Rheinmetall Unveils Air-to-Air Missile For Drone self Defense

Rheinmetall has taken a major step in drone warfare innovation by unveiling a new air-to-air missile specifically designed for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The defense giant introduced the system on the Czech-made Primoco One 150 drone during the Drone Days 2025 event in Oldenburg-Gatten, Germany. This development highlights the growing importance of drone self-defense capabilities as UAVs become central to modern battlefield operations.

The Rising Demand for Drone Self-Defense

Unmanned aerial systems are increasingly deployed in surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat roles. However, their vulnerability to enemy aircraft, helicopters, and interceptor drones has posed a challenge for militaries worldwide. With Rheinmetall presenting an air-to-air missile for drone self-defense, the company is addressing one of the most pressing needs in modern aerial warfare protecting drones from aerial threats.

The introduction of such systems not only enhances survivability but also strengthens drones’ role as independent combat platforms capable of both reconnaissance and defense.

Why Rheinmetall Chose the Primoco One 150

Instead of integrating the new missile into its own Luna NG drone, Rheinmetall opted for the Czech-made Primoco One 150. The key reason lies in operational design. The Luna NG’s catapult launch system subjects missiles to high stress, limiting weapon compatibility. On the other hand, the Primoco One 150 takes off and lands like a conventional aircraft, making it an ideal platform for weapon integration.

The Primoco drone also offers impressive endurance, with a range of 1,800 kilometers and flight time of six to eight hours while carrying up to 30 kilograms of payload. This makes it a versatile testbed for cutting-edge defense technologies.

Technical Features of the New Air-to-Air Missile

At the Drone Days 2025 event, Rheinmetall revealed a prototype of its in-development air-to-air missile mounted under the right wing of the Primoco One 150. According to company statements, the missile features:

• Flight time: 5 minutes
• Speed: 600 kilometers per hour
• Payload: 4 kilograms
• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 3 — validated through experiments

Designed to defend drones from other UAVs and helicopters, the missile represents a specialized self-defense solution. With successful testing, Rheinmetall plans to begin flight trials later this year, which would mark a critical step toward operational deployment.

Loitering Munitions Add Extra Firepower

Alongside the air-to-air missile, the Primoco drone was displayed carrying three HERO R-20 loitering munitions on its left wing. These were developed by Bär Technology, a German startup specializing in advanced drone weaponry.

The HERO R-20 is a quadcopter-based system with a 20-minute endurance and a range of up to 5 kilometers. Its current version includes an autonomous seeker head for precision targeting, while future models may feature laser guidance to reduce operational costs. The munition’s 500-gram warhead is under final development, and Rheinmetall expects the system to reach TRL 8 soon a stage indicating readiness for mass production.

This dual-weapon integration an air-to-air missile for drone self-defense and loitering munitions for offensive missions demonstrates how drones are evolving into multi-role combat assets.

Strategic Partnerships Boost Rheinmetall’s Capabilities

Rheinmetall has also expanded its global defense partnerships. In June, the company signed a strategic agreement with U.S.-based Anduril Industries, covering cruise missiles, solid-fuel rocket engines, and combat drone technologies for the European market. This collaboration ensures access to advanced aerospace innovations while strengthening Europe’s defense autonomy in high-tech missile and drone sectors.

By combining Rheinmetall’s expertise in weapons development with Anduril’s cutting-edge drone technologies, the partnership positions both companies at the forefront of next-generation aerial warfare systems.

The Future of Drone Warfare

The unveiling of this missile system is more than just a product launch it signals a major transformation in drone warfare. As conflicts increasingly feature drone-on-drone engagements, self-defense weapons will become standard for reconnaissance and combat UAVs.

With systems like the HERO R-20 and Rheinmetall’s in-development missile, drones are no longer just vulnerable reconnaissance tools. Instead, they are becoming armed, autonomous platforms capable of offensive and defensive missions alike.

For militaries, this means longer drone survivability in contested airspace, reduced risk of losing valuable intelligence, and the ability to challenge enemy drones head-on.

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Challenges Ahead

Despite its promise, Rheinmetall’s missile is still at an early stage of development. With a TRL of 3, it requires significant testing before reaching operational readiness. Additionally, balancing size, weight, and endurance with weapon integration remains a challenge for UAV platforms.

Cost will also play a decisive role. As nations invest in drone self-defense technologies, affordability will determine whether such systems see widespread adoption or remain limited to advanced militaries.

The introduction of Rheinmetall’s new air-to-air missile for drone self-defense marks a significant leap in unmanned warfare. By integrating advanced weapons on the Primoco One 150, Rheinmetall showcased how drones can evolve into fully capable combat platforms. Together with loitering munitions and strategic partnerships, the company is setting the stage for a new era of autonomous aerial defense.

As drone warfare continues to dominate modern battlefields, innovations like these will shape the future of aerial combat. With Rheinmetall presenting its air-to-air missile for drone self-defense, the message is clear: the skies are no longer safe for hostile drones and helicopters

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