Rheinmetall completes qualification rounds for new kinetic tank ammo
Rheinmetall has produced qualification samples of the armour-piercing 120mm KE202Neo ammunition to counter modern protection technologies. (Photo: Rheinmetall)
Rheinmetall has completed the development of its latest update of enhanced armour-piercing 120mm enhanced kinetic energy (EKE) ammunition. It had been commissioned by the German Defence Forces and British Army to produce qualification samples, following a contract signed in September 2020 by the Federal Office for the Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw).
The KE2020Neo x 570mm round is a new armour-piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot (APFSDS) ammunition design, which incorporates a high-strength tungsten penetrator, designed to penetrate the latest protection technologies.
The qualification of this KE2020Neo ammunition also represents part of a wider collaboration between Rheinmetall, Germany and the UK as they work on modernisation and standardisation of tank ammunition across NATO forces.
The 120mm EKE will reportedly be used in the Challenger 3 main battle tank, and supports its modernisation programme, which is currently getting ready to enter service in 2025.
Rheinmetall’s current EKE ammunition also use high-strength tungsten penetrators. The DM63 is used in the REACh-compliant A1 version. The enhanced DM73 is the most advanced iteration, which was introduced in the German Defence Forces for use with the L55A1 smoothbore gun. Its other 120mm smoothbore technology includes the Rh120 – used in the Leopard 2 and M1 Abrams main battle tanks.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)
The BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 IFV has been around for decades but continual refreshing to maintain power and relevance, along with a healthy market at home in Sweden and neighbouring countries, has led to more than 1,700 vehicle orders with 10 countries.
-
Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order
The order further extends the Oshkosh Defense production line as AM General, selected for US orders, pushes to get vehicles out the door with no room for export orders.
-
Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded
DZYNE Technologies, the maker of Dronebuster counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) devices, has announced plans to expand production and released details on a new version of the system. This follows the release of an all-in-one kit system earlier this year.
-
Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026
The Irish Government has previously outlined ambitious plans, the furthest reach of these being the possible purchase of fighter aircraft to provide a capability the country’s defence force currently doesn’t have. A more advanced procurement effort for a primary radar is being fast tracked.
-
US Army LTAMDS enters production phase
LTAMDS was approved in multiple flight trials and assessments.