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Rheinmetall at REPMUS26: Interconnected Unmanned Systems for the Protection of Maritime Infrastructure

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026

Rheinmetall AG is continuously testing modular and interconnected solutions for maritime operations. As a leading international systems provider for security, the company is participating in the multinational REPMUS26 (Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping with Maritime Unmanned Systems) proving exercise in Portugal from 31 August to 25 September 2026. Already since 2024, the DAX-listed group has been contributing its expertise as a systems integrator for complex, multidimensional maritime systems to this large-scale trial.

The exercise on the Troia Peninsula and in the surrounding Portuguese waters brings together navies, research institutions, and industry to further develop unmanned systems within a realistic, multidimensional operational environment.

Interoperability as key to strategic security:

The networked deployment of unmanned platforms, from seabed to space, is crucial for protecting critical port infrastructure, strategically important port facilities, and coastal waters. At REPMUS26, Rheinmetall is demonstrating that mission success is determined not merely by the performance of individual platforms, but by their seamless networking. Integrating all sensor data into a multidimensional operational picture creates the conditions for early situational awareness and graded, precise courses of action.

An overview of the technological trial setup:

Mobile Mission Control

A key element of this year’s contribution is a containerised, relocatable demonstration setup. This will serve as a mobile command and control centre for the German Navy during the four-week exercise, supporting operational port security.

Open integration architecture

The Rheinmetall Battlesuite is based on the Tactical Core Middleware from blackned GmbH and is the technological backbone. This architecture creates an open environment for the flexible and application-specific integration of innovative sensors, effectors and mission modules from various technology partners.

Graded underwater sensor system

A particular focus in 2026 is on experiments involving unmanned underwater sensors from renowned industry partners. The aim is to generate a persistent operational picture and enable operators to control multiple unmanned systems of different types and from various manufacturers via a common user interface.

“REPMUS offers us an excellent opportunity to test our prototype development in realistic scenarios”, explains Gregor Mannherz, Head of the Rheinmetall Delegation. “By collaborating with operational experts from our naval customers and government agencies, we can design our products and solutions more efficiently, thus accelerating development in a targeted manner”.

By validating collaborative operational concepts and enhancing interoperability, Rheinmetall is making a significant contribution to strengthening the defence capabilities of NATO partners and to safeguarding global maritime supply routes.

Posted in Admin, International, Maritime, Press Release, Unmanned Systems, UxS | Comments Off on Rheinmetall at REPMUS26: Interconnected Unmanned Systems for the Protection of Maritime Infrastructure

Federal Minister of Defence Pistorius Charts the Course for a Fourth Fleet Intelligence Vessel

Friday, September 18th, 2026

Together with Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius, Minister President Manuela Schwesig and Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, high-ranking representatives of the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) and numerous guests from the industry and politics attended the keel-laying ceremony for the third fleet intelligence vessel. This important milestone in shipbuilding took place several months ahead of schedule at Rheinmetall’s shipyard in Wolgast, where the second fleet intelligence vessel is also being built in parallel. At the same time, the Federal Minister also spoke in favour of procuring a fourth fleet intelligence vessel.

Boris Pistorius, Federal Minister of Defence: “The new generation of Class 424 fleet intelligence vessels is equipped with high-performance sensor technology that enables very efficient monitoring of the electromagnetic spectrum across land, air and sea, and allows for even better intelligence gathering. The new vessels are due to enter service gradually from 2029 onwards, ensuring this capability for the coming decades. Our Navy and the Cyber and Information Domain Service are working closely together on this. The specialists in the Cyber and Information Domain Service utilise the technical capabilities on board to gather and analyse information. In doing so, they will make an important contribution to our situational picture. Our new capability profile stipulates a total requirement of four fleet intelligence vessels. Three are currently under construction. I have therefore, in close consultation with the Chief of the Navy and the Chief of the Cyber and Information Domain Service, set the course for a fourth sistership. We are now proceeding to the parliamentary vote on this matter.”

Manuela Schwesig, Minister President of the State of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: “For Wolgast, for eastern Vorpommern, and for the whole of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the Peene-Werft is far more than just a shipyard. The maritime industry is one of our key sectors, of which we are proud. Its value chains stretch from the north right down to the south. We are delighted that the keel has been laid for the third fleet intelligence vessel.”

The keel-laying ceremony is traditionally regarded as the symbolic start of the actual shipbuilding process. The highlights of the ceremony—including the placement of lucky coins on a keel-laying plate and the wedging of the plate under the keel-laying section—were attended by Minister of State Philipp Amthor, Vice Admiral Axel Deertz, Vice Chief of the German Navy, Vice Admiral Thomas Daum, Chief of the German Cyber and Information Domain Service (CIR), Angela Bier, Mayor of the future sponsor city of Hof, and Jürgen Giefer, Deputy Head of the Naval Directorate at the Federal Office of Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support for the German Armed Forces (BAAINBw).

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “The successful keel laying, well ahead of schedule, is a strong testament to the capabilities of our entire team. It demonstrates what is possible when planning, technological expertise, and collaborative partnerships are consistently integrated. It also showcases the skills and knowledge that make this facility a hub of modern naval shipbuilding. Today we have reached an important milestone, thereby creating an excellent foundation for the next phases of construction. My thanks go to everyone involved who made this success possible through their full commitment, passion, and expertise.”

The fleet intelligence vessels, which are approximately 130 metres long, are equipped with state-of-the-art sensor technology and will serve the German Armed Forces as reconnaissance platforms for maritime intelligence gathering. For final outfitting, commissioning, and testing, the vessels will later be towed to Rheinmetall’s Blohm+Voss shipyard in Hamburg.

Posted in International, ISR, Maritime, Press Release | Comments Off on Federal Minister of Defence Pistorius Charts the Course for a Fourth Fleet Intelligence Vessel

Quantum Systems Launches Maritime Domain, Introducing Seavex and Subvex

Tuesday, September 15th, 2026

Quantum Systems is expanding into the maritime domain, connecting autonomous operations above and below the waterline with its existing capabilities in the air and on land. With the launch, the company introduces Seavex and Subvex, its first two maritime systems designed for persistent surveillance, critical infrastructure protection and Counter-UAS operations.

Sesimbra, Portugal, 14 September 2026 – Quantum Systems today announced the launch of its maritime domain, expanding its unmanned systems portfolio from air and land to sea.

The launch takes place in Portugal on the sidelines of a major NATO maritime exercise and introduces two new systems, Seavex and Subvex. Both systems will test and validate capabilities as part of sea trials, extending Quantum Systems’ autonomous capabilities above and below the waterline in an operational environment.

Seavex and Subvex are fully integrated into MOSAIC UXS, enabling their deployment alongside unmanned air and ground systems through a common software architecture. The result is an interoperable system across air, land and sea that can be expanded with additional platforms, sensors and third-party technologies.

“We started in the air, expanded to land, and now we are going to sea. But the real step forward is not adding another domain. It is connecting them,” said Florian Seibel, Co-CEO and Founder of Quantum Systems. “With Seavex and Subvex integrated into MOSAIC UXS, we are building one autonomous system across air, land and sea. That is where unmanned operations are heading, and that is what we are delivering.”

Seavex and Subvex: autonomous capabilities on the water and below the surface

Seavex is a long-endurance unmanned surface vehicle (USV) designed for persistent maritime ISR missions. With an endurance of up to two months, the system includes surveillance radar, counter-drone radar and electro-optical sensors with onboard AI processing. Seavex launches and recovers UAVs while docking, recharging and retrieving mission data from UUVs.

Subvex is an AI-enabled unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) designed for autonomous ISR missions at depths of up to 6,000 metres. Equipped with sonar and acoustic sensors as well as onboard edge processing, the system can operate for up to four days in active movement and supports distributed operations with multiple Subvex vehicles. It can also remain on the seabed in passive surveillance mode for persistent underwater monitoring for weeks.

Together, both systems extend reconnaissance from the surface into the deep sea and support missions including the protection of critical maritime infrastructure, maritime border security, anti-submarine surveillance and blue-water surveillance. Their integration into MOSAIC UXS enables sensor information from different systems and domains to be combined within a single operational environment.

The expansion comes as maritime security is gaining strategic importance, with coastlines, ports and critical marine infrastructure facing a growing need for persistent surveillance. At the same time, threats increasingly span the air, surface and underwater environment, requiring information from across the waterline to be detected, connected and understood as part of one operational picture.

“Maritime operations have a fundamental challenge: the areas are vast, while crews and assets are limited,” said Dirk Zademack, VP Quantum Maritime at Quantum Systems. “In the air and on land, we have built an ecosystem in which unmanned systems operate together rather than individually. We are now applying the same principle at sea with Seavex and Subvex: extending collaborative presence on the water and below the surface and compiling the information for the operator.”

The launch marks the next step in Quantum Systems’ consistent expansion as a global deep-tech defence prime. The company has expanded beyond aerial systems into a broader portfolio of unmanned capabilities, while building the software, AI and system integration expertise to connect them. With MOSAIC UXS as the common software backbone, Quantum Systems brings these capabilities together into an integrated, scalable system.

Posted in International, Maritime, Press Release, Unmanned Systems, UxS | No Comments »

American Rheinmetall Selected to Support US Marine Corps with Advanced Mission Master SP Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles

Sunday, September 13th, 2026

Auburn Hills, MI — American Rheinmetall has been awarded a $7.28M contract to support the U.S. Marine Corps through the manufacture and delivery of Mission Master SP Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles (A-UGVs), associated Marine Kits, and supporting equipment. The procurement is being executed through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) with ADS Inc. serving as the prime contractor in support of the U.S. Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL).

The effort includes the delivery of 12 Mission Master SP A-UGVs and five amphibious kits, marking the most advanced Mission Master configuration developed by Rheinmetall to date. The vehicles will support continued operational evaluation, experimentation, and capability development as the Marine Corps expands its autonomous logistics and expeditionary mobility initiatives.

“This award represents a significant milestone in our long-standing partnership with the United States Marine Corps,” said Matt Warnick, CEO, American Rheinmetall. “For more than four years, we have worked side-by-side with Marines to mature, refine, and advance autonomous ground capabilities. The Mission Master SP captures the full breadth of those lessons learned and showcases Rheinmetall’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge, reliable, and mission-ready autonomous systems.”

President and CEO of Rheinmetall Canada Pietro Mazzei said, “This collaboration between Rheinmetall colleagues enables the U.S. Marine Corps to deploy the Mission Master SP in multi-domain environments and continue to push boundaries of Canadian innovation”.

A New Phase in Marine Corps Autonomous Capability Development

The new Mission Master SPvehicles incorporate Rheinmetall’s PATH autonomy architecture, expanded vehicle characterization, and modular payload integration. The systems also feature the Marine Kit—an upgrade enabling reliable, extended amphibious operations in littoral environments. The combined enhancements represent the latest evolution of the Mission Master family, driven by extensive user feedback, developmental testing, live-fire events, and operational experimentation.

The procurement includes a comprehensive suite of program management, engineering support, logistics coordination, technical documentation, operator training, and acceptance testing. Work will be led by American Rheinmetall in the United States with engineering and production support from Rheinmetall Canada, the original equipment manufacturer and technical partner.

Supporting Strategic U.S. Autonomy Initiatives

This effort aligns closely with American Rheinmetall’s strategy to expand U.S.-based autonomous ground vehicle capabilities and advance long-term technology transfer. It also supports the ongoing development of American Rheinmetall’s Maine facility as a future U.S. Advanced Land Autonomy Center of Excellence (ALACOE) focused on PATH integration, production, sustainment, and lifecycle support.

While this procurement does not immediately require facility expansion, it represents an important step toward future U.S. manufacturing, workforce growth, and long-term sustainment activities.

Strengthening Marine Corps Readiness and Modernization

The Mission Master SP systems will contribute to the Marine Corps’ efforts to enhance autonomous logistics, enable distributed operations, and extend operational reach while reducing personnel exposure to risk. The vehicles are designed to support emerging concepts related to expeditionary advanced base operations and multi-domain operations.

This effort builds on several major milestones, including:

• More than four years of collaboration with the U.S. Marine Corps

• Successful fielding of twelve Mission Master systems supporting Fleet Marine Force operations

• Development and integration of the Marine Kit for amphibious tasks

• Integration and fielding of the Fieldranger Remote Weapon Station

• Ongoing expansion of PATH autonomous capability development

• Future establishment of American Rheinmetall’s ALACOE initiative

This award reflects the deep collaboration between American Rheinmetall, Rheinmetall Canada, and the U.S. Marine Corps, and underscores the collective commitment to advancing autonomous ground technologies that empower Marines in the field. With the Mission Master SP, American Rheinmetall is poised to continue supporting the Corps’ modernization objectives with proven, mission?ready systems.

www.rheinmetall.com/americanrheinmetall

Posted in Industry, Maritime, Press Release, Robotics, Unmanned Systems, USMC | No Comments »

Svenska Aerogel’s Customer Launches Fire-Resistant Coating Tailored for the Marine Industry

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026

Svenska Aerogel’s (“the Company”) customer, a European manufacturer of paints and coatings, is launching a new industrial and fire-resistant coating for the marine industry. The Company’s aerogel material enhances the coating’s fire performance, thereby contributing to increased safety onboard vessels. The coating is intended for use on interior surfaces, such as walls and ceilings.

The customer’s product has been developed for commercial shipping and meets the applicable requirements set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The maritime sector is subject to stringent safety requirements, driving demand for fire-protective solutions. Such solutions play an important role in limiting the spread of fire and protecting structures and escape routes.

“We are pleased to see our material, Naerogel®, being used in a product that addresses a clear market need and, above all, contributes to increased safety for people onboard,” says Tor Einar Norbakk, CEO of Svenska Aerogel.

The fire-resistant coating will be sold on a project-by-project basis, and the customer has begun its sales activities.

Posted in International, Maritime, Materials, Press Release | No Comments »

Mehler Protection Unveils Active Close-Range Counter-UAV System for Ships at SMM 2026

Tuesday, September 1st, 2026

KÖNIGSLUTTER, GERMANY (1 September 2026)

At SMM 2026, Mehler Protection is set to unveil SCILT NAVAL, a new active counter-UAV system developed specifically to protect ships from close-range threats.

The threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is evolving: Recent conflicts have demonstrated that even heavily armed warships can be vulnerable to small, low-cost drone systems deployed in large numbers. While modern naval forces have powerful air defence systems capable of engaging threats at long range, significant challenges remain when it comes to close- and very-close-range protection. This is particularly true in ports, when navigating confined waterways such as canals, during amphibious operations, aboard landing craft and at fixed maritime installations.

SCILT was developed specifically for this immediate threat zone, where large-scale air defence systems and formation-level counter-UAV solutions may no longer able to respond effectively.

It serves as an active last line of defence for individual vessels, bridging the gap between passive protection and large-scale air defence. The system is designed to counter small UAVs, including FPV drones, one-way attack systems and loitering munitions, and can engage both individual threats and multiple simultaneous attacks at close range.

Effectors, sensors and operating controls are integrated directly on board. The sensor suite includes electro-optical systems and additional close-range sensors for threat detection and to support operational decision-making. In its initial configuration, the system operates with a human in the loop. Further automation is planned as certification requirements and operational procedures permit.

The system uses three alert levels – detection, approach and engagement – and utilises commercially available shotgun calibres as effectors. Compared with the land-based version,

SCILT NAVAL offers a greater effective range and automatic reloading. Its effectors run the gamut from fragmentation to armour-piercing variants.

SCILT can be integrated into existing C2 and sensor systems. Where no suitable interface is available, the system can also operate autonomously using its own detection and engagement chain. Additional control and display units can be installed at multiple locations inside the vessel, giving the crew access to situational information and system controls where required.

SCILT has been developed over a period of approximately 18 months. A series of 48 tests examined factors including external and terminal ballistics, firing safety and fragment distribution, along with maritime environmental effects such as salt spray, corrosion, vibrations and wave impact. The results were used to determine the optimum effective range and effector configuration.

SCILT expands Mehler Protection’s existing portfolio of platform armour solutions for land, air and sea. The company provides protection solutions for helicopters, land vehicles and naval systems and is a key supplier to several German Navy vessels currently under construction.

Further information on Mehler Protection’s platform armour solutions: mehler-protection.com/platform-armour

Posted in C-UAS, International, Maritime, Press Release | No Comments »

USSOCOM Seeks Battery Bottles

Wednesday, August 26th, 2026

SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM Program Executive Office Maritime, Undersea (PEO-M-U), will host a virtual Assessment Event on 30 September 2026.

The PEO-M-U Program Office is engaging industry to determine the readiness of the manufacturing base to evaluate, fabricate, provide Objective Quality Evidence (OQE), and deliver an initial quantity of pressure-capable containment pods for the command’s Large Format, Propagation Resistant battery design.

The PEO-M-U develops and supports a family of manned submersibles that support the operation of our Warfighters. These manned submersibles are powered by large-format, propagation-resistant battery systems. The Battery Systems require a watertight, pressure-resistant,and shock-resistant design to transport and protect the integrity and function of the batteries.

The Government is seeking cost and schedule estimates and technical (primarily manufacturability) review of several designs (to be provided as part of this solicitation). The objective is to accumulate input from industry and select one or more vendors to manufacture and deliver one or more of the government-provided designs. The vendor will be responsible for reviewing the design(s) for manufacturability, assuming the Government will maintain Design Authority and perform applicable testing of the delivered pods.

U.S. Citizens Only

Submit NLT 08 September 2026 11:59 PM ET. Learn more at events.sofwerx.org/peo-m-battery-bottle.

Posted in Maritime, Power, SOF | Comments Off on USSOCOM Seeks Battery Bottles

Mehler Protection Brings New Maritime Protection Solutions to SMM 2026

Wednesday, August 19th, 2026

KÖNIGSLUTTER, GERMANY (18 August 2026)

From 1–4 September 2026, Mehler Protection will exhibit at SMM in Hamburg, presenting its latest platform protection solutions developed for the maritime sector.

Visitors can find Mehler Protection | Platform Armour in Hall B5, Booth 335, where the company will showcase a range of ballistic protection solutions for naval platforms, alongside a new development addressing emerging threats in the maritime environment.

A key focus of the exhibit will be M-RACC KE, Mehler Protection’s modular add-on armour solution designed to increase the ballistic protection of existing structures and platforms.

Its modular concept allows the protection level to be adapted to different threat scenarios and platform requirements, providing a flexible approach to upgrading protection without redesigning the complete structure.

At SMM 2026, visitors will be able to compare M-RACC KE configurations across STANAG Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4, demonstrating how the system can be scaled according to the required level of ballistic protection.

The exhibit will also feature a ship wall equipped with ballistic protection, providing a practical demonstration of how Mehler Protection’s armour solutions can be integrated into naval structures.

Alongside its passive armour solutions, Mehler Protection will provide a first look at a new active protection development for the maritime domain.

The solution has been developed in response to the rapidly changing threat environment faced by naval platforms, particularly at close and very close ranges. It expands Mehler Protection’s approach to maritime survivability beyond passive ballistic protection and will be officially unveiled during SMM 2026.

Further details about the new system will be announced separately at the start of the exhibition.

As the world’s leading maritime industry event, SMM brings together the international maritime sector in Hamburg to present new technologies, exchange expertise and address the challenges shaping the future of the industry.

Learn more about Mehler Protection: mehler-protection.com

Posted in International, Maritime, Press Release, Tradeshow | No Comments »