FV-014 is a portable loitering munition/kamikaze drone developed by German automotive and defence manufacturer Rheinmetall.
Designed as a reconnaissance and strike drone, it is intended to bridge the tactical gap between surveillance assets and conventional artillery by giving troops an organic unit-level capability.
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Rheinmetall unveiled the FV-014 at Eurosatory 2026 in June, alongside the Containerised Missile Launcher (CML), a multi-launcher developed to deploy the system.
FV-014 design and features
The FV-014 weighs approximately 20kg and can carry a 6kg payload. It is intended for missions such as target reconnaissance, tracking and precision attack, including employment as a single system or in a swarm.
The airframe uses a conventional wing layout with faceted shaping. It includes fins intended to extend range while maintaining manoeuvrability, reduce signatures and support higher approach speeds in the target area. The design also enables the platform to remain reliable in environments affected by signal interference.
The FV-014’s design supports large-scale industrial manufacturing and draws on commercially validated, widely used assemblies (such as the wings and fuselage) and a modular architecture.
Fitted with a high-explosive dual-purpose warhead, the platform is designed to defeat armoured threats with a penetration capability of more than 600mm rolled homogeneous armour, while also being effective against unarmoured targets and infrastructure.
The FV-014 is launched from a container using a booster and can also be deployed from a multi-launcher. After launch, the munition deploys folding wings and transitions to aerodynamic flight.
Control and navigation
Operated through a dedicated ground control station, the FV-014 integrates into Rheinmetall’s Reconnaissance Network.
A 360-degree swivelling nose-mounted gimbal supports observation of targets over extended periods. Deployable alongside aerial platforms such as the LUNA NG reconnaissance drone, it is intended to contribute to a broader battlefield picture and reduce engagement timelines.
Automation is built into the mission sequence from navigation through to target identification, prioritisation and engagement, while maintaining continuous human-in-the-loop control to reduce workload while preserving oversight and control.
The operator stays actively involved in all decisions, which enables the system to reduce collateral damage, safeguard friendly troops and neutralise high-priority threats rapidly with accuracy and efficiency.
Swarm capabilities are supported by software designed for real-time coordination, communications and mission planning across multiple platforms, allowing a single operator to manage several systems.
FV-014 propulsion and performance
The FV-014 uses an electrically powered propeller to support a low-noise approach. It has an operational range of up to 100km, supported by a 60km data link range, and an endurance of 70 minutes.
The system is configured to limit acoustic and thermal signatures and is designed to operate in challenging electromagnetic environments, including when satellite navigation is disrupted.
Containerised Missile Launcher
The CML is a modular launch platform designed to deploy the FV-014, among other roles. Based on a standardised ISO container in any size, it can be deployed as a static installation or integrated onto mobile and maritime platforms, including a Rheinmetall HX truck and naval vessels.
In a 20ft configuration, the launcher can carry up to 18 FV-014 rounds while remaining compatible with existing transport, logistics and operational infrastructure. It can connect to command, control, communications, computers and intelligence systems to support different launch modes, either locally initiated or conducted remotely via radio link or satellite communications.
An integrated power supply is intended to enable sustained operation in remote areas. Commercial off-the-shelf components are used to reduce life cycle costs and a sleeper function supports remote activation.
Field tests
In February 2026, Rheinmetall demonstrated the FV-014 for a prospective Nato customer at the German Aerospace Centre National Test Centre for Unmanned Aerial Systems in Cochstedt, Saxony-Anhalt. The programme included simulated mission profiles and attack flight runs to show performance across a range of operational scenarios.
In July 2026, the company carried out a launch of the FV-014 from the CML at the same test centre. During a customer demonstration, the system was fired from a Rheinmetall HX truck, with launches conducted while the vehicle was stationary and while moving. The event used representative mission and attack scenarios to illustrate operational employment.
Orders and deliveries
In April 2026, Rheinmetall received an order from the Bundeswehr (German Federal Armed Forces) for FV-014 loitering munition systems, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the first half of 2027. The contract is a framework agreement valued in the billions, with an initial call-off of approximately €300m ($352.7m) gross. It also includes an option for a five-figure number of FV-014 autonomous reconnaissance and strike drones.
