Ankara: Lockheed Martin and Germany's Rheinmetall have signed a memorandum of understanding to co-produce US-made ATACMS missiles in Europe, the companies announced Tuesday. The partnership was unveiled during the NATO Summit Defense Industry Forum in Ankara, Trkiye, highlighting plans for a joint venture that would create 'the first European centre of excellence for the manufacturing, integration and distribution of ATACMS across NATO and allied European forces.'

According to Anadolu Agency, ATACMS, which stands for Army Tactical Missile System, is a surface-to-surface missile designed for launch from ground-based rocket artillery systems, offering long-range strike capabilities. Jay Pitman, president of Lockheed Martin International, described the partnership as a pivotal moment for European security and allied industrial cooperation. The collaboration is set to combine Lockheed Martin's missile expertise with Rheinmetall's manufacturing capabilities, aiming to deliver combat-proven capabilities efficiently to allied forces.

Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger revealed plans to establish production at the company's Unterluess site in northern Germany. Papperger emphasized the goal of enhancing the defense capabilities of Germany and Europe by securing local production of ATACMS, thus bolstering defense policy autonomy. The initiative has garnered support from both the US and German governments, addressing the immediate demand in Europe for locally produced munitions.

Rheinmetall reported that a rocket motor factory at Unterluess is nearing completion, with production of rocket motors and guided missile components expected to begin as early as 2027. This co-production initiative aligns with European allies' efforts to assume greater responsibility within NATO and address military capability gaps, amid the US's strategic shift towards the Indo-Pacific and plans to reduce troop levels in Europe.