On about 840 square meters, Rheinmetall presents itself at the ILA Berlin 2026. The Düsseldorf-based technology group is one of the major exhibitors of the traditional fair, which takes place from June 10 to 14, 2026 on the exhibition grounds at BER, the capital’s airport, in Schönefeld. Under the motto “Strong and clear. Across all domains.” Rheinmetall positions itself at the ILA as a holistic system provider for all operating domains.
Among the highlights of Rheinmetall’s trade fair appearance in 2026, alongside Boeing’s autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) MQ-28 Ghost Bat, which was developed for cooperation with manned fighter aircraft (manned-unmanned teaming) in highly contested airspaces, is also the Loitering Munition System (LMS) FV-014: It combines the capabilities of reconnaissance and precise effect in a single platform, thereby bridging the gap between a conventional drone and conventional artillery.
FV-014 Loitering Munition System
Using a fully swiveling gimbal, i.e., a 360-degree optical system at the bow, potential targets can be observed over extended periods and precisely engaged at the decisive moment. This can be autonomous or remotely controlled. Thanks to modular sensors, long range and networked mission management, the LMS represents an effective instrument for modern battlefields where reaction speed and situational awareness are crucial. The FV-014 has a range of up to 100 kilometers and is equipped with a warhead including a fuze.
In addition, the drone can stay aloft for up to 70 minutes and observe targets until it delivers its effect. The system, which combines intelligence and striking power, is fully produced in the EU. It is integrated into a ground control station that organizes mission planning, flight operations, and support of the engagement process. The FV-014 is a key component of Rheinmetall’s Reconnaissance-Effect Network (AWV). This includes all necessary systems for reconnaissance and combat deployment – the Luna NG drone as an important reconnaissance element also belongs to it.
Air Defense System Skyranger 30
Ground-based air defense has gained significant importance in Europe, especially in light of the war in Ukraine. Numerous EU and NATO members, including Germany, have chosen Rheinmetall’s mobile air defense solution Skyranger 30. The system offers a combination of mobility, protection, flexibility and precision to meet the growing demands of challenging threat scenarios in the near- and short-range.
At the ILA 2026, Rheinmetall showcases the Skyranger 30 turret on the armored 8×8 wheeled Boxer vehicle with integrated DefendAir guided missile from MBDA. With this mix of effectors, the Skyranger 30 is ready for today’s and future threats. In addition, Rheinmetall presents the Caracal, a 4×4 airborne platform designed specifically for the needs of airborne and special forces. The vehicle combines high tactical mobility, a low silhouette and modular scalable protection with the ability to flexibly map a wide range of mission profiles.
Caracal Air-Landing Vehicle with ATAX Air Drop System
The platform can be configured for various roles—from a simple troop transporter to specialized variants to a highly armed combat vehicle with turret-mounted weapons or anti-tank missiles. Thanks to a payload of up to 1,200 kilograms and a universal rail system, the vehicle can be adapted to the respective mission—from rapid deployment operations to reconnaissance and command tasks to highly mobile weapon carriers.
In connection with the modular air transport system ATAX Land from IrvinGQ, an integrated approach for airborne operations is created with significantly reduced logistic effort and shortened response times in the theater of operation. As a modular “Rapid Rigging/De-Rigging Airdrop System,” ATAX enables air-mobile transport and parachute drop of the Caracal over a suitable drop zone. This allows initial operations to be supported from the air as quickly as possible with highly mobile vehicles.
