Rheinmetall and destinus team up in new missile venture

Monday 13 April 2026 - 10:00

German defense company Rheinmetall and Dutch-based aerospace and defense firm Destinus have announced the creation of a new joint venture aimed at developing advanced missile systems for the European market.

The new company, to be named Destinus Strike Systems, is expected to be formally established in the second half of the year. The partnership reflects a growing effort within Europe to strengthen defense manufacturing capacity amid rising security concerns.

Under the agreement, Rheinmetall will hold a 51% majority stake, while Destinus will control the remaining 49%. The collaboration is designed to combine Rheinmetall’s large-scale production capabilities with Destinus’s expertise in missile design and advanced aerospace technologies.

Company representatives stated that the goal is to accelerate the development and production of modern missile systems, addressing increasing demand for air defense solutions across Europe.

Industry officials also highlighted that one of the main challenges facing the European defense sector is not demand, but limited industrial production capacity. The new venture aims to help close that gap by improving manufacturing efficiency and scaling up output.

Rheinmetall has recently expanded its involvement in missile and air-defense systems, including integration into platforms such as Skynex and Skyranger, and through cooperation with international partners including Lockheed Martin.

The establishment of Destinus Strike Systems marks another step in the growing consolidation of Europe’s defense industry as countries seek to enhance military readiness and technological independence.