Rheinmetall CEO says first cruise missile order expected by year-end or early 2027 as Destinus and Lockheed Martin ventures near signing

Rheinmetall's CEO has indicated that the company expects to receive its first cruise missile order by the end of 2026 or early 2027, as joint ventures with Destinus and Lockheed Martin approach the contract-signing stage. The announcement signals Rheinmetall's accelerating push into the long-range strike market, expanding beyond its traditional land systems and ammunition portfolio. The ventures remain at the pre-signature stage, and no confirmed order values or delivery schedules have been disclosed.