trade fair, which takes place every two years, showcases cutting-edge technology from all sectors of the international aerospace industry. In 2024, it attracted around 95,000 visitors.