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In the heart of northern Germany, Brunswick (Braunschweig) is now a bustling centre for the development and testing of modern drone technology. This transformation follows Rheinmetall's involvement in the drone sector, with the company operating a drone factory in the city staffed by drone specialists [1].
Rheinmetall's focus in Brunswick is on advanced military drone development, integrated into larger defense programs. The company is in active discussions with major international partners such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Anduril, with these collaborations connected to high-profile defense projects [1]. One such project is a classified program linked to the F-35 fighter jet, which involves deploying around 400 unmanned vehicles for German defense needs. This hints at Rheinmetall's intention to develop or co-develop sophisticated unmanned aerial systems (UAS) at the Brunswick site [1].
While other competitors like Airbus also participate in drone initiatives, Rheinmetall's edge lies in its integration with U.S. defense contractors and advanced programs linked to the F-35 [1]. The exact technological features or operational capabilities Rheinmetall aims to build at the Brunswick facility are not detailed, but they are likely to focus on military-grade, possibly stealth or high-endurance drone platforms.
The Brunswick area boasts a vibrant drone technology ecosystem. Nearby, companies like Auterion, a leading drone operating system supplier, collaborate with the defense sector and produce advanced drone platforms. Auterion's latest technological offerings include AI-powered onboard processing, high-precision mapping, and C3-certified drone systems developed in Brunswick by companies like starcopter [4]. While Auterion is a separate entity, its close presence and collaboration with defense suppliers enrich the local drone technology landscape.
The Brunswick site is more than just a production facility. It serves as a base for potential future test flights, with direct access to the research airport [2]. This opens up a gateway in Brunswick to possible new developments in drone and flight technology. The site is also set for expansion [3].
A significant development at the Brunswick site is the production and testing of the Luna NG drone, a next-generation air-launched unmanned reconnaissance equipment [5]. Rheinmetall has taken over the production and testing of the Luna NG drone from the insolvent manufacturer EMT in Penzberg (Bavaria) [6]. Around 40 former employees of the insolvent Leichtwerk AG, now working on military projects for Rheinmetall, bring special know-how to the table [7].
One of the concrete projects at the Brunswick site is the Bundeswehr program "Husar," which includes the Luna NG drone [8]. The Bundeswehr has ordered 13 complete systems from Rheinmetall for 200 million euros, including five reconnaissance drones, two ground control stations, two launch vehicles, two antenna masts, a workshop equipment, and three transport platforms [9].
In summary, Rheinmetall's drone factory in Brunswick is a hub for advanced military drone development, with potential future test flights and expansion on the horizon. The proximity to the research airport and the vibrant local drone technology ecosystem position Brunswick as a gateway to future developments in drone and flight technology.
