German Startup Falk Defence Develops 100-Km Guided Rocket in Leipzig
Germany's Falk Defence is developing its Siegfried SF1-100 guided rocket in Leipzig, targeting a 100-km range and European production.
German defense technology startup Falk Defence is advancing the development of a European-made precision-guided artillery rocket with a planned range of approximately 100 kilometers, supported by its engineering and prototyping center in Leipzig, Germany.
The Düsseldorf-based company, founded in 2025, is developing the Siegfried SF1-100 guided rocket alongside its G.R.A.L. guided rocket artillery launcher. Both systems remain under development, with the company positioning them as European alternatives to existing rocket artillery solutions supplied by non-European manufacturers.
According to information published by Falk Defence, the new rocket artillery system is designed around a fully European supply chain and a production model intended to support large-scale manufacturing. The company claims its approach could deliver approximately 70% lower costs than existing solutions, although the comparison has not been independently verified.
Leipzig Development and Prototyping Center
Falk Defence opened its Leipzig development and prototyping center earlier in 2026. The facility includes engineering offices, a prototype workshop, electronics laboratories and space for system integration and testing.
The company is currently recruiting additional personnel in Leipzig, including systems engineers, flight test engineers, software developers and navigation specialists. The recruitment effort covers guidance, navigation, software integration and testing activities associated with its precision-strike programs.
According to an October 25 report by German news agency dpa, Falk Defence is continuing to expand its research and development activities in Leipzig. However, the location of any future series-production facility remains undecided, and the company has not publicly confirmed a production schedule.
Ukraine Identified as Potential Industrial Partner
Falk Defence has also begun exploring industrial cooperation opportunities with Ukraine. Company representatives recently attended the first German-Ukrainian Defence and Security Conference in Kyiv, organized with support from the German-Ukrainian Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
In a company statement, Falk Defence said it held discussions with Ukrainian defense technology companies and representatives of Ukraine's Ministry of Defense regarding potential technological and industrial cooperation.
The company described Ukraine as a potential strategic technology and industrial partner, emphasizing the combination of Ukrainian operational experience with German engineering and European manufacturing capabilities.
No procurement agreement, joint venture or Ukrainian production contract has been announced.
Falk Defence says its proposed precision-strike architecture is intended to support an ITAR-free European supply chain and integration with military platforms and command systems. However, the company has not disclosed verified flight-test results, confirmed production quantities or customer orders for the Siegfried SF1-100.
The company's Leipzig activities come as the region attracts additional missile industry investment, including a separate production project by U.S. defense company Covenant, which is preparing to manufacture its Anthem cruise missile system in Germany.
