Rheinmetall and General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) signed a memorandum of understanding at Eurosatory 2026 to explore the possibilities of cooperative production of Vektrex, a maneuverable 155-mm precision munition. According to a Rheinmetall press release, Vektrex would extend the range and effectiveness of NATO alliance artillery units. The ammunition would also meet growing requirements for modernization, long-range strike capabilities, and the replenishment of munitions stocks.
In light of the rising international demand for industrial production — countries wanted to replenish their exhausted munitions stocks, expand the capacities of the defense industry, and modernize their artillery units for high-intensity operations — the companies concluded the agreement to examine Vektrex as a cost-effective long-range capability. Vektrex can be integrated into already deployed 155-mm artillery systems with calibers 39 and 52. Thus, according to the two partners, the precision munition enables a rapid integration into the armed forces’ structures within the Alliance.
Vektrex aims to offer a cost-effective alternative to missile systems
The memorandum of understanding was signed by Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS, and Roman Köhne, the CEO of the Rheinmetall division Weapon and Ammunition. It builds on GA-EMS’s ongoing investments in the development of precision ammunition and in scalable manufacturing. Rheinmetall’s ammunition and production know-how, together with NATO-compliant infrastructure, position Vektrex, according to the press release, for large-scale production to meet the needs of alliance and partner countries.
Vektrex thus offers maneuverable strike power in contested and GPS-denied environments. Its glide-based aerodynamic design increases the range by two to three times that of conventional artillery projectiles while simultaneously reducing the integration risk for artillery systems already in operation. The ammunition represents a more cost-effective alternative to tactical missile systems for forces that require survivable long-range strike capability.
The collaboration also promotes possibilities of decentralized co-production. In this way, supply chains could be strengthened, readiness timelines accelerated, and industrial participation in the defense sectors of allied nations expanded. As military requirements shift toward fires with greater range and higher volume, Vektrex provides a scalable modernization path for artillery systems already in service. No new launch or propulsion infrastructures or logistics would be required for this.
