Rheinmetall UK
UK subsidiary of Rheinmetall AG delivering armoured vehicle programmes (Boxer, Challenger 3) and integrating additive manufacturing as a baseline production method for defence applications.
- CEO / Founder
- John Abunassar
- Team Size
- 501-1000
- Stage
- Active
- Key Investors
- Rheinmetall AG (wholly-owned subsidiary)
Technology & Products
Key Products
Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) programme; Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank programme; In-Service Support (ISS) programmes including Project TAMPA for metal spare parts; UK Gun Hall (large-calibre barrel manufacturing)
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Delivering sovereign UK defence manufacturing capability through armoured vehicle programmes, with additive manufacturing integrated as a baseline production method for complex polymer ducting components, enabling rapid design iteration, on-demand spare parts, reduced tooling costs, and improved supply chain resilience.
How They Differentiate
Rheinmetall UK has moved beyond prototyping to make additive manufacturing the standard production method for specific components on the Challenger 3 programme — not just an experimental tool. This production-level integration, combined with in-house capability using high-performance polymers (ULTEM 9085) on the miniFactory Ignite platform, enables same-day design changes and on-demand manufacturing without tooling costs.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
UK Ministry of Defence (MoD); British Army; NATO allied forces
Industry Verticals
Defence; Military Armoured Vehicles; Land Systems
Competitors
BAE Systems; Babcock International Group; Thales UK
Growth & Milestones
Major Milestones
2009: Rheinmetall Defence UK Limited incorporated; 2019: RBSL joint venture launched; 2024: First fully British-built Boxer delivered to British Army; 2025: UK Gun Hall announced for Telford; 2026: Additive manufacturing adopted as baseline production method for Challenger 3 ducting components
Notable Customers
UK Ministry of Defence; British Army