On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the first day of the 38th NATO Summit in Ankara, at the associated NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum, US company Lockheed Martin and Germany’s Rheinmetall AG signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a European production center for MGM-140 ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) ballistic missiles. The missiles are launched from M270 MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System), M142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System), and the latest GMARS (Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System) multiple rocket launchers. The agreement is intended to meet the urgent need for locally produced rocket artillery ammunition in Europe for NATO Allies.
The 610 mm long-range MGM-140 ATACMS missile, with a range of 70–300 km, in the M57 ATACMS-U (Unitary) export variant, carries a 221 kg WDU-18/B high-explosive fragmentation warhead initiated by proximity and impact fuzes / Image: Lockheed Martin
The agreement, supported by the governments of the United States and the Federal Republic of Germany, is another step toward establishing a joint venture intended to create Europe’s first center of excellence for the production, integration, and distribution of MGM-140 ATACMS ballistic missiles for NATO and Allied armed forces in Europe.
„This partnership marks a watershed moment for European security and allied industrial cooperation. By combining Lockheed Martin’s unmatched missile expertise with Rheinmetall’s manufacturing excellence, we’ll deliver combat-proven capabilities faster and more efficiently to our allies,” said Jay Pitman, president, Lockheed Martin International.
„Bringing ATACMS co-production to Germany is a strong signal for Europe’s defense industry and for NATO’s long-term resilience. This partnership combines proven U.S. technology with European manufacturing strength, creating industrial value in Germany while expanding the capacity allies need to meet growing security demands,” said Dennis Goege, chief executive for Europe at Lockheed Martin.
Armin Papperger, CEO Rheinmetall AG:
„Our aim is to strengthen the defence capabilities of Germany and Europe. Together with our friends at Lockheed Martin, we are now establishing the industrial base in Germany for modern defence systems, which are in great demand by the armed forces of Europe. By establishing ATACMS production at Rheinmetall’s Unterluess site, we are creating new capabilities for Germany and Europe, securing supplies for our customers and strengthening our autonomy in defence policy. We are grateful that Rheinmetall has been selected to set up and operate the world’s first and only production facility for ATACMS guided missiles outside the United States.”
Rheinmetall’s Unterlüß site in Lower Saxony, commissioned more than 125 years ago, is one of the company’s most important facilities. It employs around 4,000 people in total. Its core competencies include the production of weapon systems and ammunition, as well as the development, production, and maintenance of tracked vehicles. Unterlüß is the largest privately owned firing range in Europe. Last year, Werk Niedersachsen, one of the most modern artillery ammunition production plants, was commissioned there. Construction of a rocket motor factory is now nearing completion. Production of rocket motors and components for guided missiles is expected to begin as early as 2027.
By co-producing ATACMS missiles in Europe, the partnership supports local capabilities, strengthens Allied deterrence, and contributes to economic development on both sides of the Atlantic.
With decades of intensive combat use, ATACMS has consistently demonstrated its operational effectiveness, precision, and reliability in high-intensity conflicts. Given significant global demand for ATACMS, Lockheed Martin will continue production on its current line in Camden, Arkansas, until the transition is complete.
The agreement underscores Lockheed Martin’s commitment to Europe by building deep, long-term co-production relationships with European industry and customers. Lockheed Martin has been a strategic partner in Europe’s defense and security for more than 75 years and continues to support customers and partners across the region.
The Polish Armed Forces operate MGM-140 ATACMS missiles, 30 of which were ordered together with 20 M142 HIMARS launchers under the Homar-A program.
Meanwhile, the US Army and Australian Army are fielding the successor to ATACMS, the PrSM (Precision Strike Missile) ballistic missile.
.@LockheedMartin and @Rheinmetall signed an MOU at the NATO Summit. The partnership creates Europe’s first centre of excellence for the manufacture and distribution of the ATACMS tactical missile, delivering combat‑proven capability faster to NATO allies. Click ⬇️
— Lockheed Martin News (@LMNews) July 7, 2026
▶️ Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall have signed an agreement to establish co-production of ATACMS in Europe for the first time.https://t.co/R6NWVfPy5t pic.twitter.com/pOshg3fBFZ
— Rheinmetall (@RheinmetallAG) July 7, 2026
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