Rheinmetall has agreed to set up a joint venture (JV) with Rohde & Schwarz, as part of efforts to position themselves for the future modernisation projects of Germany’s ground forces.
The proposed JV will compete for the German Army’s two procurement projects, mobile tactical communications (MoTaKo) and mobile tactical information network (MoTIV).
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Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger said: “By joining forces, Rheinmetall and Rohde & Schwarz have formed the ideal team for creating and implementing a digital communication and information management system for the Bundeswehr.
“The planned joint venture will have at its fingertips the full range of expertise needed to reliably implement the MoTaKo and MoTIV projects, with everything derived from a single source. In order to do this, we intend to include other prominent defence contractors in the process.”
Rheinmetall will own a 74.9% stake in the yet-to-be established JV and the remainder 25.1% will be held by Rohde & Schwarz.
Rohde & Schwarz will be responsible for providing its IP-based system solutions for secure communications and Rheinmetall will supply command systems, cross-functional operator interface and the complete vehicle integration process.
Commenting on the partnership, Rohde & Schwarz president and COO Peter Riedel said: “Secure, up-to-date communications solutions play a crucial role in assuring effective command and control in combat operations.
“Together with Rheinmetall, we want to assist long-term in the process of modernising the Bundeswehr.”
The total order volume of the MoTaKo and MoTIV projects is likely to be in the mid-ten-figure euro range, with thousands of Bundeswehr vehicles alone earmarked for retrofitting, Rheinmetall stated.
