Rheinmetall tests FV-014 loitering munition from moving vehicle

Rheinmetall has successfully demonstrated its FV-014 loitering munition, launching the system from a Containerized Missile Launcher mounted on a moving HX military truck. The tests, conducted in July 2026 at the German Aerospace Centre in Cochstedt, Saxony-Anhalt, included both stationary and mobile launch profiles.

The FV-014 is an unmanned weapon system designed for reconnaissance, target identification, and precision strikes. It features an operational range of up to 100 kilometres and a flight endurance of up to 70 minutes. To improve resilience against GNSS interference, the system utilizes high levels of autonomy and advanced sensors.

Technical specifications include a launch weight of approximately 22 kilograms with a six-kilogram payload. The munition is equipped with a High-Explosive Dual Purpose warhead capable of penetrating more than 600 millimetres of solid armour steel. The design incorporates an electric propeller for a reduced acoustic signature and an airframe intended to minimize radar and infrared detection. Operators maintain oversight through a ground station using a human-in-the-loop architecture to authorize or abort missions.