PARIS, — June 18, 2026 : Rheinmetall and General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Eurosatory 2026 defense exhibition in Paris to explore cooperative large-scale production of the Vektrex 155 mm precision-guided munition, a maneuvering artillery projectile designed to enhance long-range strike capabilities for allied armed forces.
The transatlantic agreement establishes a framework for collaboration between the two companies as governments increasingly seek to modernize artillery forces, expand long-range precision-fire capabilities, and replenish munitions stockpiles depleted by ongoing military commitments and heightened security requirements.
Focus on Long-Range Precision Fires
The Vektrex munition has been developed to provide precision strike capability in highly contested environments, including areas where GPS signals may be degraded, disrupted, or denied. The projectile utilizes a glide-based aerodynamic design with deployable wings that significantly extends its operational range compared to conventional artillery ammunition.
According to the companies, Vektrex can achieve engagement distances of approximately 120 kilometers, depending on the artillery system and propellant configuration used. This represents a range increase of two to three times over traditional 155 mm artillery projectiles.
The munition is designed for compatibility with existing 39-caliber and 52-caliber 155 mm artillery systems already in service with NATO and partner nations. This interoperability enables military operators to field the capability without requiring new launchers, specialized propellants, or major changes to logistics and support infrastructure.
By extending the reach of current artillery platforms, Vektrex is intended to provide a lower-cost standoff strike option compared to tactical missile systems while maintaining precision engagement capabilities at extended ranges.
Industrial Cooperation and Production Expansion
The MoU was signed by Scott Forney, President of GA-EMS, and Roman Köhne, Chief Executive Officer of Rheinmetall’s Weapon and Ammunition Division.
Under the agreement, the companies will evaluate opportunities for distributed co-production across allied defense industries. The initiative combines General Atomics’ expertise in precision-strike munition design, guidance technologies, and scalable manufacturing with Rheinmetall’s extensive experience in munitions production and its NATO-compliant manufacturing infrastructure.
The partnership is intended to strengthen industrial capacity for advanced artillery ammunition while improving supply-chain resilience and accelerating production timelines. The companies also aim to support greater industrial participation among allied nations through multinational manufacturing networks.
Addressing Growing Demand
Demand for long-range precision fires has increased significantly in recent years as armed forces seek to improve battlefield survivability and engage targets from greater stand-off distances. At the same time, governments have prioritized expanding defense industrial capacity to ensure sustained production of critical munitions during prolonged operations.
“Operational demand continues to outpace traditional guided-munition manufacturing output,” said Scott Forney. “This collaboration helps allied industry expand long-range strike capability while leveraging artillery systems already deployed across coalition forces.”
Roman Köhne highlighted the importance of scalable and resilient production networks for modern defense requirements.
“European and allied armed forces require long-range strike capabilities that integrate rapidly, scale efficiently, and remain sustainable through resilient multinational industrial networks,” Köhne said. “This MoU enables both companies to align advanced artillery technologies with established manufacturing infrastructure to support evolving operational requirements.”
Supporting Artillery Modernization
The agreement aligns with broader efforts among NATO members and partner countries to modernize land-force capabilities while maximizing the effectiveness of existing weapon systems. Rather than requiring entirely new artillery platforms, Vektrex is designed to enhance the performance of fielded systems through increased range and precision.
GA-EMS noted that the munition is produced using manufacturing processes aligned with U.S. military specifications and NATO standards, while Rheinmetall’s established production facilities provide the capability for large-scale series manufacturing in Europe.
The companies stated that combining General Atomics’ guidance and aerodynamic technologies with Rheinmetall’s manufacturing footprint could provide a scalable pathway for modernizing artillery forces while ensuring sustained munition availability for extended operations.
Eurosatory 2026 Announcement
The announcement was made during Eurosatory 2026, one of the world's largest international defense and security exhibitions, held in Paris from June 15 to 19. The event brings together defense manufacturers, military organizations, and government representatives from around the world to showcase new technologies and explore industrial partnerships.
The Rheinmetall-GA-EMS agreement reflects ongoing transatlantic cooperation in the defense sector and highlights increasing efforts to expand precision-guided munition production capacity to meet current and future operational requirements across NATO and allied forces.
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