On Thursday, February 19, 2026, the German defense group Rheinmetall AG announced that it had successfully demonstrated its new FV-014 loitering munition system to a potential NATO customer. The demonstration took place yesterday at the National Test Center for Unmanned Aerial Systems of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Cochstedt, Saxony-Anhalt. During the event, the FV-014 loitering munition system simulated various mission scenarios, including strike operations. For Rheinmetall AG, the successful test represents another milestone in the group’s development of loitering munition capabilities.
Image: Rheinmetall AG
The FV-014 loitering munition system is designed to operate at ranges of up to 100 km (with a 60 km data link range) for up to 70 minutes. The system combines high effectiveness against both armored and soft targets with state-of-the-art sensor technology, network-centric capabilities, and the ability to operate in environments subject to heavy GPS/GNSS jamming.
The FV-014 was developed as a multi-role 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 distances beyond the operator’s line of sight.
The system is launched from a transport-launch container using a rocket booster but can also be employed from a multi-purpose launcher. After launch, the FV-014 deploys its folding wings and transitions to level flight, conducting surveillance, target selection, and attack execution.
Originally designed as a portable system, the FV-014 is controlled via a user-friendly ground control station that enables continuous human-in-the-loop oversight. The operator can identify targets, navigate toward them, conduct a precision strike, or abort the mission if conditions change.
The FV-014 airframe is based on a conventional fixed-wing configuration with electric propulsion and a faceted fuselage structure, reducing signatures and enabling high terminal approach speeds. The system is optimized for low acoustic and thermal signatures and can operate in electronic warfare environments.
The FV-014 has a launch weight (including booster) of approximately 20 kg. Its payload capacity is 6 kg, including a 5 kg multi-purpose HEDP (High-Explosive Dual-Purpose) warhead with penetration capability of approximately 600 mm RHA, effective against both armored and unarmored targets as well as infrastructure. The system can also operate in swarms.
In the unmanned systems segment, Rheinmetall AG manufactures LUNA NG reconnaissance UAVs in Penzberg and, in cooperation with UVision Air Ltd, produces Hero-30, Hero-120, and Hero-400 loitering munitions at the Italian facilities of RWM Italia S.p.A.. Rheinmetall also cooperates with other companies in the sector, including Lockheed Martin, Anduril Industries, and Auterion.
In addition, counter-UAS (C-UAS) is another area in which Rheinmetall is a leader. Its portfolio spans the entire sensor-to-effector chain—from detection and identification to countermeasures, including jammers, artillery-based air defense systems such as Skyranger, and high-energy laser weapons.
#Successful testing: #Rheinmetall demonstrates the #FV-014 #loiteringmunition system to a potential #NATO customer https://t.co/Hc8rh98De4 pic.twitter.com/xx9xtyrN5s
— Rheinmetall (@RheinmetallAG) February 19, 2026