Rheinmetall FV-014

History

The Rheinmetall FV-014 is a German loitering munition that combines reconnaissance, target tracking, and precision attack functions. It is designed for individual and coordinated swarm missions against armored vehicles, unarmored targets, and infrastructure.

The system has a stated range of up to 100 km and an endurance of up to 70 minutes. Rheinmetall developed the air vehicle, its ground-control equipment, and the compatible Containerized Missile Launcher.

Rheinmetall announced a major German order for the FV-014 in April 2026. The company presented the system publicly at ILA and Eurosatory in June. In July 2026, it conducted a customer demonstration at the German Aerospace Center's National Test Centre for Unmanned Aerial Systems in Cochstedt, Saxony-Anhalt.

During the July demonstration, FV-014 vehicles were launched from a Containerized Missile Launcher carried by a Rheinmetall HX truck. Launches were completed while the truck was stationary and while it was moving. The vehicles subsequently performed simulated mission profiles and attack flights. Rheinmetall described this event as the first successful launch of the FV-014 from its containerized launcher. The company published details in an August 2026 press release.

Design

Air vehicle

The FV-014 uses a conventional wing arrangement with folding wings and faceted external surfaces. Fins are intended to combine long-range flight with maneuverability and a high approach speed near the target. Rheinmetall states that the design reduces acoustic, radar, infrared, and thermal signatures.

An electric motor drives a propeller during flight. The air vehicle leaves its transport and launch container with the aid of a booster. Its wings unfold after ejection, allowing it to transition into aerodynamic flight.

Reconnaissance and control

The munition carries sensors for reconnaissance, target identification, and target tracking. It is controlled through a ground station and uses a permanent human-in-the-loop arrangement. The operator can identify and follow a target, authorize the attack, or abort the mission if conditions change.

Rheinmetall describes the FV-014 as network-capable and resistant to disruption of Global Navigation Satellite System signals. A high degree of onboard autonomy supports operation in such environments, although the manufacturer has not disclosed the navigation architecture. According to the official FV-014 product page, its data-link range is 60 km.

Swarm capability

The system is designed to permit one operator to supervise several FV-014 vehicles. Its software supports coordinated control, communications, and mission planning for multiple air vehicles. Automated functions assist with navigation, target identification, prioritization, and engagement while retaining operator control over the decision to attack.

Rheinmetall proposes swarm employment for simultaneous attacks against several targets or for saturating defensive systems. The manufacturer has not published detailed information about the level of coordination between individual munitions.

Warhead

The FV-014 carries an approximately 6 kg payload that includes a high-explosive dual-purpose warhead. Rheinmetall claims penetration of more than 600 mm of rolled homogeneous armor. The warhead is also intended for use against unarmored targets and infrastructure.

Launch integration

The transport and launch containers can be installed in Rheinmetall's modular Containerized Missile Launcher. A 6.1 m ISO-container configuration can carry up to 18 FV-014 munitions. The launcher can operate at a fixed site or from mobile platforms such as the HX truck. Future integration with other land vehicles and naval platforms is planned.

The launcher includes its own power supply and can connect to command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence systems. Launch commands may be issued locally, by radio, or through satellite communications. A remote-activation function allows the container to remain inactive until required.

Program status

The July 2026 demonstration established that the FV-014 could be launched from the Containerized Missile Launcher while its HX carrier was stationary or moving. Rheinmetall has not disclosed the customer involved, the number of munitions launched, the engagement distances, or the targets used. Independent reporting on the demonstration also noted that the detailed autonomy and coordination available during swarm missions remain undisclosed.

Rheinmetall states that the FV-014 was designed for scalable mass production. Its design uses commercially established assemblies, standardized principal components, digitally connected production lines, automated assembly, and additive manufacturing for selected parts.

Specifications (FV-014)

General characteristics

• Type: Loitering munition and reconnaissance-strike unmanned air vehicle
• Manufacturer: Rheinmetall
• Country of development: Germany
• Launch weight: Approximately 20 kg according to the current English product specification; an August 2026 Rheinmetall press release reported approximately 22 kg
• Payload: Approximately 6 kg
• Propulsion: Electric motor with propeller
• Launch method: Booster-assisted launch from a transport and launch container

Performance

• Maximum range: Up to 100 km
• Data-link range: 60 km
• Endurance: Up to 70 minutes

Armament and mission systems

• Warhead: High-explosive dual-purpose
• Claimed penetration: More than 600 mm of rolled homogeneous armor
• Mission functions: Reconnaissance, target identification, target tracking, and precision attack
• Control: Human-in-the-loop ground station with mission-abort capability
• Employment modes: Individual and coordinated swarm missions
• Launcher capacity: Up to 18 FV-014 munitions in a 6.1 m Containerized Missile Launcher