History
 

The origins of Rheinmetall Defence Electronics go back a long way: the roots of the company reach back to such renowned names as AEG, VFW, Krupp Atlas and MBB, all of which have played an essential role in Germany's industrial and engineering history.

The first important root of the company was put down in the year 1887 when AEG was established out of Deutsche Edison Gesellschaft founded by Emil Rathenau shortly before this.

Some years later in 1902, Norddeutsche Maschinen- und Armaturfabrik GmbH was created in Bremen. This then operated under the name of ATLAS Werke AG from 1911 onwards and was later integrated in the Krupp group.

Two other technological corporations having a key role were Vereinigte Flugtechnische Werke (VWF) of Bremen that was founded in the twenties and the Munich-based company Messerschmidt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB).

Rheinmetall Defence Electronics was created and has grown with the know-how of these companies which, in their days, were highly esteemed as innovative manufacturers of advanced engineering. These traditional roots have strengthened the commitment toward the future.