Overview
- The memorandum of understanding was signed Tuesday at a NATO industry forum in Ankara to begin work toward co-producing ATACMS missiles in Europe.
- Rheinmetall’s Unterluess complex in Lower Saxony is the planned site and already hosts a near-complete rocket motor factory with guided‑missile component work targeted to start as early as 2027.
- Both companies describe the MOU as a step toward a joint venture, but they have not finalized the partnership or disclosed firm production schedules, annual output targets, or total investment.
- Lockheed Martin will keep its single U.S. ATACMS production line in Camden, Arkansas operating during the transition, and the project has stated backing from both the U.S. and German governments.
- The move responds to rising allied demand for the combat-proven ATACMS after recent conflicts and could expand European industrial capacity and jobs, while U.S. Army plans to field the longer-range PrSM shape future procurement needs.