Rheinmetall Denel Munition plans to launch a production line for its 7.5-kilogram LongClaw glide bomb in the second half of 2027, according to company chief executive Maximilian Froch.
LongClaw travels fifteen kilometres from high altitude
The weapon travels roughly 15 kilometres when released from an altitude of about 4.9 kilometres. Rheinmetall Denel Munition notes that this range describes a specific release condition rather than a fixed distance the bomb travels from every altitude. Unlike loitering munitions that crash directly into targets, LongClaw detaches from an aircraft and uses attached wings to glide toward its destination.
Small quantities are assembled manually without a full production line
Small quantities of the glide bomb are already assembled manually, and the weapon has undergone evaluation on multiple drone platforms. Froch stated that LongClaw was designed entirely in South Africa and that most components will be produced locally to maintain an indigenous solution. The company has not yet established a full production line or secured a confirmed buyer.
Joint venture requires export approval for international sales
Rheinmetall Denel Munition operates as a joint venture between Germany’s Rheinmetall ammunition business, which holds a 51 percent stake, and South African state-owned defense company Denel. Froch told DefenceWeb that international sales of the weapon will require approval from South Africa’s arms export authorities. The company is also attempting to interest the South African National Defence Force in procuring the system, though no domestic orders have been announced.
Exhibition Displays and Uncrewed Integration
Mock-ups of the LongClaw bomb appeared on two South African aircraft designs—Paramount’s V-Raven drone and its Mwari aircraft—during the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition in September. Industry observers note that displaying a weapon on an aircraft does not confirm that the platform has entered service with the system integrated.
Details on the LongClaw glide bomb specifications and ownership
What is the warhead weight of the LongClaw glide bomb?
The weapon carries a 3-kilogram warhead as part of its total 7.5-kilogram weight.
Who owns Rheinmetall Denel Munition?
Rheinmetall’s German ammunition business holds a 51 percent stake in the company, while South African state defense firm Denel holds the remaining share.
Which aircraft displayed the LongClaw mock-up in September?
Paramount’s V-Raven drone and Mwari aircraft both featured displays of the weapon at the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition.