Overview
- Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall signed a memorandum of understanding at the NATO Summit in Ankara on July 7, 2026, to pursue co-production of ATACMS and to move toward a joint venture.
- The partners have identified Rheinmetall’s Unterluess site in Lower Saxony as the production base and say a rocket motor factory there is nearing completion with component production possible as early as 2027.
- Both the United States and German governments publicly support the effort, which companies describe as creating a European centre of excellence for manufacturing, integration, and distribution to NATO and allied forces.
- Lockheed Martin will keep its Camden, Arkansas production line operating during the phased transition so U.S. output continues while European capacity is built.
- Rising demand to replenish stocks after high-intensity conflicts has driven the move and the arrangement will require industrial integration, export approvals, and formal joint-venture agreements before full production begins.