German defence company Rheinmetall has unveiled a new loitering munition, the FV-014, at the DSEI arms exhibition in London. But while the company described its unmanned systems as “battle-tested,” speculation is growing that this advanced drone may already have seen action on the frontlines of the war in Ukraine.
A Stealth-Inspired Design
The FV-014 weighs 14 kg, uses an electric motor, and is launched from a transport-and-launch container. It carries a 5 kg High-Explosive Dual-Purpose (HEDP) warhead, designed to penetrate up to 600 mm of armour while also being effective against softer targets.
With a range of 100 km and an endurance of around an hour, the system offers flexibility for both precision strikes and swarm operations. Rheinmetall says it can even function without satellite navigation, making it resistant to electronic warfare.
The design stands out with its sharp, faceted fuselage and unusual tail fin, hinting at possible stealth features intended to reduce radar visibility.
Conflicting Signals From Rheinmetall
Although Rheinmetall has not listed the FV-014 on its official website, it was displayed publicly for the first time alongside the Israeli-made Hero 120 drone, which Rheinmetall produces under licence. Unlike the Hero series, however, the FV-014 has only recently come to public attention through coverage in defence magazines.
The company’s reference to its UAVs being “battle-tested” has sparked debate. Officially, Rheinmetall says the drone is still in final development and undergoing trials. Yet, analysts note the claim could suggest prototypes have already been deployed in Ukraine.
Strategic Reasons Behind a European Alternative
Rheinmetall’s decision to pursue its own loitering munition comes despite its partnership with Israel’s Uvision. Political restrictions make exporting Israeli-origin systems difficult, particularly to Ukraine, where sales have been blocked.
At the same time, some European governments have imposed restrictions on Israeli arms due to operations in Gaza. Creating a domestically developed alternative not only sidesteps these limitations but also strengthens Europe’s independent defence industry.
A Hint at Future Warfare
Whether the FV-014 has already been tested in combat or not, Rheinmetall’s unveiling points to a new wave of loitering munitions designed with both survivability and swarm tactics in mind. If deployed in Ukraine, it could represent one of the first stealth-inspired drones of its kind to see real-world combat.
