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Rocket Lab targeting Monaric acquisition for optical terminal capability despite German regulatory review delay; optical terminals are critical for Golden Dome and other high-value programs
Peter Beck· Rocket Lab· Space· 2026-02-27· about Rocket Lab, Monaric (German company), German government (RKLB)
“The German government is still working methodically through the regulatory review process. So there's not much to add at this stage while that sort of runs its course as expected... Monaric just stood out as... the absolute best with respect to technology... to go out and develop your own terminal, yep, totally feasible. It's just a time thing and... it would just take longer to do that than it would to acquire it.”
Why it matters
Monaric acquisition is conditional on German regulatory approval. Delay creates execution risk. Rocket Lab views optical terminals as too critical to develop in-house, but also recognizes acquisition as only path to rapid capability.
Investment implication
German regulatory approval is a key event risk. If approved, Rocket Lab gains best-in-class optical terminal capability and eliminates supply chain dependency. If rejected, Rocket Lab must either accelerate internal development (multi-year delay) or find alternative suppliers. Other optical terminal suppliers (ITT, Hensoldt) face competitive pressure if Monaric integration succeeds.