Rheinmetall and metal components producer Fraen have formed a joint venture that will develop and manufacture military fuzes in the U.S.

Rheinmetall said Monday it will own a 51 percent stake in Rheinmetall Fraen Fuzes and Fraen will hold the remaining 49 percent share in the new JV.

The formation of RFF JV supports Rheinmetall’s continued expansion in the U.S. defense technology market and backs the company’s strategy to secure procurement orders in the U.S. weapon and ammunition sector.

Darren Klein will serve as CEO of RFF, which will be collocated with Fraen’s Reading, Mass.-based headquarters.