Germany eyes €2.39B deal for Rheinmetall's Raider kamikaze drones

Germany's Defense Ministry has reportedly asked the Bundestag's budget committee this week to approve another procurement project for so-called loitering munitions from arms manufacturer Rheinmetall. According to Der Spiegel, lawmakers have received a corresponding €25 million funding proposal.

The ministry has already placed orders for such munitions with drone specialists Helsing and Stark. Now Rheinmetall is also set to secure a contract. In an initial phase, the company is expected to receive an order worth just under €300 million. However, according to information obtained by the news magazine, parliamentarians have not yet been informed of unit prices or quantities.

Rheinmetall is to supply ground stations and aerial systems, along with training materials and simulators, for an initial €300 million. The company will also handle the initial training program. The Defense Ministry intends to sign a framework agreement with the firm worth €2.387 billion in total, sources said.

The kamikaze drones, branded by Rheinmetall as the Raider, are described by the ministry as a "cutting-edge new development." Thanks to their optical sensors, they are expected to complement the drones from Helsing and Stark. Rheinmetall must meet all requirements for final qualification by the end of April 2027; otherwise, the ministry reserves the right to withdraw from the contract, sources added.