Rheinmetall will showcase its latest defence and aerospace technologies at the International Aerospace Exhibition, ILA Berlin 2026, presenting a broad portfolio of systems spanning air defence, unmanned platforms, space-based reconnaissance and protected mobility. Rheinmetall is positioning itself at ILA 2026 as a comprehensive systems provider across operational domains, presenting itself as a reliable “One-Stop-Shop” for modern armed forces and stating that it takes on responsibility for supporting Germany, NATO and partner nations.
The company will exhibit across approximately 840 square metres in the Defence Park and will highlight its role as a systems provider for modern armed forces, with a focus on integrated capabilities designed to improve operational responsiveness and effectiveness across defence applications.
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 completed over 150 flights, and can be deployed for reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and the integration of weapon systems.
Boeing is bringing this 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, while also providing 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 time of day or weather conditions. Using active radar signals, they gather detailed information even in dense clouds, 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. The joint venture has received a multi-billion-euro contract from the Bundeswehr and, through exclusive access to a SAR constellation, is providing 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, closing the gap between a typical drone and conventional artillery.
Using a fully rotatable 360-degree optical sensor mounted on the bow, potential targets can be monitored over extended periods and engaged with precision at the decisive moment, either autonomously or by remote control.
Thanks to modular sensor technology, long range and networked mission control, the LMS is suited for modern battlefields where reaction speed and situational awareness are critical. The FV-014 has a range of up to 100 km and can remain airborne for up to 70 minutes, observing targets until deployment.
Manufactured entirely within the EU, the system is integrated into a ground control station that supports mission planning, flight control and combat operations. The FV-014 is part of Rheinmetall’s ‘sensor-to-shooter’ approach, which includes systems such as the Luna NG drone.
Skyranger 30 Air Defence System: Ground-based air defence has become significantly more important in Europe, especially in the context of 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 mobility, protection, flexibility and precision to meet evolving threat scenarios at close and medium ranges. At ILA 2026, Rheinmetall will showcase the Skyranger 30 turret mounted on the Boxer 8×8 armoured wheeled vehicle, featuring MBDA’s DefendAir guided missile, designed to counter current and future aerial threats.
Caracal Airborne Vehicle with ATAX Air-Drop System: With the Caracal, Rheinmetall presents a highly mobile 4×4 airborne platform developed for airborne and special forces. The vehicle combines high tactical mobility, a low profile and modular, scalable protection, allowing adaptation across a wide range of mission profiles.
The platform can be configured for roles ranging from troop transport to specialised combat variants equipped with mounted weapons or anti-tank guided missiles. It offers a payload of up to 1,200 kg and a universal rail system for mission-specific configurations.
In conjunction with the modular ATAX Land air transport system from IrvinGQ Ltd., this enables an integrated approach to airborne operations with reduced logistical effort and faster response times. As a modular ‘Rapid Rigging / De-Rigging Airdrop System’, ATAX supports air transport and parachute deployment of the Caracal over designated drop zones.
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 F-35 Lightning II is now on the production line.
A total of 14 NATO countries, including Germany, are using the aircraft or have placed firm orders. The centre section, as the core of the aircraft, connects critical systems including weapon systems, avionics, hydraulic and electrical systems.
Rheinmetall is manufacturing 400 centre sections in Weeze on behalf of its US partner, Northrop Grumman. During ILA 2026, Rheinmetall will also exhibit an F-35 model.
Rheinmetall’s two-storey stand at ILA Berlin 2026 is located in the Defence Park at G/300. The biennial exhibition showcases advanced aerospace and defence technologies from across the global industry and attracted around 95,000 visitors in 2024.
