Rheinmetall acquires blackned in Digitisation Push: Bremen, Germany – [January 10, 2025] – Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH has significantly increased its stake in the Bavarian software developer blackned GmbH, acquiring an additional 11% of the company’s shares. This move brings Rheinmetall’s ownership to a controlling 51%, solidifying its position as the majority shareholder.
The acquisition, subject to customary regulatory approvals including clearance from the German Federal Cartel Office, underscores Rheinmetall’s commitment to digitalization within the defense sector. Founded in 2009, blackned has emerged as a key player in developing cutting-edge software solutions for modernizing armed forces. The company boasts a rapidly growing workforce of around 200 employees and has established a strong reputation for its expertise in this field.
This strategic investment follows a major joint success for Rheinmetall and blackned. In December, the two companies secured a substantial contract as part of the German Armed Forces’ (Bundeswehr) ambitious digitalization program. The D-LBO project aims to integrate the IT systems of all land forces vehicles and platforms, a critical step towards enhancing operational capabilities and battlefield awareness.
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Rheinmetall will assume a significant portion of the contract, contributing approximately €730 million to the overall project value of over €1.2 billion. blackned will play an equally vital role, contributing around €470 million. The ambitious undertaking will see the integration of new technology into more than 10,000 combat and support vehicles by mid-2030.
Armin Papperger, Chairman, Rheinmetall AG.
Armin Papperger, Chairman of the Executive Board of Rheinmetall AG, emphasized the growing importance of digitalization within the defense landscape: “The digitalization of armed forces is progressing rapidly, not only in Germany but also internationally. We are determined to be at the forefront of this transformation, actively participating in key projects across various countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, and Hungary.”
Papperger further highlighted that the successful D-LBO project for the Bundeswehr serves as a testament to the company’s ability to deliver innovative and effective digitalization solutions.
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Rheinmetall’s increased stake in blackned signifies a strategic move to strengthen its position as a leading provider of integrated defense systems. By leveraging blackned’s expertise in software development and its own cutting-edge technology, Rheinmetall aims to deliver comprehensive and integrated solutions that address the evolving needs of modern militaries in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
READ: Rheinmetall-blackned win Bundeswehr’s €1.2 Billion Digitalization Project for Land Forces
