Sat, 20 Jun 2026 Kyiv 12:36Berlin 11:36London 10:36 UKR / DE / EN

Rheinmetall unveils mobile container launcher for kamikaze drones

German defense contractor Rheinmetall has presented the Containerized Mission Launcher (CML) for loitering munitions at the Eurosatory 2026 trade fair in Paris. The development was shaped by lessons from Russia's war against Ukraine.

Rheinmetall unveils mobile container launcher for kamikaze drones
Photo: 24tv.ua

The idea for the mobile launch system originally came from Ukrainian developers. German engineers took up the concept and improved it, as 24tv reports citing industry experts. The CML is part of Rheinmetall’s reconnaissance and attack ecosystem and is designed for rapid deployment on various carrier vehicles.

The system is based on a standard 20-foot container that can hold up to 18 FV-014 loitering munitions. The container is mounted on a heavy truck, trailer, or semi-trailer. An autonomous power supply as well as communication and remote control equipment enable long-term operation without a permanent crew.

The development draws on experience from Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. As early as June 2025, Ukrainian forces launched drones from trucks during an operation on Russian territory – the world’s first operation using mobile launch platforms for combat drones. Rheinmetall expanded this principle with additional innovations and options.

Source: 24tv.ua