On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, the second day of the 29th edition of Eurosatory 2026, the international defense industry exhibition organized by Coges Events and taking place on June 15–19 this year at Paris-Nord Villepinte near Paris, Germany’s Rheinmetall AG presented the CML (Containerized Missile Launcher) for the LMS FV-014 loitering munition, recently ordered by the German Armed Forces, the Bundeswehr.
A 20-foot ISO container holds 18 ready-to-launch LMS FV-014 loitering munitions / Photo and graphic: Rheinmetall AG
Loitering munition systems (LMS) combine reconnaissance and strike capabilities in a single platform, significantly increasing firepower on future battlefields.
The CML containerized launcher is part of Rheinmetall’s reconnaissance-strike network. This innovative solution, which provides maximum transparency in the operational area, minimizes response times and thereby delivers a decisive advantage in protecting friendly forces ‒ from the first signal in space to a strike on the ground. Rheinmetall Battlesuite, the company’s next-generation digital connectivity platform, forms the foundation of this integrated system. It provides the framework for the digitalization of platforms, sensors and weapons, and enables the seamless connection of existing and future systems through open and standardized interfaces. This allows information to be shared faster, reduces integration effort and makes it possible to use existing capabilities from different manufacturers within a common command and information environment.
CML is a fully autonomous, modular and network-centric weapon system designed for flexible deployment on different platforms and rapid operational readiness. It is based on a logistically highly flexible 20-foot container, around 6 meters long, which can accommodate up to 18 FV-014 unmanned aerial vehicles. Integrated power supply and various communications modules enable unmanned operations.
The compact dimensions of the FV-014 and its advanced swarm-operation technology allow multiple unmanned aerial vehicles to be launched in a single salvo and controlled simultaneously by a single operator. The unmanned aerial vehicles have a range of up to 100 km and an endurance of up to 70 minutes.
The launcher’s open architecture has also been designed for the rapid and easy integration of other types of ammunition. Moreover, the launcher can be adapted to a wide range of vehicles, as well as to national command-and-control systems.
The CML has an integrated fire control and communications system that enables remote launch using multiple secure, encrypted communications options. This minimizes personnel requirements and improves automation. Thanks to the Battlesuite interface collection, the CML can be easily integrated with existing command, reconnaissance and weapon systems. The set of open interfaces uses recognized military STANAG standards and international standards such as ROS2 and MAVLink, as well as proprietary solutions, and is already available on GitHub, including a digital test environment.
Thanks to the Battlesuite architecture, the CML can be directly connected to a wide range of digital applications. These include solutions for tactical mission planning, autonomous control of unmanned vehicles (UxV), AI-assisted target and object classification, multi-mode tracking, line-of-sight tracking and counter-UAS applications from Rheinmetall and its partners.
Equipped with a battery system and sleep mode, the CML can operate autonomously and as a stand-alone solution for extended periods. An optional generator can further extend its operating time. Once a command is received, the system automatically switches from standby mode to active mode.
The standard container format makes the CML compatible with civilian and military transport systems, including ships, trains and trucks. This facilitates mobility, covert operations and rapid deployment. The CML can be used either as a stand-alone system or from vehicles, railcars or ships. If required, smaller systems with a reduced footprint can also be deployed.
Video: Rheinmetall AG
FV-014
The FV-014 loitering munition system is designed to conduct operations at ranges of up to 100 km, with a datalink range of 60 km, and an endurance of 70 minutes. The system combines high effectiveness against armored and soft targets with state-of-the-art sensor technology, network-centric capabilities and the ability to operate in environments with heavy GPS/GNSS satellite navigation signal jamming.
The FV-014 was designed as a multipurpose reconnaissance-strike system, described by the manufacturer as an LMS (Long-Intelligence Management System). It is intended to support ground or naval units in engaging high-value point targets, such as combat vehicles, artillery positions or command vehicles, at long ranges beyond the operator’s line of sight.
The system is launched from a transport-launch container using a rocket motor, but it can also be used from a multipurpose launcher. After launch, the FV-014 deploys its folding wings and transitions to level flight, carrying out observation, target selection and attack initiation.
The FV-014 was originally designed as a man-portable system and is controlled using an easy-to-operate ground control station, which enables constant human-in-the-loop control. The operator can identify targets, fly toward them, carry out a precision strike or abort the mission if conditions change.
The FV-014 airframe is based on a classic winged concept with electric propulsion and a polygonal fuselage structure, which reduces signatures and enables high approach speeds in the target area. The system is optimized for low acoustic and thermal signatures and can also be used in scenarios involving enemy electronic warfare.
The FV-014 has a launch weight, including booster, of around 20 kg. Of this, the payload accounts for 6 kg, including a 5-kg multipurpose high-explosive dual-purpose (HEDP) anti-armor/fragmentation warhead capable of penetrating around 600 mm of RHA, while also being effective against unarmored targets and infrastructure. It can operate in a swarm.
On February 18 this year, the German group successfully demonstrated the FV-014 loitering munition system to a potential NATO customer at the National Test Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Cochstedt, Saxony-Anhalt. On April 22, the group signed a multibillion-euro framework agreement with Germany’s Federal Ministry of Defense for the delivery of FV-014 loitering munitions from 2027, including an initial executive contract worth around 300 million EUR.
📍 World premiere at Eurosatory 2026: Rheinmetall presents the CML multi launcher for the FV-014 Loitering Munitionhttps://t.co/omuuZGi9jj pic.twitter.com/ax6JVFPbWK
— Rheinmetall (@RheinmetallAG) June 16, 2026
