Rheinmetall has secured a contract valued at several hundred million euros to supply advanced laser-light modules to the German Armed Forces as part of the introduction of Germany’s new standard-issue assault rifle. The award follows formal budget approval by the German Parliament, activating the first binding order under a framework agreement signed in June 2021. Under the contract, Rheinmetall will deliver its LLM-VarioRay laser-light modules over a seven-year period, with provisions allowing Germany to place additional orders within the same timeframe. Manufacturing will be carried out by Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics at its Stockach facility near Lake Constance, marking the largest single order in the subsidiary’s history. According to the company, the deal ensures long-term industrial stability while supporting Germany’s broader infantry modernization drive. The LLM-VarioRay integrates visible and infrared lasers, an infrared illuminator, and a white-light LED into a compact 250-gram package compatible with NATO-standard weapon rails. The system enhances target detection, identification, and marking across day and night operations and forms part of Germany’s Future Soldier – Extended System program, aimed at digitally networking infantry units.
