• WASHINGTON - Rheinmetall, Germany’s largest defense contractor, is weighing a potential acquisition of Munich-based laser communications terminal maker Mynaric, a move that could upend Rocket Lab’s previously announced plan to buy the company. • German mediafirst reported Rheinmetall’s interest, citing a desire to keep critical aerospace and laser communications technology under German and European control. • Rheinmetall has not commented publicly. • The reports come as Germany and other European nations intensify scrutiny of foreign takeovers involving sensitive defense technologies. • Rocket Lab, the Long Beach, California-based launch services provider and satellite manufacturer, said in March it planned to acquire Mynaric for roughly $150 million, subject to approval by German authorities under foreign direct investment rules. • Nearly a year later, regulators have yet to sign off, and the deal has drawn heightened political attention as Europe accelerates efforts to build domestic space and defense capacity.

Article Summaries:

  • WASHINGTON - Rheinmetall, Germany’s largest defense contractor, is weighing a potential acquisition of Munich-based laser communications terminal maker Mynaric, a move that could upend Rocket Lab’s previously announced plan to buy the company. German media first reported Rheinmetall’s interest, citing a desire to keep critical aerospace and laser communications technology under German and European control. Rheinmetall has not commented publicly. The reports come as Germany and other European nations intensify scrutiny of foreign takeovers involving sensitive defense technologies. Rocket Lab, t

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