Loitering munition: Rheinmetall ramps up series production of the Hero family in Sardinia

Loitering munitions and drones have become increasingly important for modern warfare in recent years. Rheinmetall has also responded to this trend, both in the use of these modern weapons and in defending against them.

For several months the group has been operating a facility in which loitering munition (LM) is manufactured, tested and integrated; the warheads are also produced there. Series production is now running at full speed. The operator is the Italian subsidiary RWM Italia, which uses its sites in Musei and Domusnovas in Sardinia. Rheinmetall's partner is the manufacturer UVision.

The production line is split between two plants: in Musei, the inert and electronic components are assembled and tested. At the Domusnovas plant, Rheinmetall produces the warheads and integrates them into the airframes.

The product range currently comprises the following models:

• Hero 30: small, portable LM for infantry use
• Hero 120: medium-sized LM for precision strikes against armoured vehicles and fixed installations
• Hero 400: LM for medium to long ranges, designed for precision strikes against fortified positions

Loitering munition orders worth over 200 million euros

Orders worth more than 200 million euros are currently in hand for all types of Hero LM. The customers are eight different NATO and non-NATO countries in Europe.

Rheinmetall also has its own drones and loitering munitions in its portfolio, such as the Luna NG reconnaissance drone. Uncrewed Aerial Systems, which the company manufactures in Penzberg among other places, generated revenue of around 120 million euros in 2024. In this business area Rheinmetall also cooperates with other companies, including Lockheed Martin and Anduril.

Counter-drone defence along the entire chain

Rheinmetall is also among the leading suppliers in counter-drone defence. It covers the entire sensor-to-effector chain – from detection and identification to engagement with jammers, gun-based air defence (Skyranger) or high-energy lasers.

The company recently presented a further counter-drone solution in Vienna: at “DroneVation & Defence” it showcased the Skyspotter system.