06.06.2024 | Press release

Rheinmetall Aviation Services GmbH (RAS) and US-based Science and Engineering Services LLC (SES) are pleased to announce that they entered into a strategic alliance agreement to provide maintenance, repair and modification services for military rotary and fixed wing aircraft in Europe.

This cooperation offers a broad spectrum of services ranging from simple to highly complex maintenance and repair work as well as sophisticated modifications. 

"This partnership allows us to take our years of experience with the CH-53G to the next level to better meet the specific needs of our European customers. We are creating something that does not exist in this form in Europe," said Tim Paul, Vice President Business Development and Sales at RAS.

The newly formed partnership is a prime example of creating synergies and complementing each other's strengths. It combines the expertise and extensive personnel and technical resources of SES with the in-depth market knowledge and established presence of Rheinmetall in Europe.

RAS already successfully supports, maintains and services of the CH-53G fleet in a cooperative model with the German Air Force across three locations.

SES brings its extensive technical expertise from the US, where it plays a leading role in training, maintenance and modification of various rotorcraft types for national and international customers as well as for the US military in the USA and abroad.

“We’re thrilled to be part of a team that will provide customers with exceptional aircraft design, modification, test, repair, logistics, and other services. The synergy from the complimentary blending of our capabilities could not be better. Customers will now have access to a one-stop-shop for all their needs for modifying and sustaining their fleets of aircraft,” said Ralph Pallotta, Chief Executive Officer at SES.

The strategic partnership underlines the joint commitment to support the operational efficiency and readiness of European armed forces and to make a decisive contribution to the security and performance of European air defense.
 

About Rheinmetall Aviation Services GmbH:

Rheinmetall Aviation Services GmbH, based in Bremen, was founded in 2019 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH. Since then, Rheinmetall Aviation Services GmbH has secured multi-year contracts to support the German Air Force's CH-53G fleet at all three locations.

Another important milestone was reached in 2023 when RAS, in cooperation with Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin, agreed to produce center fuselages for the F-35A in Germany. With an investment volume in the three-digit million euro range, Rheinmetall is currently building a state-of-the-art factory in Weeze, North Rhine-Westphalia, to produce at least 400 F-35A center fuselages for the German Air Force and friendly nations.

The completion of the factory by the end of the first quarter of 2025 and the subsequent start of production and delivery of the first center fuselages from the first quarter of 2027 will mark the beginning of a new era for Rheinmetall in the air domain.
 

About Science and Engineering Services LLC:

SES is excited about the strategic partnership between Rheinmetall Aviation Services GmbH and Science and Engineering Services LLC.  The SES and RAS Team offers a broad spectrum of capabilities from highly complex maintenance and repair work as well as sophisticated modifications. 

SES began operations in Huntsville Alabama more than 25 years ago primarily as a manufacturing company supporting the U.S. Department of Defence (DOD). Growing from a small manufacturing company to one of the largest small businesses providing aircraft modification maintenance and support on behalf of the United States Government, SES and its vendor base have continued to expand facilities and capabilities throughout the world.

SES has a long-standing history of support for US and foreign military partners around the world. Over the past 20 years, SES has expanded into aviation production and support with over 36 international customers.  This expansion includes performing aircraft modifications, integration, and support with countries from North and South America, Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East and continues to provide worldwide support to its customers.

SES has been fortunate to lead many international aviation programs over the past decade that have enduring positive implications for our partners, the U.S. military and diplomatic efforts. The RAS and SES Team offer an unmatched aviation capability for their customers around the world.