The Bundeswehr has once again awarded Rheinmetall a major contract for Laser-Light-Modules. Following budget approval by the German Bundestag’s Budget Committee in December 2025, a further definitive call-off has now been made under the framework contract, which was concluded in June 2021 and extended in December 2025. Between 2026 and 2032, and additional six-figure quantity of ‘LLM-VarioRay’ Laser-Light-Modules is to be delivered to the troops. This second definitive call-off represents a further net order intake of several hundred million euros for Rheinmetall. It will be booked in the second quarter of 2026. The devices are ‘made in Germany’ and are manufactured by Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics in Stockach at Lake Constance. Numerous other small and medium-sized German businesses will also benefit from the contract as suppliers.
“Our versatile and battle-proven LLM-VarioRay is a key tactical combat enhancer for dismounted soldiers”, said Dr. Timo Haas, Head of Rheinmetall’s Digital Systems division. “This further major contract from the Bundeswehr demonstrates the troop’s confidence in our capabilities and underlines the constructive cooperation between industry, procurement authorities and the armed forces”.
The Rheinmetall LLM-VarioRay Laser-Light-Module is part of the latest generation of devices of this type. The Laser-Light-Modules are primarily used on the small arms carried by infantry and dismounted forces, and serve to detect, identify and mark targets.
Weighing approximately 250 grams, including its mount, the LLM-VarioRay can be attached to any assault rifle via a MIL-STD 1913 rail/STANAG 4694 and can be operated via a trigger cable. It features a powerful white light LED, a red-light laser marker, an infrared laser marker and an electrically focusable infrared illuminator. The light source can be selected and adjusted stepless using a rotary switch. The device is equipped with a fully integrated, factory-aligned laser block. This laser block allows for easy adjustment and alignment of the visor and the weapon. Equipped with night vision and thermal imaging devices, the German Armed Forces can thus accomplish their missions across the entire spectrum of operations, regardless of day- or night-time and in all weather conditions.
The LLM-VarioRay product family is also part of the German soldier system ‘Future Soldier – Extended System (IdZ-ES)’ and is likewise used in the British Army as the Laser-Light-Module MK3 and in the Swiss Army as the Laser-Light-Module 19.
Rheinmetall’s product portfolio encompasses a wide range of infantry equipment, including various targeting and illumination modules. These were developed in order to increase the tactical value of modern small arms. The LM-VTAL (‘Laser Module – Variable Tactical Aiming Laser’) has been used by the Bundeswehr’s special operators for several years.
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