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Rheinmetall Denel Munition to Launch LongClaw Glide Bomb Production in 2027

Rheinmetall Denel Munition to Launch LongClaw Glide Bomb Production in 2027

First seen 4 Oct 2026, 04:08 UTC • •
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ThreatCluster AI
ThreatCluster •October 5, 2026 at 04:02 UTC
  • •RDM plans to start LongClaw production in late 2027.
  • •The LongClaw glide bomb is designed for unmanned aerial vehicles.
  • •Small quantities of the bomb are currently being assembled manually.

Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) plans to start a production line for the LongClaw glide bomb in South Africa in the second half of 2027. The LongClaw, designed for unmanned aircraft, weighs 7.5 kg and can carry a 3 kg warhead, with a range of 15 km when released from an altitude of 4.9 km. Currently, small quantities are being manually assembled, and the weapon has been evaluated on various drone platforms. RDM, a joint venture between Rheinmetall AG and South Africa's Denel, aims to manufacture most components locally. The company is also seeking interest from the South African National Defence Force, but no confirmed buyers or operational production lines have been announced yet. The LongClaw was showcased at the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition in September 2026, although its deployment status remains unconfirmed.

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Timeline

2026-09-01
LongClaw mock-up displayed at AAD 2026
A mock-up of the LongClaw glide bomb was showcased at the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition.
defenceweb.co.za
2026-10-02
Production line announcement
RDM CEO Maximilian Froch announced plans for a production line for the LongClaw glide bomb starting in late 2027.
Africa.Businessinsider

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Common questions

What is the LongClaw glide bomb?
The LongClaw is a glide bomb designed for unmanned aircraft, weighing 7.5 kg with a 3 kg warhead.
When will production start?
Production is expected to begin in the second half of 2027.
Is there a confirmed buyer for the LongClaw?
No confirmed buyers have been announced for the LongClaw glide bomb as of now.