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GeopoliticsMediumUpdated×2•Originally published 16 April 2026•Updated 17 April 2026•

1 min read

Germany Inks $1.2 Billion Kamikaze Drone Deal With Rheinmetall

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Key Facts

1Germany's parliament approved a contract for Rheinmetall to supply loitering munitions (kamikaze drones) with an initial tranche worth $345 million.

about 2 months ago

Version History

Version 2about 2 months ago

What changed: Updated the story to include Aevex's $320 million U.S. IPO and global market projections for unmanned systems.

Version 1about 2 months ago

What changed: Added information regarding the German cartel office's approval of a joint venture between Rheinmetall and satellite maker OHB.

The German Bundestag has approved a $1.2 billion contract with Rheinmetall for loitering munitions, while the company expands into space tech via a joint venture with OHB. Highlighting the global surge in autonomous warfare, U.S. drone maker Aevex recently raised $320 million in an IPO, selling 16 million shares at $20 each. Aevex currently holds $1.2 billion in contracts for its Phoenix Ghost systems, with a significant portion of its recent revenue driven by the war in Ukraine. Despite reporting a net loss of $16.9 million in 2025 on $432.9 million in revenue, the company projects the global market for unmanned systems to reach $26 billion by 2030. These developments underscore a strategic shift as both established giants like Rheinmetall (RHM.DE) and new 'war unicorns' capitalize on rising defense budgets.