Rheinmetall expects first ATACMS revenues in 2028
After a July MoU with Lockheed Martin on joint ATACMS production, Rheinmetall told Hartpunkt it expects first revenues from the ballistic missile work in 2028. The report adds schedule colour to the European co-production push without stating a contract value.
Why it matters: 2028 revenue is a calendar, not a stockpile — Europe is still buying time while US production lines set the pace.
Ukrainian drone operators inflict 70% of US armored brigade casualties in first three days of German exercise
Ukrainian drone operators playing opposition forces in a US Army training exercise in Germany caused approximately 70% of an American armored brigade's casualties in the first three days, according to an account published in Military Review by the brigade's own commander and staff. The exercise demonstrated the lethality of small commercial drones against conventional armored units. Defence Blog reports the Ukrainian unit operated a mix of FPV and reconnaissance drones.
Why it matters: A Ukrainian OPFOR just gave the US Army the same lesson Russia learned in 2022 — heavy armor without counter-drone infrastructure is a target, not a force.
German firm Quantum Systems claims 483 mph speed record for battery-electric drone with Apex Recordhunter
Quantum Systems announced its Apex Recordhunter experimental battery-electric drone flew at 777 km/h (483 mph) in a record attempt, faster than any battery-powered drone previously flown and exceeding the speed of Russia's jet-powered Shahed attack drones. Martin Karkour, the company's chief revenue officer, announced the flight. The platform is distinct from Quantum's operational military drones.
Why it matters: Electric propulsion just matched the speed of jet drones without the logistics tail — if the range holds, interceptors got simpler and cheaper.
Rheinmetall and MSC win bid to acquire Romania's Mangalia shipyard for €138 million
Rheinmetall and Swiss shipping firm MSC have been awarded the bid to acquire the Mangalia shipyard near Constanța, Romania, for €138 million. The partners plan to establish a dual-use hub for civil and military shipbuilding in South-Eastern Europe. The acquisition is expected to close within weeks.
Why it matters: Rheinmetall is building Europe's largest naval-industrial footprint outside Germany—this Romanian yard adds Black Sea capacity just as NATO prioritizes eastern flank naval infrastructure.
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New Zealand confirms purchase of five MH-60R SeaHawk helicopters for over $930 million
New Zealand has confirmed the acquisition of five MH-60R SeaHawk anti-submarine warfare helicopters from the United States for more than $930 million. The order will replace the Royal New Zealand Navy's aging ASW helicopter fleet operating from its two ANZAC-class frigates. Three defense ministers have handled the procurement over the past year.