In a significant development for European defense capabilities, Anduril and Rheinmetall have announced a strategic partnership aimed at co-developing and producing autonomous aerial and propulsion systems tailored for European defense forces. This collaboration seeks to enhance the technological independence of European nations, enabling them to retain control over vital defense technology while adapting it to meet their unique requirements.
At the heart of this agreement is the integration of Anduril’s European variants of the Barracuda and Fury autonomous air vehicles into Rheinmetall’s advanced “Battlesuite” digital platform. This partnership also involves a joint investigation into the production of solid rocket motors, further expanding the scope of technological advancements being pursued.
The deal places a strong emphasis on the principles of speed, modularity, and a “built with, not for” philosophy. This approach marks a departure from traditional defense procurement methods that often create dependencies on American manufacturers. Instead, it seeks to empower European allies to produce critical technologies locally and address concerns regarding U.S. defense commitments amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the conflict involving Ukraine and Russia.
Anduril CEO Brian Schimpf articulated the innovative nature of this collaboration, stating, “This is a different model of defense collaboration, one built on shared production, operational relevance, and mutual respect for sovereignty.” This sentiment was echoed by Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, who highlighted the partnership’s goal of delivering new and advanced autonomous capabilities that are not only quick to manufacture but also modular, aligning seamlessly with NATO’s evolving defense needs.
This latest venture follows a prior collaboration established in June 2024 between the two companies, which focused on jointly designing and manufacturing a layered counter-drone system for European clients.
As part of this partnership, the Barracuda drone, which was launched in September 2024, is designed to be a low-cost, modular, and mass-producible solution that can function like a cruise missile. The Fury, a multi-mission Group 5 aerial system, boasts a weight of over 1,320 pounds (598 kilograms) and a speed of around Mach 1. Equipped with Anduril’s Lattice AI-driven command and control software, the Fury’s capabilities extend to supporting various combat and surveillance roles, including its integration into the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, which is intended for manned-unmanned teaming operations.
Overall, the strategic partnership between Anduril and Rheinmetall represents a pivotal move towards enhancing European autonomy in defense technologies, creating an environment for faster production and tailored solutions that are in step with the changing landscape of international security.
