The Bundeswehr has commissioned Rheinmetall to supply Laser-Light-Modules for the German Armed Forces. Following the budget approval by the German Bundestag’s Budget Committee on 3 December 2025, the first definitive call-off has now been made under the framework agreement concluded in June 2021.
This agreement entails the delivery of ‘LLM-VarioRay’ Laser-Light-Modules, scheduled for delivery over the next seven years. In addition, there is the option to procure further LLM-VR modules. These can be delivered additionally within the agreed time frame. This fixed call-off has a net order intake of several hundred million Euro for Rheinmetall. The devices are manufactured by Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics in Stockach at Lake Constance. This is the largest order intake in the history of the Rheinmetall subsidiary.
“We are grateful for the trust that the Bundeswehr has placed in our battle-proven tactical combat enhancers”, said Erkan Yildirim, CEO of Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics. “The LLM-VarioRay is one of our most versatile devices. The largest order in our company’s history is an incentive for us to continue delivering cutting-edge technology. Provided that the customer places a corresponding call-off, we could also deliver the additional optional quantity within the agreed period of seven years. This would provide both the Bundeswehr and us at Rheinmetall with planning security.”
The Rheinmetall LLM-VarioRay Laser-Light-Module is part of the latest generation of devices of this type. The Laser-Light-Modules are primarily used on the handguns of the infantry and dismounted forces, and serve to detect, identify and mark targets.
Weighing approximately 250 grams, including its mount, the LLM-VarioRay can be attached to any assault rifle via a MIL-STD 1913 rail/STANAG 4694 and can be operated via a trigger cable. It features a powerful white light LED, a red-light laser marker, an infrared laser marker and an electrically focusable infrared illuminator. The light source can be selected and adjusted stepless using a rotary switch. The device is equipped with a fully integrated, factory-aligned laser block. This laser block allows for easy adjustment and alignment of the visor and the weapon. Equipped with night vision and thermal imaging devices, the German Armed Forces can thus accomplish their missions throughout the entire spectrum of operations, regardless of day- or night-time and in all weather conditions.
The LLM-VarioRay product family is also part of the German soldier system ‘Future Soldier – Extended System (IdZ-ES)’ and is likewise used in the British Army as the Laser-Light-Module MK3 and in the Swiss Army as the Laser-Light-Module 19.
Rheinmetall’s product portfolio encompasses a wide range of infantry equipment, including various targeting and illumination modules. These were developed in order to increase the tactical value of modern handguns. The LM-VTAL (Laser Module – Variable Tactical Aiming Laser) has been in operation at the Bundeswehr’s special operation forces for several years.
Rheinmetall and SATIM sign technology supply agreement
The technology group Rheinmetall, based in Düsseldorf, and SATIM Monitoring Satelitarny, a Polish deep-tech company specialising in the AI-supported analysis of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery, have signed a technology supply contract. The content is the support of the German customer’s satellite-based reconnaissance program. The agreement formalises SATIM’s role as a technology supplier to Rheinmetall for the delivery of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities for the Bundeswehr.
Under the contract, SATIM will supply AI-based capabilities that transform large volumes of complex radar imagery into actionable information. The agreement supports SPOCK-1, the German satellite reconnaissance program awarded to Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions. SATIM will provide its technology as a supplier within the European Union, while Rheinmetall will operate the system independently in Germany.
Timo Haas, CEO of Rheinmetall Electronics: “Our partnership with SATIM marks another important milestone in advancing Rheinmetall’s strategy to strengthen our capabilities and footprint in an increasingly digital and connected battlespace. By combining our expertise and technologies, we are building a powerful foundation for faster, data-driven decision-making and superior situational awareness for our customers. This collaboration is another example of cutting-edge and combat-ready solutions at speed.”
Jacek Strzelczyk, CEO of SATIM: “The contract between SATIM and Rheinmetall combines the agility and innovation of a deep-tech start-up with the scale and mission experience of a global defence prime. Together, we will deliver effective solutions that support Germany’s national security priorities and will strengthen allied defence capabilities. This milestone demonstrates the maturity of our technology and its alignment with Germany’s ISR requirements.”
The technology supply contract brings together Rheinmetall’s system integration expertise and its established position in the German defence market with SATIM’s AI-based data analysis capabilities. The collaboration is intended to enhance situational awareness, support informed decision-making, and enable timely operational responses in a complex and evolving security environment.
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