• UPDATE: Rheinmetall Secures Major Bundeswehr Contracts for Satellite Tech and Rifle Modules
DÜSSELDORF, Germany – German defense group Rheinmetall has finalized a technology supply contract with a Polish firm to support a satellite reconnaissance program and has received a definitive order worth several hundred million euros to supply laser-light modules for the German military.
What is new?
Rheinmetall announced two significant agreements to supply the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr). The first is a technology supply contract with Polish company SATIM Monitoring Satelitarny for a satellite-based reconnaissance program. The second is the largest order in the history of its Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics subsidiary, a definitive call-off for LLM-VarioRay laser-light modules for the Bundeswehr’s new assault rifles, with a net value of several hundred million euros.
Satellite Reconnaissance Partnership
Rheinmetall and SATIM, a Polish company specializing in AI-supported analysis of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery, have signed a technology supply contract. The agreement formalizes SATIM’s role as a technology supplier to Rheinmetall for the delivery of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities for the Bundeswehr. The deal supports SPOCK-1, the German satellite reconnaissance program awarded to Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions.
Under the contract, SATIM will provide AI-based capabilities that transform large volumes of complex radar imagery into actionable information. This collaboration aims to enhance situational awareness and support timely operational responses. Rheinmetall will operate the system independently in Germany, with SATIM providing its technology as a supplier within the European Union.
Record Order for Rifle Modules
Following budget approval from the German Bundestag’s Budget Committee on December 3, 2025, the Bundeswehr has placed its first definitive call-off under a framework agreement from June 2021. The order for LLM-VarioRay laser-light modules is scheduled for delivery over the next seven years. The fixed call-off represents a net order intake of several hundred million euros for Rheinmetall and is the largest single order for its Stockach-based subsidiary, Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics.
The LLM-VarioRay modules are primarily used on infantry assault rifles to detect, identify, and mark targets. The device weighs approximately 250 grams, attaches to a standard MIL-STD 1913 rail, and can be operated via a trigger cable. It features a powerful white light LED, a red-light laser marker, an infrared laser marker, and an electrically focusable infrared illuminator, allowing for operations in all weather conditions, day or night, when used with night vision devices.
About this company
Rheinmetall is a leading international defence systems company and a driver of forward-looking innovations in civil markets. Through its technologies, products and systems, Rheinmetall creates the indispensable foundation for peace, freedom and sustainable development: security. The DAX-listed company has more than 40,000 employees at 174 locations worldwide and generated sales of around €9.8 billion in the 2024 financial year.
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