Rheinmetall : and Rohde & Schwarz position themselves for major Bundeswehr procurement programmes

Rheinmetall and Rohde & Schwarz have entered a far-reaching partnership with an eye to playing a leading role in the future digitization of Germany's ground forces. The two high-tech enterprises have agreed to establish a joint venture to compete for two major German procurement projects: MoTaKo, which stands for 'mobile tactical communications', and 'MoTIV', short for 'mobile tactical information network'. Rheinmetall will have a 74.9% stake in the joint venture, with Rohde & Schwarz holding the remaining 25.1%. The joint venture plans to draw on the expertise of additional partners during individual project phases.

Representatives of the two companies have now signed a contractual agreement to this effect. MoTaKo and MoTIV are the German Army's principle modernization projects. Total order volume is likely to be in the mid-ten-figure euro range, with thousands of Bundeswehr vehicles alone earmarked for retrofitting.

'By joining forces, Rheinmetall and Rohde & Schwarz have formed the ideal team for creating and implementing a digital communication and information management system for the Bundeswehr', declares Armin Papperger, chief executive of Rheinmetall AG. 'The planned joint venture will have at its finger tips the full range of expertise needed to reliably implement the MoTaKo and MoTIV projects, with everything derived from a single source. In order to do this, we intend to include other prominent defence contractors in the process.'

As Mr Papperger explains, 'Rheinmetall brings to the relationship its experience as a systems supplier and general contractor, which, complemented by the expertise of Rohde & Schwarz, a highly competent, globally operating, proven partner for wireless communication and network and cyber security, is sure to benefit the customer. I'm certain that this partnership will lead to a compelling, future-proof military communications solution - made in Germany.'

Peter Riedel, President and COO of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG, notes that 'secure, up-to-date communications solutions play a crucial role in assuring effective command and control in combat operations. Together with Rheinmetall, we want to assist long term in the process of modernizing the Bundeswehr.

In doing so, we can draw on our longstanding experience and trustworthy technology, which enables national information superiority as well as interoperability. Flexible solutions from Rohde & Schwarz assure secure communications in all kinds of operational scenarios.'

Developed in tandem, MoTaKo and MoTIV will form the future 'Heer/Streitkräftebasis' digital command and control system. In the still-to-be-established joint venture company, Rheinmetall will be responsible for the command systems, the cross-functional operator interface and the complete vehicle integration process. Rohde & Schwarz will contribute its IP-based system solutions for secure communications.

The Rheinmetall Group is a high-tech enterprise specializing in mobility and security solutions. Consisting of three divisions - Vehicle Systems, Electronic Solutions, and Weapon and Ammunition - the Group's Defence arm is one of the world's foremost defence technology organizations. Its wide array of products ranges from vehicle, force protection and weapon systems to infantry equipment and air defence technology, and from engagement sequence networking to sensors and electro-optics as well as advanced simulation and training solutions. With some 23,000 employees worldwide, the Düsseldorf-based Group generated sales last year of €5.6 billion.

The Rohde & Schwarz electronics group offers innovative solutions in all fields of wireless communications as well as in IT security. Founded more than 80 years ago, the independent company has an extensive sales and service network with subsidiaries and representatives in more than 70 countries. On June 30, 2016, Rohde & Schwarz had approximately 10,000 employees. The group achieved a net revenue of approximately EUR 1.92 billion in the 2015/2016 fiscal year (July to June). The company is headquartered in Munich, Germany, and also has strong regional hubs in Asia and the USA.