BUCHAREST — May 12, 2026 : Rheinmetall will present a wide range of military systems and industrial capabilities at the Black Sea Defense & Aerospace (BSDA) 2026 exhibition in Bucharest from May 13 to 15, as the company expands its role in NATO and European defense modernization programs.
The biennial exhibition, held at the ROMAERO complex near Băneasa International Airport, will feature Rheinmetall products from its Vehicle Systems, Weapons and Ammunition, Electronic Solutions, and Naval Systems divisions under the theme “Freedom needs Enablers.”
Lynx KF41 and Romanian Production Plans
A major focus of Rheinmetall’s presentation will be the Lynx KF41 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), equipped with the Lance turret, a 30 mm MK30-2/ABM automatic cannon, and the Main Sensor Slaved Armament (MSSA) weapon station.
The platform has gained significant importance in Romania following the Romanian Ministry of National Defence’s selection of the Lynx KF41 in late April 2026 for a €3.4 billion procurement program intended to replace the country’s aging MLI-84 fleet.
Under the agreement, Rheinmetall plans to manufacture 232 of the 298 planned vehicles locally at its Mediaș facility after acquiring a majority stake in Romanian defense manufacturer Automecanica Mediaș. The program includes local industrial participation, technology transfer, and integration of Romanian supply chains into the production process.
Air Defense and Logistics Systems
Rheinmetall will also showcase elements of its ground-based air defense portfolio, including the Oerlikon Skynex system equipped with the 35 mm Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3 using programmable Ahead airburst ammunition.
The modular system is designed to counter drones, cruise missiles, rockets, and mortar threats at ranges of up to four kilometers. Rheinmetall stated that the system can be mounted on multiple tactical truck platforms and configured according to operational requirements.
In the logistics segment, the company will display the HX 3 heavy military truck from its HX vehicle family. The platform is designed for high off-road mobility and supports modular payload configurations along with optional cabin protection levels for tactical and logistical missions.
Soldier Modernization and Digital Integration
In the field of soldier modernization, Rheinmetall is presenting the latest version of its Gladius 2.0 soldier system.
The system integrates individual soldiers into digitally networked battlefield structures through the TacNet tactical management system. Rheinmetall stated that the platform uses artificial intelligence-assisted data processing to improve situational awareness, optimize sensor-to-shooter connectivity, and reduce cognitive workload while maintaining NATO interoperability standards.
Expansion of Ammunition Production
Ahead of BSDA 2026, Rheinmetall also highlighted ongoing investments aimed at expanding global ammunition production capacity amid increased demand from NATO member states and continued supply commitments to Ukraine.
The company plans to increase annual production of 155 mm artillery ammunition to 1.1 million rounds by 2027 and 1.5 million rounds annually by 2030.
Production capacity for 120 mm tank ammunition is expected to stabilize at 240,000 cartridges annually from 2027 onward, while medium-caliber ammunition output is projected to increase to 3.4 million cartridges by 2027 and 4 million by 2030.
Rheinmetall said the expansion forms part of a broader strategy to establish a sovereign global munitions network capable of supporting long-term defense requirements and ensuring supply resilience during operational contingencies.
Naval Systems and Black Sea Presence
The exhibition will additionally highlight Rheinmetall’s growing naval sector activities following its March 2026 acquisition of Naval Vessels Lürssen (NVL).
The company’s Naval Systems division now includes four specialized shipyards in northern Germany: Blohm+Voss and Norderwerft in Hamburg, Peene-Werft in Wolgast, and Neue Jadewerft in Wilhelmshaven.
The division manages naval shipbuilding, coast guard vessels, life-cycle support operations, and the development of autonomous maritime systems for NATO and international customers.
Rheinmetall also maintains engineering and operational activities in Egypt, Croatia, Brunei, Singapore, and Varna in Bulgaria, strengthening the company’s regional presence in Black Sea maritime modernization programs.
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