In a strategic alliance, U.S.-based Anduril and German defense giant Rheinmetall have joined forces to develop and manufacture autonomous aerial vehicles (AAVs) and propulsion systems tailored for European defense forces. The partnership focuses on integrating Anduril’s European-adapted Barracuda and Fury AAVs into Rheinmetall’s “Battlesuite” digital ecosystem, alongside collaborative efforts to advance solid rocket motor production.
A New Model for Defense Collaboration
The agreement prioritizes speed, modularity, and a “co-developed” approach, empowering European allies to produce and customize these technologies locally while maintaining sovereignty. This model breaks away from traditional vendor-locked systems that often tie users to U.S. manufacturers, addressing concerns about defense commitments amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Anduril CEO Brian Schimpf emphasized, “This partnership redefines defense cooperation, rooted in shared production and respect for national autonomy, delivering solutions that meet Europe’s operational needs.” Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger added, “Together, we’re accelerating the deployment of modular, NATO-aligned autonomous systems to meet modern security demands.”
This collaboration builds on a June 2024 agreement between the two firms to create layered counter-drone solutions for European markets.
Anduril’s Autonomous Air Vehicles
Introduced in September 2024, the Barracuda is a cost-effective, modular drone designed for mass production, capable of functioning as a precision-guided cruise missile. The Fury, a Group 5 multi-role AAV weighing over 598 kilograms, achieves speeds near Mach 1 and integrates Anduril’s AI-powered Lattice command-and-control software. With stealth and long-range capabilities, Fury supports combat and intelligence missions, including the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program for manned-unmanned teaming.
Shaping Europe’s Defense Future
The Anduril-Rheinmetall partnership marks a pivotal step toward enhancing Europe’s defense autonomy. By delivering rapidly deployable, customizable systems, the collaboration strengthens NATO’s readiness against emerging threats while fostering local innovation. This initiative positions Europe to lead in next-generation defense technologies, balancing strategic independence with alliance cohesion.
