DÜSSELDORF, Germany — March 20, 2026 : Rheinmetall AG is set to present a broad portfolio of autonomous and unmanned technologies at XPONENTIAL Europe 2026, taking place from March 24 to 26 at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre. The event, which is placing a stronger emphasis on defense and security applications for the first time, will feature Rheinmetall’s latest developments across land, air, and space domains, highlighting its expanding role in networked and digitally enabled military systems.
The company, exhibiting at booth C25 in Hall 1, is introducing integrated solutions that combine artificial intelligence, autonomous platforms, and secure communication networks aimed at supporting modern armed forces and government users.
Air Domain: Loitering Munition and Counter-UAS Capabilities
A central element of Rheinmetall’s air systems portfolio is the FV-014 loitering munition, designed for brigade- and battalion-level deployment. The fixed-wing system has a launch weight of approximately 20 kilograms, including a payload of around 5 to 6 kilograms, and is capable of operating at ranges of up to 100 kilometers with a data link range of 60 kilometers. It offers an endurance of approximately 70 minutes.
The FV-014 integrates reconnaissance, tracking, and strike capabilities within a single platform. It supports both individual and swarm-based operations, with automated navigation and target prioritization features. The system is equipped with a high-explosive dual-purpose (HEDP) warhead capable of penetrating more than 600 millimeters of rolled homogeneous armor. It is engineered to function in GNSS-denied environments, while maintaining human-in-the-loop control to support target verification and reduce unintended damage.
Complementing this capability is the RV-005 counter-UAS interceptor drone, a hard-kill system developed to counter small unmanned aerial threats. The RV-005 neutralizes targets either through direct collision or via an onboard warhead. It uses artificial intelligence to maintain targeting accuracy in electronically contested environments, including under conditions of heavy radio jamming. The system is designed for integration into layered air defense architectures and is suited for applications such as protecting airports, critical infrastructure, and large public events.
Space Domain: Synthetic Aperture Radar Satellite Constellation
In the space domain, Rheinmetall is presenting its Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite capabilities, developed through the Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions joint venture. Rheinmetall holds a 60 percent stake in the venture, with Finnish partner ICEYE holding 40 percent.
The SAR satellites use active radar signals to generate high-resolution imagery of the Earth’s surface independent of weather conditions, cloud cover, smoke, or lighting. This enables persistent surveillance and reconnaissance capability in all environmental conditions.
The joint venture is establishing a sovereign German satellite constellation based in Neuss, in the Lower Rhine region. Production of the first satellites is scheduled to begin in 2026. The system is intended to provide secure, real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) data to military and government users, supporting operational awareness and decision-making.
Land Domain: Robotics for Harsh and Unstructured Environments
Rheinmetall’s ground systems portfolio includes the YARO Cobot, developed by its subsidiary YardStick Robotics GmbH. The collaborative robot is designed for deployment in demanding and unstructured environments where conventional automation systems are not effective.
The YARO Cobot features a hard-coated aluminum frame resistant to corrosion from salt and fog. It is certified to IP67 and IP69 standards, ensuring full protection against dust and water ingress. The system operates within a temperature range of -20°C to 50°C and includes vibration damping capabilities rated up to 14.6 grms for stability in high-vibration environments.
Equipped with AI-driven force control and adaptable sensor modules, the platform supports a range of applications including bomb disposal, chemical detection, underwater inspection, and offshore industrial maintenance. It is also ATEX-certified, enabling safe operation in explosive atmospheres.
Teleoperation and Remote Mobility Systems
Rheinmetall subsidiary MIRA GmbH is presenting teleoperation technologies designed for real-time remote control of vehicles. The system includes driver consoles and centralized control centers that enable operators to control vehicles using high-resolution video feeds transmitted over 5G communication networks.
These solutions allow full remote operation of vehicle functions while simultaneously aggregating operational data for monitoring and coordination. The architecture supports scalable deployment in complex environments, including public road networks.
MIRA is also participating in the RemODtrAIn research project in cooperation with Siemens Mobility. The project focuses on developing secure teleoperation and AI-based obstacle detection systems for Germany’s ICE 4 passenger train fleet, indicating a dual-use approach that extends beyond military applications into civilian transport.
Integrated Approach to Digitalized Defense Systems
Rheinmetall’s presentation at XPONENTIAL Europe 2026 reflects its broader strategy to position itself as a systems provider in the digital transformation of defense. The company’s portfolio emphasizes the integration of autonomous platforms, artificial intelligence, and secure networked operations across multiple domains.
By combining unmanned aerial systems, satellite-based reconnaissance, robotic ground platforms, and teleoperated mobility solutions, Rheinmetall is focusing on enhancing operational effectiveness, situational awareness, and information superiority for modern military forces and security agencies.
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