The German Federal Ministry of Defence appears to have requested this week that the Bundestag’s Budget Committee approve an additional 25‑million‑euro package for acquiring “loitering munitions” from defense contractor Rhein Metall, according to the magazine “Der Spiegel”.
Rhein Metall is to receive a first order of roughly 300 million euros. The ministry has not yet disclosed unit prices or the exact quantities that will be included in the tender, but the package would cover ground‑station equipment, the munitions themselves, instructions and simulators. The company would also take over preliminary training duties for the system.
The overall contract that the ministry intends to strike with Rhein Metall would be a framework agreement worth 2.387 billion euros. The munitions in question are the company’s so‑called “Raider” kamikaze drones, described by the ministry as a newer development that should complement the optical‑sensor platforms supplied by other manufacturers Helsing and Stark. Rhein Metall must meet all remaining qualification requirements by the end of April 2027; if it fails to do so, the ministry reserves the right to withdraw from the deal.
