Rheinmetall launches FV-014 loitering munition from Containerized Missile Launcher

Rheinmetall demonstrated the launch of an FV-014 LM from a CML at the DLR's National Test Centre for Unmanned Aerial Systems in Cochstedt, Saxony-Anhalt, eastern Germany, in July 2026. (Rheinmetall)

Rheinmetall announced in a press release on 13 August 2026 that it had demonstrated the launch of FV-014 loitering munition (LM) from a Containerized Missile Launcher (CML) at the German Aerospace Centre's (DLR's) National Test Centre for Unmanned Aerial Systems in Cochstedt, Saxony-Anhalt, eastern Germany, in July.

As part of a product demonstration to potential customers, the LM was launched from a Rheinmetall HX truck from a stationary position and on the move. During the demonstration, the system was employed in various simulated operational profiles and attack flights.

Rheinmetall presented the CML multi launcher for FV-014 LM on the first day of the Eurosatory 2026 defence exhibition held in Paris on 15-19 June.

All-in-one LM

Developed for mobile operations, the FV-014 combines reconnaissance, target identification, and precision strike capabilities within a single system and is designed for operational ranges of up to 100 km against both armoured and unarmoured as well as infrastructure targets. According to Rheinmetall, CML is a fully autonomous, modular, networked weapon system, with high resilience to GNSS interference designed for deployment on various platforms and for rapid operational readiness.

The FV-014 is launched from a CML using a booster. After ejection, the LM unfolds its folding wings and switches to aerodynamic flight.

CML is based on a standardised ISO container of any size, with a 20-foot container capable of holding up to 18 FV-014 LMs. An integrated power supply and various communication modules enable unmanned operation.