DÜSSELDORF/BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - The Düsseldorf-based defense group Rheinmetall, in partnership with the Dutch firm Destinus, intends to scale up the production of cruise missiles and rocket systems. The company announced that an agreement has been reached to form a joint venture, which is also intended to supply Ukraine.
The two partners aim to establish the entity, Rheinmetall Destinus Strike Systems, in the second half of 2026. Production will include the Ruta cruise missile, which Ukraine is already deploying against Russian targets following repeated uncertainty regarding further shipments from the U.S.
Industrial base in Europe
Commenting on the plans for the new joint venture, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger stated: "We must expand the industrial base for modern defense systems in Europe. This joint venture reflects that necessity."
According to company data, Destinus develops and manufactures cruise missile systems and turbojet engines. It operates a series production program in Europe currently capable of producing over 2,000 cruise missile systems per year./cn/DP/nas
