Leading position in defence technology The Defence arm of Germanys Rheinmetall Group stands out prominently among the worlds top suppliers of defence technology and security equipment. Its 9,200-strong sta......Leading position in defence technology The Defence arm of Germanys Rheinmetall Group stands out prominently among the worlds top suppliers of defence technology and security equipment. Its 9,200-strong staff generate annual sales of €1.8 billion. As Europes leading supplier of technology for ground forces, Rheinmetall Defence offers a wide array of platforms and components available as stand-alone or networked system solutions. Rheinmetall Defence stands for longstanding experience and pioneering innovation in the world of armoured vehicles, weapons and ammunition, air defence and electronics – a commitment to excellence which also extends to its naval and air force applications and public security products. The companys unsurpassed capacity to integrate individual components into system solutions is what makes Rheinmetall Defence such a powerful partner of the worlds armed forces and security agencies. A leader in armoured vehicles and air defence technology A core competence of Rheinmetall Defence is the development and manufacture of armoured vehicles of various weight classes, ranging from the new Light Infantry Vehicle for mobile special forces units to a variety of combat engineer vehicles and the legendary Leopard main battle tank, many of whose key components bear the Rheinmetall hallmark. In cooperation with a joint venture partner, Rheinmetall has developed and manufactured the Bundeswehrs new Puma, an airportable infantry fighting vehicle. The companys acclaimed Fuchs/Fox NBC armoured reconnaissance vehicle, already procured by seven countries, underscores Rheinmetalls global lead in this critical field. Rheinmetall Defence also dominates the world market for cannon-based air defence systems. Today, the armed forces of over forty nations rely on short-range air defence systems made by Rheinmetall Defences Swiss subsidiary, Rheinmetall Air Defence, the only company in the world which produces complete antiaircraft systems, including radar and networking technology. Moreover, Rheinmetall Defence also supplies mobile antiaircraft guided missile platforms. Weapons, ammunition and defence electronics: a complete range of cutting edge components and systems The companys Weapon and Munitions division develops, manufactures and markets a comprehensive array of medium- and large-calibre products, ranging from the automatic cannon in the Eurofighter and medium-calibre naval guns for small surface combatants to the 120 mm smoothbore main armament of Germanys Leopard tank and the American Abrams. But the divisions product portfolio also encompasses obscurant-based passive countermeasure systems for concealing not only military assets but also sensitive civilian installations such as nuclear power plants. Moreover, Rheinmetall Defence is also developing a number of highly advanced new capabilities, e.g. for disabling enemy electronics. Rheinmetall Defence supplies state-of-the-art technology for network-enabled command systems capable of directing complex military operations and depicting the real-time situation on the ground, as well as for vehicle-supported and ground-based reconnaissance with optoelectronic sensors. Developed by Rheinmetall Defence on behalf of the Bundeswehr, the companys unmanned air vehicles enable the aerial reconnaissance and engagement of targets. Moreover, the company makes simulators for training the crews of ships, combat aircraft and tanks, supplemented by large-scale tactical simulation systems for exercising operational scenarios, which are also useful in research and development. Rheinmetall Defence, a major force in Force Transformation By equipping the worlds armies for new missions such as peace enforcement and rapid intervention, Rheinmetall Defence is helping to shape the global process of Force Transformation. Examples here include vehicles which are well-protected but still light enough to be airlifted into distant trouble spots, or the adoption of open IT interfaces enabling the universal networking of platforms of different military components and even different armies. Or, by the same token, the attainment of information superiority, for example by deploying unmanned air vehicles. In the process, conventional weaponry is increasingly being interlinked with state-of-the-art protection concepts, reconnaissance assets and networking technology. For example, Rheinmetall Defence is pushing forward with system concepts for protecting convoys and forward operating bases in war-torn regions. In addition to an extensive array of platforms and components, including state-of-the-art command, reconnaissance and monitoring equipment and highly effective weapons systems and ammunition, Rheinmetall Defence is unsurpassed in integrating the most diverse individual components and subsystems into networked total solutions. A global presence is driving growth Rheinmetall Defence operates internationally. Along with subsidiaries in Europe, North America and Asia, the Group maintains a tightly